Explore every episode of the podcast Turning to Story
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78: The Hidden Power of Subtext | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:52:14 | |
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. Join the Turning to Story Substack! | |||
| 77: Your Craft Questions Answered | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:49:28 | |
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! | |||
| 68: The Key to Irresistible Relationships Part 2 | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:09:26 | |
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? | |||
| 67: The Key to Irresistible Relationships | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:10:56 | |
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 a little known secret: the relationship tax. It's what makes those relationships buzz! Turning to Story Substack | |||
| 66: You Need Layers, Not Complexity | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:59:58 | |
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! | |||
| 65: Romance: The KISS Method | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:02:25 | |
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! | |||
| 64: Earning Plot Twists and Reveals | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:50:04 | |
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! | |||
| 63: Crafting Friction On Every Page | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:56:57 | |
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??? | |||
| 62: Character Development w/ Clare Osongco | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:02:19 | |
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! | |||
| 61: Perfect Beginnings | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:48:14 | |
This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss what three main elements make the perfect beginning of any story. | |||
| 60: Fast Drafting for Slow Writers | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:59:36 | |
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 (and sold it quickly). 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! | |||
| 59: Applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:49:55 | |
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. | |||
| 76: Your Story is Missing a Spine w/ Jill Tew | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:02:46 | |
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. | |||
| 58: Your Story Needs Conflicting Goals | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:59:37 | |
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 | |||
| 57: The Power of Prose | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:03:44 | |
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 | |||
| 56: Specificity: A Lit Agent's Craft Secret | 28 May 2025 | 01:24:41 | |
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. | |||
| 55: Writing Romantic Intimacy w/ Ruby Barrett | 21 May 2025 | 01:15:10 | |
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. | |||
| 54: It's not Writer's Block, it's Stakes | 14 May 2025 | 01:00:53 | |
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! | |||
| 53: The Key to Success with Of the Publishing Persuassion | 07 May 2025 | 01:09:40 | |
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 Instagram Check out Of the Publishing Persuasion Follow the Turning to Story Substack for notes on the episode | |||
| 52: No Writing Goes to Waste | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:58:44 | |
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! | |||
| 51: Putting Your Characters Through Hell | 05 Mar 2025 | 01:03:28 | |
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 the Turning to Story Substack for extra info! | |||
| 50: Immersive Magic Systems | 19 Feb 2025 | 01:00:02 | |
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! | |||
| 49: Underlying Fantasy: The Key to Tropes | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:54:34 | |
You know we love tropes on Turning to Story. Cuddling for warmth. Touch-starved. Enemies to lovers. Butwhy are those tropes so darn good? This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith analyze T. Taylor's7 Figure Fictionto uncover the truth about tropes. Follow the Turning to Story Substack for show notes! Pre-order Lyssa's YA fantasy romance, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, now! Check out7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor | |||
| 75: Your Reader Brain is F*cking Up Your Writing | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:03:02 | |
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! Join the Turning to Story Substack | |||
| 48: The Art of Worldbuilding | 05 Feb 2025 | 01:07:50 | |
How do you create a world that leaps from the page? What about one readers will print t-shirts and fanart of? This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how make the world of your story work for you. Remember to add Lyssa's new YA romantic fantasy, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, to your Goodreads! Also, follow the Turning to Story Substack for episode notes and extras! | |||
| 47: The Power of Character Choices | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:58:03 | |
Betray their family? Leave home for an adventure? Reveal that your skin sparkles in the sunlight to the girl you love? This week is all about character choices. Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat about what makes strong choices as well as the power they have to send your plot in directions your readers will love. Add Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith on Goodreads Follow the Turning to Story Substack for weekly updates and notes! | |||
| 46: Crafting Complex Characters | 19 Dec 2024 | 01:00:42 | |
Grab a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and prepare to take your characters to therapy! This week, Lyssa Mia Smith puts on her psychologist hat to guide us through character behavior patterns and how they can help us build story from the character up. Join the Turning to Story Substack! | |||
| 45: Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling | 11 Dec 2024 | 01:02:04 | |
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith uncover the secrets of Pixar's powerful writing. It starts with internal conflict and ends with jaw-dropping, personal themes. Analyze craft and cheer on football players making touchdowns?? Join the Turning to Story Substack | |||
| 44: Feedback: Harnessing the Note Beneath the Note | 04 Dec 2024 | 01:06:45 | |
Writing is hard, and the way we present and learn from feedback can make it easier! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith cover some do's and don'ts of giving and receiving feedback. Join the Turning to Story substack for show notes and extra info! | |||
| 43: Four Corner Opposition | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:48:45 | |
Want to know a trick for writing compelling side characters? What about a trick for mapping character change? And how about something that helps you generate scene ideas? No, it's not magic. It's four corner opposition. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss and apply John Truby's advice to scenes, chapters, and acts. Get extra resources at the Turning to Story Substack! | |||
| 42: Plot Twist Reversals | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:54:47 | |
What makes the perfect twist? Just when your reader thinks they have it all figured out, how do you turn them in a different direction? Reversals! From first chapter hooks to gasp-worthy midpoints, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith talk about reversals that keep your reading guessing! Join the Turning to Story substack for show notes and extra resources! | |||
| 41: Romance: Using "Why Not" Lists | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:57:55 | |
This week, we're tackling our favorite topic: romance! Authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier discusses the list every crackling romance needs to make your readers swoon! Get extra info and show notes at the Turning to Story Substack | |||
| 40: Writing the Perfect Scene | 30 Oct 2024 | 01:02:13 | |
We're back for a third season of deep dives on craft, vampire jokes, and fun surprises! This week, we dive into what makes a scene perfect, and we're not just talk about conflict or characters. Join authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier they analyze scenes to see if they hold up to the perfect scene test. Join the Turning to Story Substack for behind extra resources! | |||
| 39: When Publishing Bites Back | 21 Aug 2024 | 01:02:22 | |
Congratulations, Campers! You made it to the final week of the surviving publishing boot camp. To celebrate, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith wanted to take a moment to acknowledge some of the truly heinous ways the publishing industry can kick you while you're already down. We share this in the spirit of catharsis and as a way to help prepare for the very rocky road ahead! | |||
| 74: Tell Don't Show | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:58:33 | |
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? | |||
| 38: The Bestseller Action Plan | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:53:47 | |
While dreams are events we cannot control, that doesn't mean that we can't work toward them. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith apply their favorite tool-- deliberate practice-- to all things outside of the writing craft! Get behind the scenes info at the Turning to Story Substack | |||
| 37: Separating Author Dreams from Goals | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:56:19 | |
How do you avoid feeling like trash in the writing industry? We wish there was a simple answer, but we can offer something: knowing the difference between dreams vs. goals. Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith separate publishing dreams from writing goals as a way to maintain peace along this rocky road. Buckle up, campers! It's a good one! Get all the extra information and community at the Turning to Story Substack. Also, listen to But-So Salsa because we love that episode. | |||
| 36: Strategies for Staying Disciplined | 10 Jul 2024 | 01:03:57 | |
Alright, Campers! Now that you've got your ideal writerly life designed, what actually gets the word written? Discipline! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat about the power of discipline as well as strategies to really focus and get the work done! As always, you can find more information the Turning to Story Substack! | |||
| 35: Manifesting Your Ideal Writerly Life | 03 Jul 2024 | 01:00:50 | |
This week of summer camp is all about treating yourself as the amazing writer you are. Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat about ways to create an ideal schedule as well as ways to protect that sacred time. Join us at the Turning to Story Substack for more behind the scenes resources and discussions! | |||
| 34: The Arrival Fallacy | 26 Jun 2024 | 01:02:23 | |
It's week one of the Summer of Surviving Publishing here at Camp Turning to Story, and we're covering the arrival fallacy. Sometimes we believe achieving a goal will make all our woes disappear: agents, books deals, movies... Gather around the campfire as authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith debunk arrival fallacies and discuss ways to maintain peace throughout the publishing journey. Join the Turning to Story Substack for extra resources and info! | |||
| Summer of Surviving Publishing | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:05:52 | |
Query trenches got you down? Submission woes really making you doubt yourself? Terrified about that option book? Never fear! Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith are offering listeners a getaway to a six-week summer camp for writers in this brand new segment all about surviving the publishing industry! Grab your pack, apply some sunscreen, and get ready to learn around the campfire. | |||
| 33: Your Craft Questions, Answered (Part Two) | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:41:18 | |
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith wrap up the minisodes segment with another AMA! How to decide which novel to query? How do you pitch agents in person? And how many Charlie Swan impressions can Lyssa actually do? Find out more on this week's episode! As always, join the Turning to Story Substack for behind the scenes info and resources! | |||
| 32: Your Craft Questions, Answered | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:27:16 | |
As the minisodes come to a close, we answer questions posed by Team Curiosity. Which author would we love to have on the podcast? Is the publishing sky really falling? Does Lyssa have the best Charlie Swan impression? Join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they host the first part of their AMA episodes! As always, join the Turning to Story Substack for behind the scenes info and resources! | |||
| 31: Irresistible Query Letters | 29 May 2024 | 00:37:35 | |
What makes a query sparkle? What makes an agent request based off a small 300 word pitch? Never fear, author Lyssa Mia Smith analyzes two successful queries of two fantastic authors for craft gold. Big ideas, sparkling phrases, and promise of the premise comps, oh my! All packed into a bite-sized minisode! Join the Turning to Story Substack for extra info from all our podcast episodes! | |||
| 30: The Art of Line Edits | 22 May 2024 | 00:33:56 | |
How do you take your amazing story to the next level? Line edits! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith offer tips and tricks on how they tackle line edits. Their biggest piece of advice? Don't ice a cake before it cools! Find out more by following the Turning to Story substack! | |||
| 73: Creating Romance Universes with Emily Charlotte | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:10:58 | |
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. | |||
| 29: Balancing Side Characters | 15 May 2024 | 00:32:06 | |
We know side characters are the best, but how do you prevent them from taking over?! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss what makes a great side character as well as tips and tricks on how much page time to give them. Remember to join the Turning to Story Substack! | |||
| 28: When to Stop Planning and Start Drafting | 08 May 2024 | 00:40:04 | |
This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith tackle one of the most difficult questions: when do you stop research and outlining and actually write the book? Part of our Minisode series on our most asked questions. | |||
| 27: Exploring Our Writing Process | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:36:40 | |
This week, Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith attempt to organize episodes of Turning to Story into a writing process minis ode. Spoiler Alert: The process is always nebulous, but maybe this will help some folks out! Join the Turning to Story Subtack for behind the scenes info and extra resources. | |||
| 26: Why Your Plot Should Attack Your Character | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:29:59 | |
You have your character's misbelief, and you know exactly how they'll grow as a person. Now how the heck do you create a plot that pushes them in that direction?! Never fear! In this minis ode ,Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat about ways you can balance internal change with external plot. Every scene will crackle with electric energy from that third rail! | |||