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PODCAST

Turning to Story

Turning to Story

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.

arts books

All Episodes

01:05:20

54: Prose: Specificity, not Pretty-ficity

Turning to Story ·

2026/02/11

This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith dive into line edits to analyze what makes truly great prose. The trick is specificity not pretty-ficity (i.e. focusing on just making pretty prose for pretty prose sake). It's all about choosing your words with great intention. Join the Turning to Story Substack!

en

01:09:26

53: The Relationship Tax Part 2

Turning to Story ·

2026/02/04

That's right! This week, authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier return to finish exploring the tax that all relationships should have in order to keep the reader engaged. We're talking tropes, line level tactics, and . . . Scottish accents?Join the Turning to Story Substack

en

01:10:56

52: The Relationship Tax

Turning to Story ·

2026/01/28

Think of your favorite bookish relationship, romantic or not. Why do you love them so much? The Hound and Arya. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Shrek... and Fiona...? That's right, this week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith dig deep into what makes those relationships buzz: costs!Turning to Story Substack

en

00:59:58

51: Layers Not Complexity

Turning to Story ·

2026/01/21

We're back and ready to live, laugh, and learn in a whole new year. This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss how to build plots using layers, not complexity. Why? Because it'll make those big moments hit even harder! Also, those quiet, character building moments will feel so earned and needed!Follow us on the Turning to Story Substack for all the show notes!

en

01:02:25

50: Romance: The KISS Method

Turning to Story ·

2025/11/26

If you've been with us for a while, you might recall our episode on romance arcs. Well, we've got a treat for you! There's more to creating crackling romance than conflict, and it's a lot simpler than you think. It's all about the KISS method, or keeping it simple! Join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss this new method for analyzing a great romance!Turning to Story Substack

en

00:50:04

49: Setup and Payoff

Turning to Story ·

2025/11/12

How do you avoid an overly complicated plot? How do you write a plot twist so good readers will scream? It's as simple as setting up story beats at every opportunity and paying off on them in satisfying ways. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss exactly that--setup and payoff!Turning to Story Substack

en

00:56:57

48: Emotional Energy

Turning to Story ·

2025/10/29

This week, author Lyssa Mia Smith puts on her psychology hat to lead us through emotional energy. It's sometimes more important to understand what characters are trying not to feel, and readers love the ways they try and suppress those emotions. Darcy hand flex from Pride and Prejudice anyone???Turning to Story Substack

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01:02:19

47: Character Development with Clare Osongco

Turning to Story ·

2025/10/22

This week, we're turning to the wisdom of character creator extraordinaire, Clare Osongco! We're talking maximizing various POVS, digging deep into how scenes truly impact characters, and so much more!Turning to Story SubstackClare Osongco's Website

en

00:48:14

46: Perfect Beginnings

Turning to Story ·

2025/10/15

This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss what three main elements make the perfect beginning of any story.Turning to Story Substack

en

00:59:36

45: Fast Drafting for Slow Writers

Turning to Story ·

2025/10/08

The wait is over, folks! Author Lyssa Mia Smith is here to report on how the Turning to Story practices worked for her as she fast drafted a project. Did she have to majorly rewrite? Did she end with a workable draft? Just how many tears did she cry?! It's all out on the table this week!

en

00:49:55

44: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Turning to Story ·

2025/10/01

It's season 5! We're back! We're... talking characters again! Join authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier as they discuss how to use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to craft stunning, well-round characters. Come for the craft knowledge, stay for the giggles!Remember, you can get in on our TTS preorder campaign. Visit the Turning to Story Substack for more information.Preorder Gilded in Vengeance!Preorder All We Hunger For!

en

00:59:37

43: Conflicting Goals

Turning to Story ·

2025/06/11

This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith, tackle how to maximize conflict using opposing character goals. What the heck does that mean? It means intentionally giving two or more characters desires that are mutually exclusive. It’s making sure character goals collide. They are in conflict with each other. Only one can win. Join us to learn more!Check out the Turning to Story substack

en

01:03:44

42: The Power of Prose

Turning to Story ·

2025/06/04

This week, we're breaking down the art of good prose; specifically, how it delivers the promise of the premise. We're talking sentence lengths, verbs, and punctuation!Follow the Turning to Story Substack

en

01:24:41

41: Specificity: A Lit Agent's Craft Secret

Turning to Story ·

2025/05/28

Listen, we could tell you all day what it takes to make a query and a novel sparkle, but why not hear it from a star agent like Michaela (Mike) Whatnall? That's right! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat with Mike Whatnall of the Dystel, Goderich & Bourret agency about what makes a project really stand out and the answer is: specificity. Mike's craft insight covers everything from pitches to magic systems and everything in between.Michaela Whatnall's

en

01:15:10

40: Writing Romantic Intimacy

Turning to Story ·

2025/05/21

This week, romance author Ruby Barrett teaches Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith all about intimacy. From kissing to open-door spice, she shares the techniques that will make readers swoon.Ruby Barrett's WebsiteTurning to Story Substack

en

01:00:53

39: Stakes and Stuckholds

Turning to Story ·

2025/05/14

You've got your outline and character arcs ready, but the draft isn't drafting! What do you do?! Never fear. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss the one thing that's likely holding your wordcount back: personal stakes.Join the Turning to Story Substack for extra episode notes!

en

01:09:40

38: The Key to Success with Of the Publishing...

Turning to Story ·

2025/05/07

Have we got a treat for you! Authors and fellow podcasters Angela Montoya and Melanie Schubert from Of the Publishing Persuasion join us for a chat about how to handle the lows of publishing as well as tips to ensure your journey has staying power.Follow Angela Montoya and Melanie Schubert on InstagramCheck out Of the Publishing PersuasionFollow the Turning to Story Substack for notes on the episode

en

00:58:44

37: Transferable Skills

Turning to Story ·

2025/04/30

We're always told that no writing goes to waste, but what does that actually mean?! Well, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith have got you covered this week. They cover the skills that will follow you throughout the writing journey. From querying to Netflix deals, these are the forever golden techniques to hone.Follow the Turning to Story Substack!Preorder Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith now!

en

01:03:28

36: Putting Your Characters Through Hell

Turning to Story ·

2025/03/05

As writers, it's our job to create engaging, dynamic, and precious characters... and then torture them until they complete their character arc! Readers will turn the page just to watch a character fight back against a bully or realize their stubbornness and pride is keeping them from the love of their life. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how putting characters in a vacuum in which they are devoid of the thing they really need can create addictive stories.Subscribe to

en

01:00:02

35: Magic Systems

Turning to Story ·

2025/02/19

We said magic systems deserved their own episode, so we delivered! How do you create a magic system that tantalizes your readers, maxes out vibes, and develops a gut-wrenching theme? Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith go into detail about how you can make your witches, mages, and space wizards do work for you!Remember to check out the Turning to Story Substack for shownotes.Also, pre-order Lyssa's book, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, now!

en

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