Creator's Playbook

What if you could have the perfect day? Nothing went wrong, all you did was right, and in the end you come out on top in everyway. What kind of effort would be required to do that? It would take a culmination of all effort or very special circumstances. Or, maybe you could just relive the same day over and over again until it was just right. Timeloops are a story phenomenon that find themselves getting told again and again. Join Robbie and Sarah as they explore the inspiration behind timeloop stories.

Cold and dark days have come to The Creators Playbook here in episode "Soul Bleeding" where Robbie and Michael delve into the backdrop of dystopian societies. You, Great Author, have a choice before you in how your characters are going to live through an oppressive regime! Will they be triumphant and conquer in majesty? Or will your society crush them? Join us as we delve into this wonderfully awful business of making our characters' lives terrible as we create a dystopia, and place our characters in it to live, thrive, or die.After-show-notes and further reading:John Joseph Adams: https://www.tor.com/2011/04/15/dystopian-round-table-the-appeal-of-dystopian-fiction/Freedom Economic Education Matrix: How Can You POSSIBLY Not Be Red-Pilled By Now?? https://youtu.be/7QZQ8FlTbb4

It's that time of the year. A time to go out and surprise others with gifts, treats, and service. It's a time of scrolling through online sellers and walking through isles trying to find the perfect thing. Sometimes all you need is just a little magic to make it all happen. Today join Robbie and Steven as they create a Magical Shop filled with wonder and mystery.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast086Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/After-show notes - The Shop Keeper:The shop keeper can be a friend or aid to the hero of the story. They play a sort of mentor or guide for the hero, leaving hints to encourage them on their path. When making this particular type of character, a good dose of mystery goes a long way.Recognizable patterns with this character:Brief appearances with the hero.Cryptic guidance, unclear to the hero and ourselves until the end of the story.Appears when they're most needed.

“Wishes.  It's amazing how much of our lives are full of Wish routines.  Wishing on the first star in the sky or a shooting star.  Wishing on birthday candles.  Stories are also full of wishes as well.  What we wish for shows what we value, and in stories wishing can be a window into a characters soul.  Wishes can also serve as both a great blessing, but also trials and tests.  Remember, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast085Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

If you were to look behind the curtain of the production of Creator's Playbook, there are several stages that would be very obvious. Research, writing, episode preparation, recording and scheduling, down to the editing, effects, and music selection. But one thing a lot of our listeners might not know is that we actually take the art of warming up before a recording very seriously.As much research goes into our show, there is still a very real sense of improv. Because of that, we need to be in the state of mind to allow for that creative exchange to occur! With the holidays coming up, we wanted to record a shorter episode today and show the process we use to get our creative juices flowing! Here are several of the warm up games we've designed to get us in the creative mind-set:"Key-Prompts" - One player give a key word or phrase, the other must develop a story around this concept using the key word as inspiration. That player then gives a key word to another player, who must use the inspiration to develop another part of the story. The only rule is that each player is adding to the same world or story, until a basic story comes together."Break and Tell" - A key word or phrase is given to start the prompt. The first player must begin telling a story until they trip over their own words or pause. The next player must immediately continue telling the story from where the last player left off. The story is traded back and forth if there are only two players, or in a direction if there are more."Pass Backs" - A player gives a basic phrase as a prompt. Player two takes the prompt and develops the idea a little further, typically adding a twist or a concept. Player one then begins to describe a scene from a would-be story that illustrates the prompt as a fleshed out idea. This scene it stand alone, and the next play is a new scene for a new would-be story."Not My McGuffin" - A player gives the name to an unknown item. Player two takes the name and describes what the item is, how it is used, and why it is essential to the plot of the story the item appears in. Try these games out and let us know what we think by tagging Creator's Playbook on social media!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast084Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Every tale with a Ghost is a tale of history. The ghost is something left over from the past, a linger memory, and the haunted location is the canvas for its story. It's a Ghost Hunters job to uncover these mysteries, find the vapory clues, and reveal the ghost. These stories are exciting and spooky, and today we're going to tell our own tale.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast083Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Space invites the mind to all kinds of ideas and stories. Exploring it has been the staple of thousands of science fiction stories across all medium, causing to wonder what worlds, people, creatures, and things float around the distance specks of light that sprinkle across the sky every night. Join Robbie, Sarah, and Michael as we explore our very own piece of space and turn it into a story.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast082Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

There come moments when we hear our own, calm voice reassure us that what we are doing is where we are meant to be. Sometimes it is hard to hear that with such clarity when the world is filled with the chaos of the going-ons of life, but we can still hear it when we take those gentle moments to listen.What exactly is the concept of a life's work, and how do we find our purpose in what we do? These are questions I have been asking myself as of late. How do I know that the work I am creating leaves behind a legacy that I am proud of, and one that makes a difference for those who may need it.Explore all of this and more on today's episode of Creator's Playbook.Today also marks the beginning of NaNoWriMo. To learn more about the National Novel Writer's Month, please visit: https://nanowrimo.org/Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast081Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

It is Halloween! So obviously we are going to talk about Zombies. But the real question we want to ask is why do people like scary stories in the first place? Is there an actual benefit to getting scared? And most importantly, how do stories of the undead fit into all of this? Join Michael and Robbie as we delve into horror and zombies with a time travel twist.Episode References:"Why Do So Many People Like Horror Movies? Six Reasons We Love Being Scared"https://www.health.com/mind-body/why-people-like-horror-movies

Plants, they seem harmless, right?  Bouquets for Valentines and weddings.  Daisies to brighten someone's day.  Fields of wildflowers to spark any lighthearted soul.  But plants in stories?  Oh, they be sinister.  Seymour fed a plant human flesh and blood in Little Shop of Horrors.  The villainess Poison Ivy uses plants to thwart her vigilante foes.  The Whomping Willow protected a young werewolf from his classmates, and later destroyed a Ford Anglia.  Plants can create many opportunities for plot points, plot devices, and characters in stories and art.  Follow Sarah and Robbie as they explore plants in fiction as they create a plant monster, perfect for the upcoming All Hallows' Eve.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast079Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Encounters of the third kind, but with a sinister twist. Alien invasions inspire all sorts of uncomfortable and frightful feelings. How does one fight against an enemy much more advanced than themselves? Why are they coming for our homeworld? Have we gone too far with our social media feeds and it's their way of showing us? The mystery is palpable. Join Robbie and Steven as they explore, dissect, and create their own story on alien invasions.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast077Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

As the seasons turn to fall, watching the colors fade from the trees and the wildlife turn to hibernation causes the human experience to reflect on the frailty of life and the cycles of death. As we enter the month of October we enter our spooky season here on Creator's Playbook, and what better way to start us off than launching into the subject of unfinished business among the ghosts of the dead! Paranormal activity around the dead had been spoken about all around the world. The concept that the soul of the body is eternal, and can sometimes linger and torment, as opposed to finding rest. Why do the ghosts of the dead stay behind, and why are stories of unfinished business so much run to talk about? Join us as we explore the mysteries of unfinished business on todays episode of Creator's Playbook. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast077Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

We've grown up hearing about Fairies, popularized by a certain Tinker Bell who is small and sassy.  Fairies have largely been commercialized, gracing children's books, postcards, figurines, and shows.  But who are the Fairies?  They take many forms throughout the Celtic lands of Ireland, Scotland, The Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany.  There are legends and stories, beliefs, that are shared and different.  Tales that haunt and tales that warn.  Join Steven and Sarah as they talk about all things fairies, creating a story, and getting caught up with the lore and mystery about these secret fiends.  The book referenced in the podcast is “The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries” by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, who traveled the Celtic lands in the early 1900's gathering testimonies and first hand accounts.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast076Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Fiction has done some pretty wild things with super weapons. They've become the center conflict in many stories from comic books to epic sci-fi, but how does one make an interesting and terrifying super weapon? Join Robbie and Steven as they explore the methods necessary to do just that.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast075Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Have you ever had that moment when you realized that you weren't as sure of where you were than you thought? The landmarks are gone, the familiar faces missing, and your direction seems lost forever. What do you do in times like those? Better yet, what do your characters do?How do stories about getting help a character grow? In todays episode we explore why stories include "getting lost" elements, and how you can best use these tropes in your own stories.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast074Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Who doesn't love a good Earth annihilation story?  An asteroid spiraling towards Earth!  I mean, it sure caught the dinosaurs by surprise.  But is that all asteroids are good for?  There's a treasure trove hiding away in space rocks.  Fortunes and resources that would have made the cunning Long John Silver crazy with wanting desire.  What possibilities lay in the asteroid belt and beyond?  Join Sarah and Michael as they explore the power of asteroids and what they mean for the future of the human race in life and fiction.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast073Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Coming up on the release of Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, we wanted to explore the exciting world of Martial Arts and creating a martial arts. Martial Arts is an ancient form of story telling that has touched the hearts of millions and inspired millions more to overcome personal weakness in favor of greater strengths.Join Robbie and Steven as they create their martial arts and use it to tell the story.References: -------------------------------------------------------------List of Fictional Martial Arts:https://annex.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_fictional_martial_artsMartial Arts Studies Podcast:On Motivations, with Dr Martin Meyer, University of Vechtahttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5LWN7oeouzCJ3v21ukHDG8Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Questions:The Weakness and StrengthTake the character and mark their weaknessTake the strengths necessary to overcome those weaknessesBased off of the weaknesses and strength, create a style using these elements:The plain of attack: Low, middle, highAppendage of Choice: Arm, elbows, knees, head, etc...Speed: Slow, fast, or variesReach/Range: Kicks tend to give more reach than punchesEnvironment: Designed for low-gravity, under water, when sleepy, etc...With all these steps in consideration, create a name.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast072Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

As creators, we have the opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. It could be a dark, terrifying detective mystery, or it could be an epic adventure across the galaxies. But what happens when your story takes place in a world within the world you're telling? A virtually created world using the modern technologies of the setting. Today join Robbie, Michael, and Steven as they explore the elements that make up Virtual Realities.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast071Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Good guys on the run. Heroes worn down by the constant threat to their own safety. Identities that need protecting. A secret place is a home to the unsafe and daring. Most super heroes have them, and many stories are filled with them. Join Robbie and Steven as they spin up their own version and explore the secrets behind their very own base.

Every good character is made great through the choices they make, but do we really know their character? Join Michael and Sarah as we create a Moral Dilemma to place our character in a situation that is at odds with their values and themselves and see what decisions they've made through a dilemma of deathly consequences that could spell disaster for the people of two planets. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast069Website: Creator's Playbook 

Every good squad has the eyes and ears that keep them safe. In this episode of Creator's Playbook we are doing a character sketch! We explore the position of the army cavalry scout. What are their responsibilities, how do they function as a unit, and how can we use this to inspire a character in a story? Join hosts Steven and Michael as they create the foundation of a story using inspiration from cavalry scouts!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast068Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Have you even dreamed of visiting a distant World?  Seeing the wonders of the galaxy? Travel to a place where magic is real?  Maybe you just want to get away, but don't know how to get there.  Well, look no further than portals!  Gateways to distant lands!  All you have to do is walk through a doorway, seen or unseen.  You may find one at the back of a wardrobe, down a rabbit hole, or through a tornado, only to enter a multiple dimension, a glittering new reality, or to simply see the Eiffel Tower for the first time and have lunch along the Seine at a Cafe.  No need to buy a plane ticket or waste gasoline.  Join Sarah and Steven as they explore portals, fantasy and science fiction, before creating a story utilizing this wondering form of travel.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast067Website: http://www.creatorsplaybook.com/

Some characters just aren't the same without their empowering partner at their side. Dynamic Duos have made incredible characters, where one without the other leaves story wanting for more. Today we are joined by Lucky Streak Games, and with Robbie and Steven as the host, they're going to create their very own dynamic duo.Lucky Streak Game's Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX8u2sij02KojRL1VKed_g

Sometimes incredible, true stories get passed around like wild fire. They grow and flourish to heroic proportions turning what once might have been true into a fantastical legend. Incredible, yes, but even though they might be founded in truth, it can become nearly impossible to know what part of the legend is fact and what is fiction. Legends can inspire your character to grow! Sometimes all your character needs a great story to help them find the courage to to act. Join Michael and Robbie as we discuss legends and how we can apply them to make epic adventures for our characters to learn from.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast065Website: Creator's Playbook 

Spies come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to play a specific role in their game of espionage. Some spies are perfectly aware of their role, in full communication with their sponsors, but others are sent off into enemy territory with nothing but faith that their role will be fulfilled. This brand of Spy is known as the Sleeper Agent. What are sleeper agents, and have they had an actual role in history? most importantly, how can we write a story about one? Join hosts Steven and Robbie dive once again into the lands of Spydom and use the creative process to write a new tale of our very own Sleeper Agent Spy. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast062Website: Creator's Playbook 

Have you ever been stranded somewhere? Lost or abandoned? Take a listen to this episode to send your characters on a life altering journey of self discovery and determination. From the heights of space above to the depths of the ocean below. Join Robbie and Michael on a sobering adventure of perseverance in the face of the deep and lonely realities of being stranded.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast063Website: Creator's Playbook 

One thing universally acknowledged is that every region has their own unique and beautiful culture. Any group of people who settle together always have a way of coming up with customs and greetings all their own, and sometimes those traditions can become so different than our own that it can become quite shocking! In todays episode of Creator's Playbook we explore the use of Culture Shock as a story driving element for character growth! How can a character learn from witnessing a culture different from their own? Does a culture have to be foreign to have an impact? Find out as we explore these concepts! Join hosts Steven and Michael as we develop a concept for new cultural traditions, and place a character into them to see how they might react!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast062Website: Creator's Playbook 

Who doesn't love a little family drama? Especially when said drama is caused by hidden family secrets? Babies switched at birth. Great-Grandparents hiding a younger life of crime behind a prominent virtuous life. Family secrets are a great way to spice up or develop a plot. Join Robbie and Sarah as they explore family secrets in life and fiction.

Food plays an interesting role in most stories. It can be a place that brings the characters together or it can also be a place to introduce culture and history. Whatever the case, someone has to be the one to cook it, and today we're going to discuss what role the cook plays in a story.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast059Website: Creator's Playbook 

We're so excited to have Sharon Masten, also known as Tiffany M. Rhys, the Author of The Gift of Marmidon. She joins us today as the first in our Professional Series! We hope her wisdom will inspire your own creativity as she has inspired ours! We also HIGHLY encourage you to check out her book! If you're in the mood for a great adventure about people overcoming their fears and facing challenges, then this is the book for you.For information regarding Sharon and her books, please read below:Social Media:Facebook group: Www.facebook.com/groups/aodhgenerations Author:Tiffany M. RhysBook:The Gift of Marmidon Aodh Generations Book 1For Creator's Playbook:Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcastPS1Website: Creator's Playbook 

They're older than the stories on earth. They're perhaps one of humanities last greatest mysteries. Blackholes will perhaps be one of the most elusive space marks of the universe. They can't be breached but they can't be escaped. Within them could be universes in of themselves. Today Michael and Sarah explore ways to use blackholes in storytelling and how to use their mysteries to inspire.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast059Website: Creator's Playbook 

Many stories call for a character to hold a mantle they didn't ask for. Sometimes that mantle is thrust upon them, other's they are born into is without a choice of their own. These come in many different titles and rolls. Today we are going to take a look at the role of the Princess in storytelling!We chat about what the role that Royalty plays in the world today, and look at how the character of the princess has been used in the development of enchanting stories. Join hosts Steven and Sarah as we develop our very own Princess character, and tell her story.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast058Website: Creator's Playbook 

If your car could talk, what would it say? Maybe it would ask you to take it into the shop more, take it easy at the stop signs, or stop ignoring that weird sound every time the engine starts up. Whether it's a car, your wallet, or particularly rude scale, we ascribe emotions and feelings to everyday things. In storytelling, these things can even become characters in the story. Join Robbie and Michael as they explore the process of creating an living object character.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast057Website: Creator's Playbook 

We've all grown up with fairy tales, stories of princesses and magic, lore and legend, beauty and overwhelming wealth.  Challenging stories of love such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.  Cautionary tales such as the Emperor's New Clothes and Hansel and Gretel.  Evil witches and step-mothers haunting our dreams.  Join Steven and Sarah as we explore fairy tales and then create a new story full of wonder and magic.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast056Website: Creator's Playbook 

To truly understand our humanity we sometimes need to take the humanity out of the character. In this episode Steven and Michael explore the different aspects of story telling through the lens of a space debris cleanup robot as he struggles between subroutines.Resources:Boston Dynamics Dancing Robots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn3KWM1kuAwMiyazaki Reacts to Zombies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfxlgHBaxEUTwitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast055Website: Creator's Playbook 

Some of the best stories have a twist ending. There are many kinds of plot twists out there and we will eventually talk about all of them, but today we are going to talk about the Character Role Reversal, where the "bad guy" actually turns out to be the good guy, or likewise, the the seemingly good guy was bad all along. When you cause an authentic gasp from your audience you know you've done your job well as a storyteller! So what makes a good role reversal? Where do you hide the breadcrumbs that point all the fingers at the truth but they never saw it coming? That is what we are going to discover today on Creator's Playbook!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast054Website: Creator's Playbook 

How do you feel when a thief steals your wallet? Now how does it feel when a friend, or a family member, or a partner, does the very same? The very word betrayal inspires drama of all shapes and sizes. Join Robbie and Michael today as they explore the workings of Betrayals in story telling.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast053Website: Creator's Playbook 

What was the moment our life changed directions? What caused it? Why did that thing create a proverbial hinge in our own lives and send us off to new things and new places. Turning Point is something not only all stories share, but we ourselves experienced personally throughout our lives. Join Robbie and Sarah as they take a character and push them in a new direciton.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast052Website: Creator's Playbook 

There is nothing better in this world than a faithful furry companion. In today's episode of Creator's Playbook, we talk all about stories with animal companions! What makes a great animal companion, how do they help the main characters grow, and how can we learn from them as an audience?Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast051Website: Creator's Playbook 

From Romantic beginnings, to lost loved ones, Unexpected letters can enrich your stories with messages your characters need to get them to where they should be to make your stories great; for an unexpected letter can send your story off in mysterious ways. Join Michael, Robbie, Sarah, and Steven as we talk about messages your character could not possibly expect and take you on an adventure from one unexpected letter to the next. Bonus content at 42:28 : Space CommandTwitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast050Website: Creator's Playbook

Ireland is full of lore and mysticism.  From fairies who are in touch with nature, luring strangers to their time transporting fairy rings.  To Pooka's, ghostly horses who beckon both good and bad omens.  And the legendary Finn McCool... who gains knowledge by sucking his thumb.  But nothing is more symbolically tied to Ireland than the Leprechauns, magical creatures who tempt with wishes and gold.   Join Michael and Sarah as they create a story surrounding the Leprechaun with possibilities beyond space and time.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast049Website: Creator's Playbook

A misplaced wallet. An ancient temple entombed by hundreds of years of jungle and vegetation. The misplaced letter calling for peace between two warring generals. All of us in our lives have experienced something lost, whether it be precious or otherwise. And when we're driven to find those things, or those things summon within us precious feelings and emotions when they are found, a story is born. Join Robbie and Steven as they do a story on lost things!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast048Website: Creator's Playbook

Beyond our world exists limitless other worlds, possibilities and civilizations. A single quarter sized view of space can hold billions of galaxy and trillions upon trillions of stars just waiting to be discovered. The problem is, we just can't seem to get there in our lifetime. Today, Michael and Robbie will take a crack at an old sci-fi favorite, Faster Than Light travel, where we create our own method of breaking the intergalactic speed barrier.Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast047Website: Creator's Playbook

The world is full of hidden nooks and crannies, most of which house the most obscure of shops. Every store has a story, and each of those stories are centered at the person who started it all. The Merchant. But who are they? How did they stumble upon selling the goods they offer? In todays episode we talk about our favorite stores from around the world, what makes they special, and use this inspiration to write a store about our own little merchant and what secrets she might have hidden away!Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast046Website: Creator's Playbook

No quest or story can ever be complete without the items and tools that lead our heroes to victory, despite all odds against them. Today we explore these very items and what unique effects that they have on the stories around us. How can you give these important devices, even mcguffins, if you will, character and importance? Can you make your hero care about these items as much as you do as a storyteller? Article cited in today's episode: "Writing (Magical) Items: Weapons, Attire, Potions, Tools, Steeds" by September C. Fawkes Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast045Website: Creator's Playbook

Several levels below ground, behind an army of guards, cameras, and laser defenses lies the world's most valuable treasure. It will take a tremendous amount of resources to retrieve it and an unbreakable plan to pull it off. Welcome to the Heist episode! Steven and Robbie will take a crack creating their very own heist with today's prompt. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast044 Website: Creator's Playbook

There is nothing more romantic on Valentine's Day than forcing someone to love you. The concept of love potions have literally been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. But what are the consequences of love potions, How do they work, and how would you fit it all into a story? That is what we are here to tackle today on Creator's Playbook! Today's Hosts:Sarah (@SarahStuffles) and Robbie! Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast043Website: Creator's Playbook

There is almost none more classic a story than a detective solving a mystery. A murder mystery perhaps? Today we explore the elements of what makes a detective story and put a spin on our own! What classifies a character as a detective? How do they stumble onto the scene of the crime? Will they solve the mystery or end up a victim, taking what they've found to the grave? Find all of that and more in our episode today!Today's episode featured the "Mars, The Bringer of War," from Gustav Holst's "The Planets"Today's Hosts:Sarah - @SarahStufflesSteven - @StevenStufflesTwitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast042Website: Creator's Playbook

After a rough patch there, we made it! It's been a whole year since we've started Creator's Playbook. We've had such a fun time with all of you and the stories you've shared with us, and we're excited for another year! In this episode we're just going to review some behind the scenes and announce some new changes!We love you guys!

Suits of armor that increase in model number every movie. A magical wizard learning newer and more powerful spells until he grows from a minor wizard into a great wizard. And an alien from another planet literally changes hair color when they achieve a new level of strength. Power leveling can be found in big block buster movies and your most popular anime. It's a fun way for us to feel, along with our heroes, the sense of growth and the rewards that come with it. Join Robbie and Michael today as they create their own power leveling system.

There is something about the magic of discovering the past. Histories never seen before igniting a new reality of who we are as a people. In today's episode we explore the what happens when a discovery completely re-writes everything we know about the past, guiding us to a new future. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPodFacebook: Creator's PlaybookEpisode Hashtag: #cppodcast040Website: Creator's Playbook