Shows
The American IdeaAbigail Adams: John's Confidant, Partner, and AdvisorLindsay Chervinsky, Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins Cara Rogers Stevens this week to discuss Abigail Adams and her impact on John's public life. Learn more about Lindsay: https://www.lindsaychervinsky.com/ Get her book: https://a.co/d/6OOF1ny Learn about the George Washington Library: https://www.mountvernon.org/library Listen to Lindsay's podcast: https://www.georgewashingtonpodcast.com/show/conversations/ Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea2025-03-1943 min
The Great AntidoteCara Rogers Stevens on Thomas Jefferson and SlaverySend us a textThomas Jefferson was a complicated figure. Essential to the start of our country and the university I attend, he is impossible to ignore. Yet, he held slaves, and at the same time said “all men are created equal.” What’s up with that?!Yet, we need to be able to talk about him. We also need to be able to acknowledge the contributions he has made to the world, while also acknowledging the flaws in his character and behavior. His legacy is complicated, and he was a complicated person. We all are. S...2025-02-0750 min
Picture PerfectChatting with Tanya Wright on Storytelling, Advocacy, and the Creation of Hairiette of HarlemIn this episode, we hear from Tanya Wright, a powerhouse of talent whose career spans award-winning acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, and entrepreneurship. Known for her unforgettable roles on Orange is the New Black and True Blood, Tanya has recently added a new passion to her portfolio: children’s literacy and advocacy.
In this episode, we dive into Tanya’s journey behind Hairiette of Harlem—a children’s book series and program she developed during the pandemic. What started as a natural hair care line quickly evolved into something even bigger. With the world in lockdown and social inequali...2024-10-2930 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 13 Plot Twist!In this episode, we’re talking about one of my
favorite ways to shake things up when you’re feeling stuck—plot twists!
And, while we're talking about plot twists, this episode marks a new season and a new chapter in The Picture Perfect Podcast universe. Our audience have spoken and we're listening -- you're looking for more general writing advice, not just for picture books, with more content tied to Writegeist, the popular column on Medium where we explore the art, craft and spirit of all kinds of writing -- not just picture books.
So gra...2024-09-1112 min
Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author PodcastFully Booked EP137: What is a Zero Draft and Why Do You Need One?In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are exploring the concept of the "zero draft," a powerful tool for writers at any stage of their manuscript. Guest Cara Stevens, an experienced editor, book coach, and writer, explains how the zero draft differs from other drafts and why it's an essential part of the writing process. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, the zero draft helps you clarify your story, providing a scaffold that supports the development of your narrative without the pressure of crafting a perfect first draft.
Cara shares practical insights on how...2024-08-2946 minFully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author PodcastFully Booked EP137: What is a Zero Draft and Why Do You Need One?In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are exploring the concept of the "zero draft," a powerful tool for writers at any stage of their manuscript. Guest Cara Stevens, an experienced editor, book coach, and writer, explains how the zero draft differs from other drafts and why it's an essential part of the writing process. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, the zero draft helps you clarify your story, providing a scaffold that supports the development of your narrative without the pressure of crafting a perfect first draft.
Cara shares practical insights on how...2024-08-2946 min
Picture PerfectExploring the Power of the Hero’s Journey in StorytellingIn this episode, titled "Exploring the Power of the Hero’s Journey in Storytelling," we delve into the well-known narrative framework "The Hero's Journey", first popularized by Joseph Campbell. This structure, derived from global mythological motifs, maps out a hero's transformative path through various stages—from the initial call to adventure and facing formidable challenges, to achieving personal growth and returning transformed.
The episode discusses how The Hero's Journey is not only applicable to epic tales and myths but also serves as a powerful tool for writers across all genres, enabling them to craft compelling narratives with deep...2024-08-2018 min
Picture PerfectMirror Magic: Crafting Symmetrical Stories for a Satisfying NarrativeIn this episode of The Picture Perfect Podcast, we delve into the world of chiastic structure—a fascinating narrative technique that mirrors the beginning and end of a story to create a beautifully symmetrical and deeply satisfying tale.
Join me as we explore the secrets of crafting stories that come full circle, leaving readers and viewers feeling fulfilled.
Whether you are a storyteller of picture books, fiction or non-fiction, understanding how to use this 'Mirror Magic' can transform your storytelling.
Learn how this structure works, see it in action in popular books and fi...2024-08-0909 min
Picture PerfectEmbracing the Magic of Intuitive WritingIn this enlightening Picture Perfect episode, we delve into the powerful role of intuition in crafting picture books. Whether you're sketching out your first characters or polishing a final draft, learning to tap into your intuitive sense can transform your creative process. We'll explore practical tips and inspiring insights to help you connect more deeply with your inner creative spirit. From unlocking the secrets of seamless storytelling to infusing your illustrations with life, tune in to discover how to let your intuition guide your pen and bring your picture book dreams to vivid reality. Join us as we uncover...2024-07-1512 min
Picture PerfectFrom Mess to Masterpiece - How to KonMari your Picture Book ManuscriptHow to Edit Your Picture Book the Marie Kondo Way
Embrace the art of letting go to transform your story
into a masterpiece
Editing your completed manuscript can feel overwhelming,
especially when it means cutting scenes, characters, and ideas you love. But don’t worry — you don’t have to kill all your darlings. By applying Marie Kondo’s life-changing method of clearing clutter to tidy up to your writing, you can ensure that everything in your final manuscript sparks joy and serves a purpose for your reader. This approach not only helps streamline your story; it also all...2024-06-1213 min
Reedsy Live: The PodcastReedsy Live: How to Develop a Picture Book with Cara Stevens🔍 Author and editor Cara Stevens shares 20 questions to help you write your very own picture book
📝 Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/picture-book-20-questions/2024-05-3131 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 8: Crafting Picture Perfect ProtagonistsIn this episode, we delve into the heart of storytelling by
examining what makes a main character shine in the world of picture books. We look at main characters in classic children's literature as well as go through a sample developmental edit of an actual client manuscript to show how to transform a character from flat to fantastic with a few taps of the keyboard. Stick around to the end for four priceless strategies from a picture book agent on how to ensure your main character will be memorable and relatable and resonate with young readers.
2024-05-1009 minPicture PerfectEpisode 7: Mastering the Art of Show, Don't TellIn this episode, we address the age-old writing advice of “Show don’t tell” as it relates to writing for children. We dive into why it’s so important to show instead of tell, especially with children’s books, and I include some real excerpts from a developmental edit with one picture book client. I also share a tried-and-true method of writing picture books that helps ensure my own manuscripts are as vivid and inviting as possible before I even get to the first full draft.
Mentioned in this episode:
Understanding Show, Don't Tell...2024-04-1712 minPicture PerfectEpisode 6: Making the most of limited word count in picture booksIn episode 6, I share how to make the most of the limited word count of a picture book. That includes storytelling techniques, some tips on how to economize your words -- including some words that can almost always get cut from any manuscript -- how to use editing to maintain tension in your storytelling, and what it really means when authors say “show, don’t tell.”
As a bonus, at the end of this podcast, I include some simple math about word count, page count, words per page and words per sentence that you can keep in mind wh...2024-01-1615 min
Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews & Music ReviewsMixing Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy with Sound Engineer Ben FindlaySo after decades we can now see how many overdubs there really were on Thin Lizzy's classic live album 'Live and Dangerous'
In this exclusive podcast sound engineer Ben Findlay talks about and shows on screen what was involved in mixing the This Lizzy 'Live and Dangerous Super Deluxe Box Set.
Ben shows on screen the actual multitracks so we get to talk about the age old question...so how many over dubs were there?
Ben Also talks about the recent Beck Bogert & Appice Box Set.
Ben's expertise is a rare blend of...2024-01-141h 04
Picture PerfectEpisode #5: Crafting a self-published picture book seriesIn this very special episode, we have our first guest! Teacher Terrel, one half of the mother-daughter duo known as Once Upon a Dance, joins us to talk about her self-publishing journey. With 20+ picture books and counting, Terrell has tons of experience and she's not shy about sharing the details -- good and bad, mishaps and success -- of her experience. Terrell has self-published through Amazon and Ingram, has hired editors, illustrators and book designers, and does her own social media marketing. If you're looking to self-publish a picture book or a series, this episode is for you!
2023-11-1632 min
The Private Practice ProMindful Motherhood: Growing a Material Mental Health PracticeAre you searching for that spark to ignite your passion and advance your career? Host Kelley Stevens delivers just that in this latest episode of the Private Practice Pro Podcast. Meet Krysta Schroeder, a dedicated Motherhood Therapist and private practice owner, as she shares her journey in guiding mothers through pregnancy and postpartum. Dive into her shift from insurance-based services and discover social media success strategies. Krysta shares actionable steps and ambitious five-year goals, offering inspiration for your own professional growth. Tune in for a concise and powerful exploration of supporting maternal mental health. Guest Bio: 2023-11-1459 min
The Private Practice ProMastering Marketing: Bringing Your Vision to Life with Jenga CreativeJoin host Kelley Stevens in this episode of the Private Practice Pro as she unravels the story of Jenga Creative, founded by the dynamic duo, Jenn and Amanda. Their mission? Transforming therapists' visions into reality through specialized marketing strategies. Discover the power of authentic content, niche expertise, and strategic outsourcing. From podcast launches to website design, Jenga Creative offers tailored solutions, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your clients. Guest Bio: Jenn Pyle and Amanda Smith first crossed paths at their sons' little league field, where they quickly realized they had a shared...2023-10-2454 min
How Story WorksThe Muddy Middle with Cara StevensSometimes you get 70 pages into a book and just... stop. Author Cara Stevens, best known for children's picture books, joins Lani to talk about her struggle to get past the muddy middle and finally finish a complete full-length draft.
Learn more about Cara Stevens and Picture Perfect!
Get the How Story Works ebook or paperback
Get the How Story Works audiobook free with a new Audible subscription
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Support Chipperish on Patreon!
Support Chipperish by shopping on Amazon using this link!
How Story Works is a Chipperish Media production by Lani Diane Rich...2023-08-011h 06
The Private Practice ProPrelicensure Chronicles: Insights and Inspiration from a Therapist in the TrenchesDoes the world of prelicensure have you feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, host Kelley Stevens sits down with therapist Angelie Wallace to discuss the challenges and triumphs of prelicensure. Discover valuable insights on managing your schedule and setting boundaries, the power of networking to advance your career, and navigating the financial obstacles of prelicensure. Angelie’s story will inspire you to embrace vulnerability and manage impostor syndrome, preparing you for the next steps of your journey as a successful therapist. Guest Bio: Angelie Wallace is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and fire wife. She ea...2023-07-1836 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 4: The question at the heart of your storyIn today’s episode, I share a writing craft secret that is at the heart of every great story: how to make sure there is a compelling question inside your story. Although I’ll be talking about it through a picture book lens, this secret actually works for all kinds of works of fiction, and some types of non-fiction as well.
One of the main goals in telling any story is to drive the reader to keep turning the page until they finally reach the (very satisfying) end. In order to do that, you need to have an u...2023-07-0611 min
Slaughterhouse StudiosPride Punchline Jeopardy!!
Punchline Jeopardy is Denver's #1 Comedy Gameshow, and it is now being released as a podcast!! Hosted by Cory Stevens this is a live show that provides the set ups, and comedians create the punchlines live on the spot! We have 3 rounds of 3 comedians competing to come up with the funniest punchlines with the quickest amount of speed.
Comedians featured in this episode:
Team Gay: Brad James Gibbons & Vince Smith
Team Lesbian: Lizzy Wolfson & Cara Leoni
Team Bi: Chris Wellman, Bailey Tyler, & Chesarae Jacobson
Team Straight: Joe Mckenna...2023-06-1534 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 3: How to draw readers in and make a great first impressionThe key to successful storytelling at any stage is weaving a tale that is compelling, but if you don’t hook the reader in right from the start, they won’t stick around long and they might not even pick up your book to begin with.
This episode is all about that question: are you making a great first impression with your book?
The way you figure that out is to look at the title, the cover and the first line.
Just as when you’re applying for a job, you have your resume, your cover letter and your interview. Each one...2023-05-0310 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 2: Introducing the Zero Draft — the Road Map that will keep your writing and editing on track (even if you are prone to side-quests)If you’re really getting creative as you write and revise your manuscript, you’re GOING TO get lost and that’s a good thing.
The WHY we talked about in episode one — that is your story's compass.
Your ZERO DRAFT — that’s your map. It’s a bird’s eye view of your story.
That is why this is the best writing and editing tip I can give you — even if the words come to you fully-formed as you write — is to write a ZERO draft no matter where you are in the writing process.
Get a free download of the 20-point checklis...2023-04-1008 min
Picture PerfectEpisode 1: How to transform your simple idea into a strong story concept (hint: you need to find your WHY)One of the most frequent requests I get from aspiring picture book authors is "can you take a look at my story idea and tell me if it's any good?"
In today's podcast, I share a secret with you that shouldn't be a secret at all because I want everyone to know this… if you think it could be a good picture book, then it can. Everyone who asks me that question will get a YES!
Some ideas need more deep work than others, but if you're inspired and passionate enough to put in the wor...2023-03-2110 min
Straight UpFat suits, Jennifer Lawrence’s comeback and popping the Paul Mescal hypeWelcome back angels! We’ve got a corker of a chat for you today, where first we quickly debrief on our favourite Oscar looks, before getting into The Whale, for which Brendan Fraser took home Best Actor, and Hollywood’s surrounding fat suit controversy. Is the portrayal of his character Charlie is ethical? And why are weight and morality all too often confused? Plus Jonah Hill’s life-long struggle with his weight and self-image, as portrayed in his Netflix documentary Stutz.Then, we pop the Paul Mescal hype after seeing his arthouse hit Aftersun, which we, unlike the res...2023-03-161h 06
Discovering ForestryEpisode 107 - A Life of We Over Me, with Trees- and Don’t Burn Bridges… It’s Illegal! With Guest Rich Hauer!Joe and Korey sit down with Rich Hauer, Professor of Urban Forestry at The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. We discuss his career path, tree philosophy, tree mechanics, and how trees can explode! #uwsp #trees #treecare #arborist #education
Guests: Richard Hauer, Professor of Forestry, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point: https://www.uwsp.edu/directory/profile/richard-hauer/
If you enjoyed the podcast please rate, review, subscribe and tell a fellow tree lover! Questions or topics you would like us to discuss? Send them to discoveringforestry@gmail.com.
Music credit: Cool Tools Music Video - "...2023-03-1331 min
Picture PerfectTRAILER: Welcome to Picture Perfect, the podcast for picture book writersWelcome to Picture Perfect, the podcast for picture book writers.
I’m Cara Stevens, children’s author, editor and book coach and the author of Picture Perfect, Picture book writing secrets YOUR editor WANTS you to know.
I absolutely LOVE helping writers make their picture book dreams a reality as they navigate the process from idea to final manuscript. I’ve been working one-on-one with authors for a long time, but I know that hiring a book coach or editor or taking a class isn’t for everyone. That’s why I’ve created this podcast....2023-03-0701 min
ADHDAFEpisode 40: The Non-cisgender & ADHD overlap with Katie HarrisonNon-binary neurodivergent counsellor Katie Harrison LPC, based in Misouri is a total ledge! Their unique perpective as all of the above enables Katie to identify neurodvergence in clients the world over. Please note, that identification is not the same as diagnosis! Once identified, Katie helps clients navigate the adult ADHD diagnosis process in their country. Which comes with added difficulties when you are non-cisgendered.It's been said that ADHDers are highly intuitive, Katie argues that the so called ‘intuition’ of people who are Assigned Female At Birth; especially those with late diagnosed ADHD is actually due t...2023-01-311h 06