
Advertise on podcast: Turning to Story
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
89 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Turning to StoryExplicit
No
Date created
2023/07/31
Latest episode
2026/09/30
Average duration
62 min.
Release period
14 days
Description
Writing is tough, and the publishing industry is tougher. Authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier have come together to present their most effective defense against the woes of the industry: craft. Join us for weekly in-depth looks at specific craft topics explored through a lens of searching for joy.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Turning to Story podcast
87: Your Taste is Your Revision Superpower
2026/09/30
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how to revise your manuscript and how your greatest strength is in learning how to revise like a reader. What makes your heart swoon? What makes you long for more? What rips you out of the story? All good questions that we cover!
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86: The Three Pillars of Thirst with Janice Davis
2026/09/23
This week, we invite Janice Davis, the Thirst Consultant, onto the podcast to talk about all things romance and thirst. How exactly do you get your reader to crave that first kiss? How do you get them to dangle on every single touch? Don't worry, Janice has got you covered!
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85: How to Write a Novel in 5 Weeks
2026/09/16
We're back and we're talking about fast drafting once again! In a follow up to Fast Drafting for Slow Writers, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith explore the more refined method Anna used to crank out her strongest, quickest first draft. Plan, know your characters, and learn something new!
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84: Writing Across Genres with Mary Roach
2026/06/17
This week, we're talking to the mythically busy author, Mary Roach! Mary brings tons of wisdom of building a career out of writing across genres and how doing so can open up more doors than you could ever imagine! Come for the career insight, stay for the sea shanties!
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83: Act 2- The Secret to Fun & Games
2026/06/10
Save the Cat says Act Two should be all fun and games, but what the heck are fun and games? Carnival rides? A nice puzzle on a rainy day? A good game of chase?! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith attempt to unlock the secrets of writing an act two that keeps your readers engaged and prepares your characters for the grueling Act Three!
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82: Q&A- Starting New Projects, Quitting, Dual POV
2026/06/03
On this week's Q&A episode, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith answer YOUR questions. How do you transition from a sparkling, perfect draft to a blank page? When is the right time to quit writing? When do you give the love interest a POV?
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81: Clear Goals
2026/05/27
This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss how writing clear, simple goals can make the strongest plots. Those '90s action flicks really knew what they were doing when they said- defeat the bad guy, go home for Christmas.
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80: Plot Twists And Suspense w/ Mystery Author Megan Davidhizar
2026/05/13
This week join authors Anna Mercier, Lyssa Mia Smith, and YA mystery author supreme-Megan Davidhizar as they talk all things mystery. What are red herrings? How do you bury clues for the reader to chase? And is mystery all about distraction? Yes. The answer is yes. Learn more on this week's episode!
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79: Making Your Readers Mad (in the best way)
2026/05/06
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith uncover the power of moral outrage. It's the reason you stick with stories to the bitter end. It's what keeps you screaming as characters make ridiculous choice after ridiculous choice. It's the three-layer milkshake your story needs to make it unputdownable!
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78: The Hidden Power of Subtext
2026/04/29
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss everything about subtext. It's the words left unsaid, the hidden agendas that keep us turning the page, the implications that have us hooked on every word.
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77: Your Craft Questions Answered
2026/04/15
This week, we're answering YOUR questions! You're getting insight on what we think is the most important craft advice, how we've changed since starting the podcast, and what it's like having a horse for a husband. All this and more!
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76: Your Story is Missing a Spine w/ Jill Tew
2026/04/08
This week we've got a special guest-- the extremely talented and incredibly smart queen of dystopian, Jill Tew, talks with us about how all stories need a thematic spine. Come for the incredible craft knowledge, stay for how Jill schools us both on the true meaning of The Hunger Games.
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75: Your Reader Brain is F*cking Up Your Writing
2026/04/01
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how the reader side of your brain is absolutely sabotaging the way you write! Readers want the characters to kiss RIGHT NOW, but the author needs them to dangle on that yearning for forever. Want those fanart worthy moments? It takes build up! Buckle up, because Lyssa's got a list of knowledge!
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74: Tell Don't Show
2026/03/25
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith turn a piece of well-known writing advice on it's head! We're told to show not tell, but what if telling, at exactly the right moment, is the most powerful tool in your writerly toolkit?
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73: Creating Romance Universes with Emily Charlotte
2026/03/18
This week, we're joined by romance author supreme--Emily Charlotte whos debut, Heart Check, has earned well-deserved praise and some pretty amazing fandom response! We decided to pick her brain on how she's designed the Varsity Universe. We're talking immersion, ongoing character arcs, and all about your favorite YA sports romance universe.
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Podcast reviews
Read Turning to Story podcast reviews
Lori SIngaraju 2025/10/30
The best craft advice
I’m so glad I found this podcast! The hosts share such great practical advice to help us all improve our writing, get drafts done, revise well, and su...
WriteMeALullaby 2025/06/05
The writing friends I never had
This podcast is a true source of joy in my writing life! Informative, honest, cheesy, and kind, Anna and Lyssa genuinely feel like the writing friends...
EdmonWroteThis 2025/05/15
Actually enjoyable
I’ll be honest. This podcast was a big reason I was able to complete my very first rough draft. The excitement, humor, and craft talk scratched all th...
jcgower 2025/02/12
My Go-To Pod
I am always trying to improve my craft, but especially now that I am working on something story-shaped, this podcast is my go-to! I have several episo...
ApeChandler 2025/01/29
Actionable Writing Advice
Imagine you had writer friends who were a psychologist and a teacher with experience in the Author world. Pretend they are wonderful communicators and...
ABowsh 2024/07/22
Love!
So helpful, warm and wonderful — I love this podcast:)
Kailah E Buckwalter 2024/06/26
A must-have writing resource
Truly one of the most helpful and accessible podcasts about the craft of writing.
originalnicknameihatethisapp 2024/05/14
Love it!
I love this podcast! Many writing podcasts are aimed to discuss querying or agents but I love that this one focuses on the thing in our control, becom...
lima*bean 2024/04/14
Essential writing podcast!
Anna and Lyssa make such an excellent writing podcast. Listening is like sitting down for tea and craft chat with friends. I am always excited for wor...
Ktwrightmeow 2024/02/16
My New Go-To Writing Podcast
Thank you so much for this podcast! I’m getting back into writing after about a year and a half and this podcast helps get my writing brain going. Lys...
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