The Architecture of Story

About The Architecture of Story

A podcast for writers, from writers that focuses on the structure inside your novel as well as how to navigate your path to publication. Hosted by author and editor Meg Rosenthal, and YA author Alyssa K. Burns, this collaborative platform invites authors to discuss different structures and techniques other writers can implement to write their own dream story, as well as what to do after the draft is written.

Publisher

Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Oct 2025

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Architecture of Irrelevant Situations

   Let's build a book! In this episode of Architecture of Story, Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns are celebrating the release of Alyssa's sophomore novel, Irrelevant Situations, by doing what they do best-- talking about their process. Tune in for an "inside the book" segment that features major editorial changes this book underwent, as well as "outside the book" on how sales are going and the process is different this time around. Proud of you, AKB! Let's get going!Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: THE ARCHITECTS: Jenn Lynn (IG @sincerelyjenh) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Leila Ann (IG @leilaannwrites) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Lanie Hitt (IG @residentbookgal (https://www.instagram.com/#)) Sabrina Grimaldi (IG @bysabrinagrimaldi) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Taryn Christeen (IG @⁠taryn.christeen⁠) Alissa DeRogatis (IG @⁠alissaderogatis)⁠ Booked and Busy (Substack) Connect with Meg:⁠ https://megrosenthal.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUZZTVljRklJQVFxcEtIVnZHNURSd2NvbF9pUHxBSTVJdTVzR29yRlV4UUZLaFpkNFp3azBmS2EyLWVlU0tPbmJXeU1reWZHeG0waWFfX2JmUl9RVzlvdkRpeG1uN2thVmp2eUlPRnF4VW4teEZ3WHpvWjc3bVRRMUx2U1MtaEJG&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmegrosenthal.com%2F&v=HF1Fst-8nq4) ⁠IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa:⁠ https://www.alyssakburns.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUZZTVljRTQ5MFQ3bU9yOEZ5NkJ3QloyUlV5T3xBSTVJdTV2aS1Nd2RYdy0wVy1hM01NU21CbGFjbzBpLVY5TFNRLWh2RzljSWdCN0hkRTVLR21Pb2xXYTZ2cGdYYmZIcFNDaGlWblU4ekFOdXR0U25iZXlmajd5OVZ1TXdKZ2Z4&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alyssakburns.com%2F&v=HF1Fst-8nq4) ⁠IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   That's (Book) Business, Baby

   In this episode of Architecture of Story, Meg Rosenthal, but mostly Alyssa K. Burns, break down WHAT IT COSTS to actually indie publish a book. This line by line discussion features all the expenses you may or may not have considered, but you should account for on your own spreadsheet. Let's get going! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Rachel Lewis (IG @rachel_mlewis) Sierra zinke (IG @sierraarzinke) Margs and Manuscripts (IG @margsandmanuscripts) AlaxRaeBooked IG (IG @alaxraebooked) Two Friends Designs (IG @twofriends.design) NovelBound (IG @novelbound_) ResidentBookGal (IG @residentbookgal) Spellbound (IG @spellboundbookmarketing) TC Designs (IG @tcdesigns271) K Jaspern Designs (IG @kjaspersendesigns) Beyond the Book PR (IG @beyondthebookspr) Sabrina Grimaldi (IG @bysabrinagrimaldi) Bade Art (IG @badeyart) Renee Monroe (IG @authorreneemonroe) Alyssa’s Mom Connect with Meg:⁠ https://megrosenthal.com ⁠IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa:⁠ https://www.alyssakburns.com⁠ IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

3. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Alpha, Beta, Dev, and other terms that aren't sororities

   In this episode of Architecture of Story, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns break down the editorial steps that a manuscript go through in its drafting and editing phases. They also discuss the importance of BETA readers including how to find them, what their job is, and how to properly acknowledge them. Let’s get going! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Kassie Mak (IG @kassiemakauthor) Sam Maldo Leila Ann (IG @leilaannwrites) Lexi Bowe (IG @lexiboweauthor) Alissa DeRogatis (IG @alissaderogatis) Nikki Hutchings/Renee Monroe (IG @authorreneemonroe) Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

4. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Banter or Burns It

   In this episode of Architecture of Story, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns dive into a topic that resonates deeply with both writers and readers: dialogue. They discuss effective ways to craft dialogue that not only moves the plot forward but also keeps readers engaged. Let’s get going! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Carolyn Elaine (IG @carolynelainewrites) Haley Graham (IG @authorhaleygraham) Jennifer Lynn (IG @sincerelyjenh) Dialogue Tags: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbTlh-SGvAY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== They're Made Out of Meat: https://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/TheyMade.shtml Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

5. 

   31 Aug 2026

   WTF is a POV & ARC?

   In this episode, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns break down the different types of points of view (POV) used in commercial fiction as well as why you should promote advanced reader copies of your book (ARCs). They also talk about not giving away your social security number to strangers on an elevator. Let’s get going! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Mary Reyes (IG: @lifeofmaryreyes) Alyssa Clark (IG: @alyssawritesthings) Jennifer Lynn (IG: @sincerelyjenh) Jennifer Rios (IG: @byjenniferrios) Holly Hayes (IG: @hollyhayesauthor) Nikki Hutchings (IG: @nikkirhutchings) Sierra Zinke (IG: @drsierra.kindleskettlebells) Cassidy Ann (IG: @cassidyannauthor) Meg Doody (IG: @megdoodywrites) Beyond the Books PR (IG:@ beyondthebookspr) Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

6. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Write Drunk, Edit Sober ft. Cait Waynelovich from Margs & Manuscripts

   In this episode, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns team up with Cait Waynelovich from the hit podcast, Margs & Manuscripts to talk about the nuance within the phrase Write Drunk, Edit Sober... HOT TAKE! We don't do that. While there is a time and a place for a drink and the CONFIDENCE that comes from that (raise a Margs glass, or pitcher), this episode talks about the ways to convey emotions within your prose as well as the importance of that confidence in what you are sharing to the World Wide Web. Let’s get going! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Joseph Cucci (IG: @joey_cucci (https://www.instagram.com/#)) Amy Evans (IG: @amy_c_evans (https://www.instagram.com/#)) Cait Waynelovich (IG: @caitwwrites) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Margs & Manuscripts (IG: @margsandmanuscripts) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Kat Mackenzie (IG: @katmackenziewrites) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Katie Jung (IG:@ katiejungwrites) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Holly Hayes (IG:@ hollyhayesauthor) (https://www.instagram.com/#) Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVE14SkNDcXdHR040blBnU0RZeDZRc3xBR3JiS2FrNjNRTTR0aFdMNzAyVk9rU1ZTNUVhWEw5LWxUU3lpYWlkTlliSjY0TUNFNDNRNWxJZ0lKRjVPY1RSX1VjSmVtT29xQk9LTVFraDRweW1jLTNGOEc4aTN6UUVmeVBu&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmegrosenthal.com%2F&v=-Bm4RTqE6og) IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUXh6TFFSVWdkZE1QSUJDODVtLWlYQnxBR3JiS2FsQVk1Sy1MU1ppRWNrQTJzTGtoQldXYXhEMkhuSlZfN21XeG5oYlVxeUp4MExXNjdXT0psc29kemJfTUg1VkR1VFFNSnVPd3I4bEREUW84Wjl2WERmQ2NDNVRxeHV3&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alyssakburns.com%2F&v=-Bm4RTqE6og) IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

7. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Pitch, please!

   In this episode, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns we dive into the essentials of perfecting your pitch and solidifying your author brand. Your pitch is the face of your book. It's how you introduce your work to potential readers and agents. We discussed the importance of having a one-sentence pitch, a one-paragraph pitch, and a two-paragraph pitch ready for different situations, such as author events or querying agents. Author branding is essentially how you present yourself to the world. It encompasses your writing style, the themes you explore, and your public persona. A well-defined brand can create a loyal reader base and make marketing your books much easier. Let’s get right into it! Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Carolyn Elaine (IG: @carolynelainewrites) H.K. Green (IG: @authorhkgreen) Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

8. 

   10 Aug 2026

   I Started a Business with a Stranger from the Internet

   Welcome to Season 2 of Architecture of Story! In this episode, cohosts Meg Rosenthal and Alyssa K. Burns give an overview of what this season is going to look like as well as break down their latest news... Architecture of Story is no longer just a podcast. We are in business, baby! Now offering an Indie Publishing Partnership Service. This includes: Editorial Services: developmental editing, line editing, proofreading, content pull, and formatting. Social Media Marketing: monthly Canva templates, strategies to find your target audience and grow a community. In house vendors: cover design, arc management, and public relations. Shoutouts mentioned in this episode: Carolyn Elaine (IG: @carolynelainewrites) Kate H. Meadows (IG: @katehmeadowswrites) MGK covering Mr. Brightside https://www.tiktok.com/@bigmoll/video/7654000635024543006?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7650695045535860237 (https://www.tiktok.com/@bigmoll/video/7654000635024543006?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7650695045535860237 ) Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com IG @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author Connect with Alyssa: https://www.alyssakburns.com IG: @alyssakburns TikTok: @alyssakburns

9. 

   20 Jan 2026

   Shapes of Stories and AI ft. Mindy Kuhn of Warren Publishing

   In this final episode of The Architecture of Story, author Meg Rosenthal sits down with Mindy Kuhn, owner of Warren Publishing, to talk about how the publishing industry has evolved and continues to change its shape. Faced with the reality that technology evolves at this same rapid rate, the two discuss what role generative AI plays in this modern stage and how authors can navigate this space. Click to watch Kurt Vonnegut on Shapes of Stories: https://youtu.be/oP3c1h8v2ZQ?si=hPlMDGodWtEnOGa8 Connect with Mindy and Warren Publishing: https://www.warrenpublishing.net Instagram @warrenpublish TikTok @warrenpublishing Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

10. 

    13 Jan 2026

    Nailing the Finish Line ft. J.N. Kindig

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and J.N. Kindig discuss several archetypal ways that you can cross that final threshold and NAIL that finish line... or in other words, finish your story. Using a traditional three act story structure as the vehicle to arrive at the final image, Kindig brings to the conversation her own education from her recent masters in English degree to guide us all to different types of narrative endings we can employ. Click to learn more about Jeff VanderMeer and Wonderbook: https://wonderbooknow.com/about/ Connect with Jordan: https://www.authorjnkindig.com Instagram @authorjnkindig TikTok @authorjnkindig Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

11. 

    9 Jan 2026

    Story Arc Within Genre: Mystery ft. Benjamin Bradley

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Benjamin Bradley list out the tenets of a mystery novel and go through the steps of how you can write your own. Bringing their own fresh perspectives on both writing and the publishing industry, the conversation makes the genre seem... well... less mysterious. Connect with Benjamin Bradley: https://benjaminbradleywrites.com/whlb Instagram @BenjaminBradleyWrites Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

12. 

    1 Jan 2026

    Character Driven Plots ft. Hannah Hamrick

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Hannah Hamrick go beyond the structure of the physical plot points of a novel and dive deep on the characters that make up these stories. They walk through certain techniques that they use to flesh out their characters to get to know their attributes, their wants vs. their needs, and things that help fuel their arcs. Once we know who our players are, the two talk about how to break down the plot by using action and reaction to further deepen the reader's understanding of the growth being done on the page. Connect with Hannah Hamrick: https://authorhannahhamrick.com Instagram @authorhannahhamrick TikTok @authorhannahhamrick Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

13. 

    16 Dec 2025

    Story Arc Within Genre: Fantasy/ Plotting a Trilogy

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and C.C. Tyler break down key definitions within the genre of fantasy and discuss various plotting techniques they use to outline their stories. They talk at length about the arcs needed within each individual book, but the necessity of a global arc tracking over the series as a whole as well. Saves the Cat and the Four Act Story Structure are both dissected in this conversation. *Recommend watching Episode 2: Saves the Cat prior to this episode so certain definitions make sense. More information on the 3 and 4 act story structures: https://reedsy.com/blog/guide/story-structure/three-act-structure/ https://thenovelsmithy.com/the-four-act-structure/ https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/09/the-missing-link-in-three-act-structure/ https://rachaelherron.com/developing-novel-4-act-story-structure/ Connect with C.C. Tyler: https://www.authorcctyler.com Instagram @authorcctyler and @coachcctyler TikTok @authorcctyler Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

14. 

    9 Dec 2025

    7 Point Story Structure ft. Nicole Ryan

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Nicole Ryan discuss the 7 Point Story Structure, a technique popularized by Dan Wells. They first detail what the 7 points within this structure are and how they provide a loose, skeletal outline. Then, following the steps that Dan Wells describes himself, they walk through how to apply this method to your own story planning. Click to watch the Dan Wells lecture on the 7 Point Story Structure: https://youtu.be/KcmiqQ9NpPE?si=ogF1siRMon4msE5c Connect with Nicole: https://nicoleryanbooks.com Instagram @nicoleryanbooks TikTok @nicoleryanbooks Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

15. 

    1 Dec 2025

    PLOT TWISTS! ft. Shannon McLellan

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Shannon McLellan go into detail about the intricacies of weaving a plot twist into your story. They define a plot twist and provide examples of different kinds of twists before giving you tips and tricks on how to effectively pull one off. Finally, the duo talks about the effects on your story's structure depending on when the plot twist occurs.

16. 

    25 Nov 2025

    Story Arc Within Genre: Romance ft. Alissa DeRogatis

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Alissa DeRogatis focus on the story arcs found specifically in the ROMANCE genre of fiction. Using the book, "Romancing the Beat" by Gwen Hayes as a guide, they outline the beats this genre hits and how you can apply them to your own work. Connect with Alissa:https://www.alissaderogatis.comInstagram @alissaderogatisTikTok @alissaderogatis Connect with Meg:https://megrosenthal.comInstagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

17. 

    17 Nov 2025

    Show, Don't Tell (Scene Vs. Summary) ft. Rennie Dyball

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Rennie Dyball dive into prose technique and the timeless advice us writers have received regarding showing, not telling your readers what is happening in your book. But what does that really mean, and how do you accomplish this? Through specific and sensory details as well as dialogue tips and tricks, Meg and Rennie walk you through how to stay in "scene" in your writing and when it is appropriate to slip into "summary." Connect with Rennie: https://www.renniedyball.com Instagram @renniedyball Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

18. 

    10 Nov 2025

    Moving from Short to Long Form Fiction ft. Sarah Creech

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Sarah Creech embark on a deep conversation of the importance of workshop and how the short story works best in this model. They discuss the art of the premise and how you know if your idea is large enough to coax out a novel... or not. In the last section of this episode, they run through the beats of the novel's Three Act Story Structure and apply it in an example of Bruce Holsinger's novel Culpability. Enjoy a thought provoking dialogue that will make you feel like you are in a university classroom! More information on Bruce Holsinger and Culpability: https://www.bruceholsinger.com Connect with Sarah: https://www.sarahcreech.org Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

19. 

    31 Oct 2025

    Saves The Cat ft. Kalyn Fogarty

    In this episode of The Architecture of Story, authors Meg Rosenthal and Kalyn Fogarty team up to break down the structure of the Saves The Cat Beat Sheet as outlined in the novel Saves The Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. The duo then takes this conversation a step further in discussion of how to utilize this outline when working with multiple perspectives. More information on Saves the Cat can be found on Jessica Brody's official website: https://www.jessicabrody.com Connect with Kalyn: https://www.kalynfogarty.com Instagram @kfogartyauthor Connect with Meg: https://megrosenthal.com Instagram @megrosenthalauthor TikTok @megrosenthal.author

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.