Podcasts about protagonists

In this episode, author Lisa Borders shares her unique insights and experiences, from her love of Phish's music to her newly released novel, 'Last Night at the Disco.' Discover the inspiration behind Lisa's latest work, her thoughts on Bruce Springsteen on Broadway, and her fascinating take on the classic song 'Thunder Road.' Plus, Lisa recounts her memorable encounter with Clarence Clemons and discusses the nuanced character of her book's protagonist. Put on your Boogie Shoes and hit play and then go to your favorite book dealer and pick up her book! https://www.lisaborders.com/ 01:54 Guest Introduction: Lisa Borders 02:03 Lisa's Background and Early Influences 04:52 Discovering Bruce Springsteen 06:28 The Impact of FM Radio 12:28 Lisa's Writing Journey 15:57 Springsteen on Broadway Experience 18:11 Writing Satire: Trump and Springsteen 26:16 New Novel: Last Night at the Disco 37:16 Unveiling the Protagonist's Complexities 39:59 Exploring Musical Inspirations in Writing 41:44 The Disco vs. Rock Wars Revelation 45:04 The Journey of Writing and Publishing 50:41 Humor in Writing and Future Projects 53:50 Springsteen, Music, and Personal Stories 59:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shane blows his lid over the bonkers Game Pass price increases! Why silent protagonists suck! If a publisher gives us a free game is it more likely to appear in GameFace?

It's the hinge your entire story turns on—and one of the hardest story elements to identify and write.Can I be honest? I struggled with turning points for years.I knew they were essential. They're the moment when everything changes. The moment that forces the character to face a crisis choice. The moment that reveals what the story is really, at its heart, about.And yet . . . I couldn't see them.I found so many things that weren't the turning point. I found inciting incidents, and midpoints, and climaxes.The turning point, though? It eluded me.Until I learned a simple framework that finally, finally unlocked them for me.That framework:Reveals why the turning point matters so dang much within the storyTies the turning point perfectly to the inciting incident, climax, and every other element of storyIs objective and straightforward, making it clear to measure (no more guessing at turning points based on gut feeling!)Is wonderfully simple (it's kind of incredible how simple it is, considering how tough turning points are to spot)That framework marked my turning point in the way I edit turning points.If you have ever struggled to figure out what the heck the turning point is in a story, well, you're not alone.I hope this framework gives you a breakthrough. It certainly did for me!Further listening:Inciting incident (qualities & traps)Progressive complications (qualities)Progressive complications (traps)Protagonist's goalContent genresSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Roman Klementovic begeistert mich immer wieder mit seinen Thrillern – und mit seinen Lesungen! In „Dunkelnah“ vereint er so viele tolle Elemente zu einem superspannenden Buch: Ein altes, verfallenes Hotel, das renoviert werden soll, eine anscheinend verschwundene Frau und skurrile Figuren: Die merkwürdigen Besitzer des alten Kastens aber auch Protagonist und Ich-Erzähler Simon, dessen Vergangenheit … „2423: Roman Klementovic – Dunkelnah“ weiterlesen

Im Oktober erscheint im Maro-Verlag ein besonderes Heft: Nämlich Oles Erzählung "Auf der Suche nach der gestohlenen Zeit".Was tun wir Menschen eigentlich den lieben langen Tag, wenn wir für Staat und Kapital unsere Lebenszeit hergeben? Das erklärt der Protagonist dieser Erzählung seinen Katzen – und versucht, inmitten des alltäglichen Wahnsinns nicht verrückt zu werden.Dieses Heft zeigt auf, woran die meisten Menschen leiden – und wie viel lebenswerter die Welt sein könnte. Das schöne Leben für alle fängt die französische Künstlerin Olga Prader mit ihrem Zeichenstift ein.Zu Autorenwelt geht es hier entlang:https://shop.autorenwelt.de/products/auf-der-suche-nach-der-gestohlenen-zeit-von-ole-nymoen?srsltid=AfmBOorzYeL8tfj7Z0XFdAXRCrktjXQ1rxDwzhiDCqx3wRZdsC-7EYQiZum Maro-Verlag geht es hier:https://www.maroverlag.de/marohefte/309-auf-der-suche-nach-der-gestohlenen-zeit-9783875126358.html

Wie eine Umfrage im Auftrag von Golden Toast ermittelte: Der Toaster ist das am wenigsten geliebte Küchengerät! Obwohl? Also, der Protagonist in unserer Geschichte heute ... Der Beitrag Mann mit Toaster erschien zuerst auf Morgenradio.

In dieser Folge von DAS IST KUNST spricht Jumoke Olusanmi mit der Fotojournalistin Lea Greub. In den letzten Jahren ist Greub in ganz Europa unterwegs gewesen, um an Fotoreportagen und multimedialen Projekten zu arbeiten. Dabei beschäftigt sie sich mit soziopolitischen, queer-feministischen Themen und Europapolitik, wobei „Grenzen“ in unterschiedlichen Formen, immer wieder eine Rolle spielen. So erforschte sie die Wirkung des Bürgerkriegs auf die nachfolgenden Generationen in der Stadt Belfast, die bis heute durch Mauern durchzogen wird, um Konflikten vorzubeugen. In ihrer mit dem gute aussichten-Preis ausgezeichneten Arbeit „No Georgian Dream“ erzählt Lea Greub von den Träumen und Sehnsüchten junger Menschen in Georgien und den politischer Veränderung die damit kollidieren. Im Podcast spricht Lea Greub über Europa, Theater und wie sie gemeinsam mit ihren Protagonist*innen ihre Bilder inszeniert.

T.L. McCoy is the founder of Blue Round Book Group, LLC, and the author of DELILAH VERSUS THE GHASTLY GRIM, a magical middle-grade fantasy novel inspired by her real-life granddaughter, who lives with a rare and life-threatening seizure disorder known as Dravet Syndrome. The story follows a young girl who, after a life-threatening seizure, isContinue reading "More Books with Disabled Protagonists, Please"

Matthew and Riki dissect Netflix's You and how it exposes toxic rom-com masculinity. Joe Goldberg thinks he's the romantic hero, but his obsession with being the male protagonist leads to stalking, manipulation, and murder.How does You deconstruct rom-com mythology? The show reveals what happens when someone believes they're destined to "win" the girl through grand gestures and persistence, regardless of her actual feelings.Why do classic romantic comedies teach problematic lessons? From Say Anything to When Harry Met Sally..., 80s/90s rom-coms normalized stalking behaviors as romantic devotion.Does Joe's unreliable narration work as social commentary? We debate whether the show successfully critiques toxic masculinity or risks creating viewers who sympathize with his "romantic" motivations.Other topics: Serial killer vs. murderer definitions, the symbolism of Joe's book preservation room, Penn Badgley's performance balancing sympathy with horror, the way Joe constructs a dream version of his girlfriend in his mind, instead of seeing the real person she is, and comparisons to other problematic protagonists like Joker. **************************************************************************This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Star Wars Generations.We want to hear from you! You can keep up with our latest news, and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.comFacebook: TheEthicalPandaInstagram: TheEthicalPandaPodcastsTwitter: EthicalPanda77Or you can join jump into the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.Want to get access to even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month, or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes. Sign up on the podcast's main page. You can even give membership as a gift!You can also support our podcasts through our sponsors:Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master AlanUse Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one year membership or gift one through this link.Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, we'll discuss the importance of choosing the right protagonist for your story, emphasising the need for a single human centre that readers can connect with, the distinction between external wants and internal needs, and the significance of crafting tailored opposition to enhance conflict.We'll also cover the role of point of view in storytelling and provides practical exercises for writers to refine their narratives.

Nebýt zrovna zraněný, musel by se Ousmane Dembélé v pondělí buď rozpůlit, anebo se z duelu v Marseille omluvit. Anebo mohl oželet pozvánku na vyhlášení Zlatého míče, kde by pak ale všem scházel. Coby nový král ankety stoprocentně.Protagonisté podcastu Nosiči vody probrali i řadu dalších témat. Především si všímali zápasu Sparty s Plzní. Anebo toho, že se duely slávistů s Bodo/Glimt a ligy v Liberci lišily jako den a noc.---Nosiči vodyFotbalový podcast Seznam Zpráv. Jaromír Bosák, Luděk Mádl a Karel Tvaroh každý týden o českém a světovém fotbalu. Příběhy, aféry, důležité postavy na hřišti i v zákulisí.Odebírejte na Podcasty.cz, Apple Podcasts nebo Spotify.Sledujte nás na Twitteru! Najdete nás tam jako @Nosicivody.Máte návrh, jak podcast vylepšit? Nebo nás chcete pochválit? Pište na audio@sz.cz.

For this week's episode, Neil and Jay chat about their five personal horror protagonist! Safe Room is a Bloody Disgusting weekly horror video game podcast with new episodes every Monday and Thursday. For additional streaming services, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Feel free to follow the show and hosts on Twitter & Blusky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BluSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Neil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Horror Bytes⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find the 9 Points Rating System here: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/Find our Avengers: Age of Ultron review here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maverick51411/episodes/2025-09-10T04_00_00-07_00 In this episode, the hosts review Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War, discussing their initial impressions, character dynamics, and the role of Thanos as both a villain and a potential main character. They explore the film's reliance on previous Marvel films for context and the effectiveness of its storytelling, particularly in relation to character development and emotional stakes. Through a detailed analysis, they explore how character arcs can span multiple films and how this affects viewer engagement and satisfaction.----------Highlights:0:00 ‘Avengers: Infinity War' Introduction6:51 Opening Scene14:07 Thanos: The Master Villain20:06 The Hero Debate34:40 Is Thanos the Protagonist?46:44 Series v. Standalone Movies1:13:16 Additional Plot Elements1:26:17 The Setting1:30:51 Lasting Impact#thanos #infinitywar #avengers #avengersassemble #thor #hulk #ironman #captainamerica #alostplot #blackwidow #gamora #filmthoughts #starlord #rocketraccoon #film #storyarc #mcu #marvelstudios 

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm talking with Bobby Podesta, longtime Pixar animator and storyteller. We dig into why storytelling and art matter, and why finding your own voice is more important than copying anyone else. Bobby opens up about his journey as an artist, the imposter syndrome he's faced, and how he learned to create art in a style that's truly his. We talk about how he turned a written novel into a graphic novel, translating dialogue and descriptions into illustrations along the way. He shares lessons from his college design teacher about noticing the art all around us—not just in museums or galleries. We also explore how design and storytelling balance function and emotion, in ways you might not even realize in everyday life. Bobby's story shows that creativity isn't about perfection – it's about showing up and being authentic. He gives a fresh perspective on how storytelling shapes the way we see the world and connect with others. This episode is full of insights for anyone who cares about art, design, and telling stories that matter. 00:00 Start 03:13 The Importance of Human Connection in Storytelling Bobby on storytelling Background: 30 years in film, always thinking about story structure. Drama is about “what you're both keeping back and what you're waiting to surprise your audience with.” Steve Jobs anecdote Jobs builds suspense with “one more thing.” On stage, he asks: “Has anyone ever wondered what this small pocket is for?” (the tiny jeans pocket). Instead of something expected like a coin, he pulls out “the world's smallest iPod and people flip out.” Why it works: audience knows the pocket's size → no need to explain iPod's dimensions. Structure: setup → familiar norm → question → twist → payoff. Bobby's takeaway: “That's really good storytelling, man. It's really good storytelling.” “People call him a salesperson. Like he's a great salesman. He's a great storyteller. If you can tell a good story, you're pulling people in. That's the key.” Robin on storytelling & AI His work is making commercials and mini-docs for startups. Says video itself doesn't matter as much as impact: “What I care about is changing human behavior and changing human emotion.” Believes the value of human storytelling is timeless: “The value of sitting at Homer's feet and listening to him recite the Iliad is never going to go away.” Bobby on storytelling & art Storytelling = fundamental way to convey and connect. Sees it like art: “Art is a way to express your opinion and how you process the world around you in a manner that hopefully other people can experience and relate to.” Calls art his “oldest friend, who I've probably treated the worst… neglected, starved, and then expect it to show up and perform.” Believes everyone can create: “Art is not a zero-sum game… art is ultimately subjective because art is an opinion about how you see the world.” Goal of art/storytelling: help others “find some relationship to the world around them through it.” 06:01 Art as a Form of Expression Robin's setup Grew up between an artist mother and entrepreneur father – “perfect intersection” of art + business. Distinguishes museum art (“old, on walls”) from art that's “around us all the time.” Points out modern communicators (Musk, Trump) as powerful storytellers/branders – even if you disagree with the content, “that is great art in the form of good communication.” Asks: why do we separate “high” art (Iliad, museums) from everyday, cultural storytelling (Pixar, branding)? Art is everywhere Bobby uses the car-buying analogy to explain awareness: “You're looking for a midsize pickup and suddenly you see them everywhere. They didn't just appear. You're just paying attention.” Art works the same way – once you start noticing, you realize it's all around you. Lesson from a design teacher: “If it wasn't dug up or grown, it's designed.” Everything man-made carries intention – and therefore, art. Pushes back on the museum-only view of art: “Saying art is only in museums is like saying there are only cars at dealerships. There are cars everywhere. There's art everywhere.” Examples of art woven into daily life: Clothing, headphones, glasses Desks, chairs, pottery, textiles Buildings, skylines, sidewalk prints Freeway dividers, lamps Even tools: “Go get a hammer. The handle's probably painted a color. It may be a penny's worth of art, but it's art, man.” Definition of art: “All these things are working with that balance between functionality and making you feel something.” Even branding choices – a color, a shape – are designed to evoke feeling. Perspective shift: Once you adjust your lens, “there's a lot of art out there. It's really, really amazing.” 12:04 The Relationship Between Artist and Art Bobby compares practice to a relationship: “It's like the people that love you the most, sometimes you treat the worst.” Practice is like a loyal friend or character always waiting: Wants to be fed, but often ignored. Always ready to show up again. “It's like that little character that shows up and is always there to help you out.” Robin asks if practice is a character on his shoulder. Bobby: “It probably is… but I love it. If there's a napkin, I'll doodle.” Art as a shared childhood language: Everyone starts out drawing: “Have you ever met an adult who didn't draw as a kid? Everyone says yes.” Drawing is how children interpret the world. Family encouragement made “the artist” part of his identity. Becoming a writer: Took a UC Berkeley Extension class called “Finishing the Novel.” Professor's advice: “You're all taking classes. None of you are professionals. Go form a writers' group.” Writers' group provided accountability → led to a first draft. Draft → literary agent → graphic novel → published book. “Flash forward all these years later and I have a book that comes out… I guess I'm an author.” Lessons on growth and identity: Identity comes from practice and persistence, not instant recognition. Progress isn't linear: “The road is not a straight line.” Common trap: believing “I should have been there already.” Bobby reframes time: “You can often have what you want, or you can have something when you want it. But you can rarely have what you want when you want it.” Letting go of rigid timelines gives a better chance of arriving. 18:01 The Process of Creating a Graphic Novel Robin asks why this story, why now, and why as a debut novel. Bobby admits he had played with different story ideas before. Thought to himself: “If I only have one chance to do this, what story do I want to tell?” Origin spark: a daydream while driving. “What if an animal just jumped out in front of me?” What if it leapt into the air and flew away? “What if that animal was a reindeer?” Question: what would a reindeer be doing here? That “what if” became the seed of the story. Bobby folded parts of himself into the idea. Loves holiday stories and movies → wanted to write one. Describes storytelling as crafting from a “pantry of experiences.” Not autobiography or documentary, but infused with pieces of his life. Details of the novel: Protagonist is an 11-year-old girl in 1955 Colorado. Bobby: “I was neither alive in 1955, nor have I ever been an 11-year-old girl, nor have I found a flying reindeer — spoiler alert.” Still, fragments of his own experiences and emotions shape the narrative. Goal as an author: To blend reality with imagination. To create something unique, fresh, and able to stand on its own. 20:58 Visual Storytelling vs. Written Storytelling Robin asks about storytelling: what's similar between Steve Jobs' two-minute iPod reveal and a 350-page graphic novel? Bobby: scale is different, but fundamentals are the same. Both are about introducing an idea, building drama, and pulling the audience in. Events and books both follow arcs: setup → build → climax → resolution. “He doesn't start the event with that, he ends the event with that. That's the climax.” Storytelling has shape across mediums: Characters introduced → audience grows to care → surprises and turns → payoffs. Example: Steve Jobs' coin pocket reveal → set up, then payoff. In a book, the payoff may come 100 pages later instead of 30 seconds. Analogy: whether you play 30 seconds of a song or an hour-long concert, you're still using the same fundamentals of music. Robin shifts to Bobby's background as a visual storyteller. As an animator of 30 years, Bobby is comfortable with visual stories, while Robin is more comfortable with written ones. Robin compares Bobby's graphic novel to The Bone Compendium (which he revisits often) and contrasts with Heinlein novels he might attempt. Robin: making comics doesn't have to be like “my mother's artwork she slaved over for years.” It can be like newspaper comics compiled into story. Asks Bobby for advice on where to begin if he wanted to try sketching a visual story. Bobby's advice: Many people don't think visual storytelling is possible for them. Shares personal story: On his first post-college date with his wife (now 25 years married), he said he wanted to write a book. It took him 25 years to actually write one. Never thought of doing a graphic novel because his drawing style didn't look like Marvel or X-Men. Even as a professional artist, felt imposter syndrome Realization: it's not about imitating Spider-Man — it's about drawing in your own style. Art is your opinion expressed visually. Stick figures can work if they serve the story. Doesn't have to be polished airbrushed paintings. How his graphic novel came about: Originally wrote the story as a regular novel. Sent to publishers with just a few illustrations. All said no — except one, who said: “I love the illustrations. Would you consider making this a graphic novel?” Bobby: “All right.” Treated it as an invitation. Decided to draw in his own style. Practical process: Took all the dialogue he had already written. Turned descriptions into drawings. Book was already written in close third person, without inner thoughts → made translation easier. First pass: dialogue in speech bubbles, description drawn. Realized: “I guess this works.” Takeaway: You don't have to start by drawing an entire book from scratch. You can begin with writing, then translate description into visuals.   28:10 Resilience in the Face of Rejection Robin points out the sheer amount of work Bobby went through: writing a book, getting rejected repeatedly, reinventing it with illustrations, then turning it into a graphic novel only to be rejected again. Robin: “It's almost the literal definition of courage… getting back up and trying again.” Notes that outsiders might think: “30-year Pixar animator, easy for you.” But the reality was rejection after rejection. Asks: how do you come back? What is your relationship with practice that allows you to face no 50 times and keep going? Bobby on optimism and imagination: “I'm lucky that I happen to be what myself and other people probably call an optimistic person.” Describes himself as “an optimist with a vivid imagination” → always assuming, “Yeah, we'll figure this out.” Loves being middle-aged because experience gives perspective: you've seen enough to know you can recover. The arc of a career/life: Beginning stage: fearless. “I can do anything because I cannot die.” Willing to leap into anything: start a company, go broke, jump off a cliff → “We'll figure it out.” Middle stage: awareness of consequences. Relationships, responsibilities, failures and successes → “I don't know if I should do anything.” Weight of awareness can freeze you. Later stage: resilience. “I'm still here, I figured it out.” Confidence comes not from avoiding mistakes but from knowing: “I can recover from anything.” Personal examples: Bobby's two kids are both in college. He reflects on their application process: multiple schools, multiple options. His own experience was the opposite: Applied to only one school (CalArts). Barely got in. Supported by his single mother, who let him pursue art school. That early challenge taught him persistence and how to “figure it out.” The practice of persistence: Life and career filled with moments of trial and error. “That didn't work. Okay, maybe this. Well, that didn't work. Maybe this.” Sometimes progress feels like moving backwards before going forward again. Analogy: like a Roomba. Hits an obstacle → bounces, changes direction, keeps moving. “I don't know that equating myself to a robot vacuum is the best thing, but it eventually gets the whole job done.” 33:33 Storytelling Frameworks and Structures Bobby on classical story structure in his book: Book follows a traditional arc: opening, inciting incident (

Snímek Raději zešílet v divočině, který volně navazuje na stejnojmennou knihu, natočil režisér Miro Remo. „Filmové turné jsme odstartovali na Šumavě. Jel jsem tam s obavami, jak se na příběh budou dívat ti, kteří hlavní protagonisty znají. Tedy dvojčata Klišíkova – František a Ondřej,“ říká.

Snímek Raději zešílet v divočině, který volně navazuje na stejnojmennou knihu, natočil režisér Miro Remo. „Filmové turné jsme odstartovali na Šumavě. Jel jsem tam s obavami, jak se na příběh budou dívat ti, kteří hlavní protagonisty znají. Tedy dvojčata Klišíkova – František a Ondřej,“ říká.Všechny díly podcastu Hovory můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.

Mentale Gesundheit – ein Thema, das jeden angeht. Millionen von Menschen in Deutschland werden mindestens einmal in ihrem Leben psychisch krank, und dennoch ist das Thema ein Tabu, vor allem im beruflichen Kontext. In seiner letzten Interview-Folge als Host des NWX Podcast spricht Marc-Sven Kopka mit Michael Trautmann, einem der bekanntesten Köpfe der Werbe- und Agenturwelt sowie prominenter Protagonist der New-Work-Szene. Michael erzählt von seiner Karriere auf der Überholspur, von Erfolgen, die nach außen glänzten, und von den Schattenseiten, die ihn in eine tiefe Krise führten, zunächst ohne es selbst zu bemerken. Eindrucksvoll und schonungslos beschreibt er seinen mentalen Absturz, erzählt von seinen Erfahrungen in der Klinik – und vom Weg heraus aus der Krankheit. Michael Trautmanns intensive Schilderungen zeigen, dass einerseits niemand gefeit ist vor mentalen Problemen. Dass es andererseits aber Wege gibt, sich daraus zu befreien und wieder gesund zu werden. Darüber hinaus gibt er aus eigener Erfahrung Tipps zur Prophylaxe und Früherkennung sowie zur Überwindung des Stigmas, die psychischen Krankheiten nach wie vor anhaften.

If your structure is perfect on paper, but your story still falls flat, this might be what you're missing.Have you ever structured a story with all the right pieces, but something still feels flat?You check all the boxes on paper:✅ Inciting incident✅ Progressive complications✅ Turning point✅ Crisis✅ Climax✅ ResolutionAnd yet it still falls flat. They mostly align, probably, you're pretty sure. But somehow, they're not working together the way they should.The turning point doesn't pack the right punch. The crisis doesn't feel devastating enough, even though all is technically lost. The climax doesn't feel like a cathartic payoff, but a gentle womp-womp.All the pieces are there. So what went wrong?Here's the thing: in order for the six elements of story to work, you have to understand your character's goal.Most writers have a vague sense of what their protagonist generally wants. But that's not enough.You need to know specifically the thing that they want—and the thing they don't want.So in this episode, I'm putting the goal under the microscope. You'll learn:Why it's not enough to know what your character wantsA super-simple framework for a character's goal (seriously, it's ridiculously easy)How that framework summarizes the meaning of the entire storyAnd how the goal glues all six elements of story together, driving the entire story from inciting incident to resolutionWithout a clearly defined goal, all the structure in the world won't make your story come alive.With it, everything else falls neatly into place.Dig deeper with these related episodes:Inciting incident (qualities & traps)Progressive complications (qualities)Progressive complications (traps)Content genresSend me a Text Message!Support the showRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »

Your protagonist's first appearance can make or break your story. That opening impression tells your reader whether they should lean in, or move on.Too often, writers get stuck in backstory, mundane routines, or quirky details that don't really matter yet. The result? A flat introduction that fails to spark curiosity or connection.In this episode, we'll cover:Why your protagonist's introduction carries so much weight.The 4 most common mistakes writers make in opening scenes.3 strategies to ensure your main character's first appearance is memorable, relatable, and compelling.By the end, you'll know how to craft an introduction that makes readers care, and keeps them turning pages.Episode Web PageNot sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You'll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, and the clarity and confidence to keep going.Download Your Quick Guide HereWant to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Ein Gespräch am märchenhaften Ort Im September 2025 traf Wolfgang Tischer den österreichischen Autor Michael Köhlmeier im Schwarzwald anlässlich der 10. Literaturtage Nordschwarzwald. Diese hochkarätige Veranstaltung findet alle zwei Jahre in Baiersbronn, Dornstetten und Freudenstadt statt und lockt mit einem besonderen Ambiente - Lesungen in Hütten am Waldrand und Museen. Kuratiert von Walle Seier und veranstaltet von der VHS Freudenstadt, bildeten in diesem Jahr Autorinnen und Autoren wie Monika Helfer, Arnold Stadler, Angelika Overath und Judith Herrmann das hochkarätige Programm. Buch: Die Verdorbenen von Michael Köhlmeier Köhlmeiers aktueller Roman »Die Verdorbenen« steht auf der Longlist zum Deutschen Buchpreis 2025 und erzählt die Geschichte des Studenten Johann im Marburg der frühen 1970er Jahre. Ein scheinbar harmloses Ereignis - ein 20-minütiger Spaziergang um einen See mit einer Kommilitonin - führt zu ungeahnten Folgen. Was Figuren mit ihren Autoren machen Besonders faszinierend ist Köhlmeiers Schilderung seines Schreibprozesses: »Wenn es mir dann nicht gelingt als Schriftsteller, spätestens nach einer Seite, dass diese Figur irgendwie mich führt und nicht ich die Figur, dann funktioniert es nicht. Die Figur erzählt mir die Geschichte.« Diese Wendungen können auch für den Autor selbst verstörend sein. Wenn sein Protagonist als Kind auf die Frage des Vaters, was er einmal tun möchte, antwortet: »Ich möchte einmal einen Mann töten«, dann wusste Köhlmeier beim Schreiben selbst »keine zwei Zeilen vorher«, dass diese Worte kommen würden. »Natürlich bleibt mir immer die Möglichkeit, das zu ignorieren«, sagt Köhlmeier,  »aber dann bin ich ein Verräter gegenüber meiner literarischen Figur.« Biografische Referenzen, weil es einfacher war Köhlmeier nutzt für »Die Verdorbenen« biografische Elemente - er studierte wie sein Protagonist in Marburg -, betont aber die Distanz zur eigenen Person: »Ich habe hier meine Biografie ausgebeutet, ohne dass aber ich eine Identität hätte mit der Person, die hier erzählt.« Es sei schlichtweg einfacher gewesen, das Marburg der 1970er Jahre zu beschreiben, weil er es kenne. Hören Sie die komplette Podcast-Folge, um mehr über Köhlmeiers Verhältnis zu seinen Figuren, die Entstehung kraftvoller Sätze und seine Gedanken zu Wilhelm Hauffs »Das kalte Herz« zu erfahren - aufgenommen an einem märchenhaften Ort im Schwarzwald, der schon Hauff zu seinem wohl bekanntesten Text inspirierte.

Our favorite competition is getting set to kick off and we're here for it. Plus USMNT chatter and a dive into the USL League One Playoff picture. Oh, and the HENNY DERBY.

Kat Crosswell is based in Oakland. Her novel is about a Black family living in  Chicago in the 1970s. It's called, “Pieces of Eight: A Harper Family Mixtape.” It came out earlier this year. 

The Boyz celebrate their Top 10 Final Fantasy Protagonists. Published Sep 10, 2025.   For all things RudeBoyz, head to: linktr.ee/rudeboyz   Find us on Podbean, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn!   Thanks for listening, leave a comment & join the RudeNation! Review us on your podcast platform of choice, screenshot it, DM us, and get a shout-out!

Y'all like that spicy talk?Intro - 0:00This Week In Anime - 3:03Dandadan Ep 10 - 15:26My Dress Up My Darling Ep 10 - 30:50Kaiju No. 8 Ep 8 - 40:42The Summer Hikaru Died Ep 10 - 45:30Rascal Doesn't Dream of Santa Clause Ep 10 - 52:147th Prince S2 Ep 9 - 1:03:16Panty and Sticking S2 Ep 9 - 1:07:24'This Week In Anime' Sources:https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-09-06/trails-in-the-sky-1st-chapter-remake-game-unveils-dlc-in-new-trailer/.228508https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-09-04/new-live-action-street-fighter-film-reveals-cast-october-2026-opening/.228439Check us out on Twitter! https://twitter.com/GA_Reviews And on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/gareviews/ Join the party on our Discord! https://discord.gg/gareviewsNow on Twitch!: https://www.twitch.tv/gareviews/Support the channel and get some awesome perks: https://www.patreon.com/GAreviews

This week we're throwing it back to season 2. Valerie is studying The Hero's Gift Expressed and Melanie is studying Forces of Antagonism. Legally Blonde is a beautiful example of both! Get The Fundamentals of Storytelling today! Go to storynerd.ca/courses and use coupon code CANADA50, now through July 7, for 50% off. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Anyone who loves a strong female lead will enjoy listening to this episode. In addition to talking about why it seems unlikable older women are getting thrown under the literary bus lately, hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist delve into these six novels:  The Satisfaction Café: Kathy WangBug Hollow: Michelle HunevenAt Last: Marisa SilverFonseca: Jessica Francis KaneA Dog in Georgia: Lauren GrodsteinSeduction Theory: Emily Adrian Here is Fall into Fitness: Harvest Your Strength.    When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR.We appreciate your—and their—support! Put Currex insoles in all your shoes:Get 15% off w/ code AMR15 at Currex.com   For $25 off your first order, use codeAMR25 at GOSleeves.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special guest John Howard-Fusco joins the show to talk all things USL women's soccer. USL Super League and W League talk throughout this episode. Plus so much more!

Do kin 21. srpna vstupuje film Velký vlastenecký výlet, který zachycuje reakce zastánců Ruska na realitu války na Ukrajině. Štáb na cestě doprovázela tlumočnice Lucie Řehoříková, která je hostem podcastu Novinek Zbytečná válka.

Josh and Dan take on the biggest news in the American game (and beyond) and bring their own dynamic approach and perspective to discussing it. 

In Episode 49 of Undercurrents of Romance, Tracey Devlyn sits down with New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer to discuss her new adult romantasy, WARRIOR PRINCESS ASSASSIN. A deceitful princess. A haunted king. A conflicted assassin. Brigid Kemmerer weaves a richly layered romantasy bursting with political stakes, tangled loyalties, and burning chemistry. With deadly magic and forbidden longing on every page, this is the first book in a fierce new trilogy you won't want to miss. Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

Dive into the world of 2000s fantasy and uncover what makes the protagonists of this iconic era so brilliant! From incredible wit to mind-boggling courage, we're exploring the characteristics that make these heroes unforgettable. Join us as we delve into the world of fantasy and discover what sets these 2000s protagonists apart. Whatever your fantasy subgenre preferences, this episode has something for you! So, sit back, relax, and get ready to revisit the magic of the 2000s fantasy protagonists.#FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #SFF #FantasyFiction #BestFantasy #BookRecommendations #TBR #ReadingRecommendations #booktube #booktuberWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Abhorsen: https://t.ly/6tFVmAmerican Gods: https://t.ly/e_8taCatching Fire: https://t.ly/DUcyADevlin's Luck: https://t.ly/Ad5YiDragons of a Vanished Moon: https://t.ly/xTcnOElantris: https://t.ly/1l0VREragon: https://t.ly/nxt-RFablehaven: https://t.ly/iahqyGraceling: https://t.ly/jOinHHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: https://t.ly/7CZTXKnife of Dreams: https://t.ly/cLSQzMistborn: The Final Empire: https://t.ly/ErX1KMortalis: https://t.ly/OnntmThe Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbgPaladin of Souls: https://t.ly/t7UugRed-Headed Stepchild: https://t.ly/xwt1VServant of the Shard: https://t.ly/JFv2-Skulduggery Pleasant: https://t.ly/zyojpStorm Front: https://t.ly/eJ5CQThe Way of Shadows: https://t.ly/jfqhzWolves of the Calla: https://t.ly/a3XOLWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 ————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

In a month where we hoped not a lot would happen, a whole lot happened. Xbox went on a massive spree of layoffs. Nintendo has broken records with the Switch 2, and a bunch of mobile games keep happening, despite our wishes.Our main topic is a discussion of protagonists we despise! Please stop making us play as these lame characters!Theme Song by David WiseTo support our show and get exclusive access to over 75 bonus episodes, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/hairofthedogcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Us: Blue.Sky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/hairofthedogcast.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-Mail: Hairofthedogcast@gmail.com Write us a review! We appreciate your support!

Diverse Voices Book Review host Hopeton Hay interviewed Madeleine Thien, author of the novel THE BOOK OF RECORDS. The novel tells a time-bending, seven-year philosophical journey of a young girl named Lina, who is taught by her father and neighbors about the lives of three historical figures. They live in a surreal enclave, where Lina and her father have sought refuge after escaping a disaster in China. In the interview, we talked about how she weaves together the stories of three historical figures: Du Fu, an 8th-century Chinese poet; Baruch Spinoza, a 17th-century Dutch Jewish philosopher; and Hannah Arendt, a mid-20th-century German-American Jewish philosopher and political theorist. Lina learns about their theories and ideas and the grief, love, and tragedy they have experienced. Madeleine Thien is the author of four books, including Do Not Say We Have Nothing, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Granta, The New York Review of Books, and elsewhere.  Diverse Voices Book Review Social Media: Facebook - @diversevoicesbookreview Instagram - @diverse_voices_book_review X - @diversebookshay Email: hbh@diversevoicesbookreview.com 

Quintin, Tristan, Andrea, and Welling rank the top 12 movies with a villain protagonist in honour of Bad Guys 2 releasing in theatres. Which movies will make the list out of American Psycho, The Shining, and A Clockwork Orange? Find out now.

Find the 9 Points Rating system here: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/ In this episode of A Lost Plot, the hosts review the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe release, 'Fantastic Four First Steps.' They discuss their initial reactions, character dynamics, and the overarching themes of family and sacrifice. The conversation delves into character development for Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and The Thing, as well as the portrayal of villains Galactus and Silver Surfer. The hosts critique the film's climax and its lasting impact on the franchise, ultimately concluding that while the film has its merits, it falls short in character development and thematic depth.----------Highlights:0:00 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' Introduction5:53 Opening Scene10:58 Protagonists and Themes16:19 Reed Richards or Mr. Fantastic21:15 Sue Storm29:07 The Human Torch and The Thing36:31 Galactus50:00 Silver Surfer58:45 Themes Revisited#fantasticfour #fantasticfourfirststeps #mcu #marvelreview #characteranalysis #galactus #suestorm #reedrichards #alostplot #storytelling #film #filmthoughts #superherofilms #silversurfer 

Explore the epic fantasy heroes of the 1950s era! Join us on a thrilling journey through the most iconic characters that shaped the fantasy genre. From legendary warriors to mythical creatures, we'll delve into the fascinating world of fantasy heroes that captured the hearts of readers and audiences alike. Get ready to revisit the golden age of fantasy and discover the heroes that inspired generations of writers, artists, and filmmakers.#FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #SFF #FantasyFiction ##BestFantasy #BookRecommendations #TBR #ReadingRecommendations #booktube #booktuberWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Fellowship of the Ring: https://t.ly/DYEYOThe Last Battle: https://t.ly/AzermThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: https://t.ly/RhkALThe Once and Future King: https://t.ly/veIkRPrince Caspian: https://t.ly/WkBdpThe Return of Conan: https://t.ly/kpqicThe Return of the King: https://t.ly/JWFUqThe Silver Chair: https://t.ly/F9asPTitus Alone: https://t.ly/gxoa2The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: https://t.ly/if6EVWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 ————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Episode Description: In this special bonus episode, Claire shares practical, story-focused advice for one of the most common (and frustrating) issues writers face: not knowing their protagonist. Whether your main character feels flat, unmotivated, or like a stranger you just can't crack, this episode offers a clear path forward—with help from the Enneagram, of course. Claire explains how understanding your protagonist's core fear and desire can unlock their behavior, clarify their voice, and get your story moving again. She also walks you through the process of choosing the right Enneagram type for your character, using concrete examples to show how motivation drives everything from plot to emotional depth. Plus, she shares an exciting update about her new book, Write Iconic Characters, and its currently-running Kickstarter campaign! In this episode, you'll learn: Why some protagonists “refuse” to follow the plot—and how to fix it How to use Enneagram types to shape character motivation What to do when you've blended multiple Enneagram types by accident The simplest way to start creating a protagonist who feels authentic Why writing your own Enneagram type can actually be a storytelling superpower How to reverse-engineer your protagonist based on your story world or theme What to do if your usual character-building methods aren't working Back the Write Iconic Characters Kickstarter (ends Aug 8): https://liberatedwriter.com/kickstarter Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Access the transcript here. Happy Writing!  

Messi skipped the MLS All-Star match and now all hell is breaking loose. Does this spell the end of his time in the States? Probably not, but we discuss it regardless. Plus NISA 3.0 and season two of the USL Super League.

Die Geschichte davon, wie eine Naturkatastrophe vor 200 Jahren den Menschen Angst vor einem Weltuntergang bereitet. Und wie zwei sehr unterschiedliche Männer ein altes Rätsel lösen. Der Klimaphysiker Michael Sigl erforscht das Klima auf der Erde zu längst vergangenen Zeiten. Walter Bersinger verbringt seit seiner Pension viel Zeit mit einem privaten Recherche-Projekt, das sich um die Schweiz-Reisen eines seiner Lieblings-Komponisten dreht. Der Komponist - der dritte Protagonist dieser Geschichte - heisst Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy und reiste im Sommer 1831 während fünf Wochen einmal quer durch die Schweiz. Eine Reise, die gezeichnet ist von heftigen Unwettern und rätselhaften Phänomenen am Himmel. Durch einen Zufall lernen sich Walter Bersinger und Michael Sigl kennen. Es gelingt ihnen schliesslich, die Ursache hinter dem katastrophal schlechten Wetter im Sommer 1831 zu lösen und zu erklären, warum Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy damals dermassen verregnet wurde. Das Ende. Die letzte Sommerserie der Radio Wissenschaftsredaktion. Folge 3/7 In der Sendung zu Wort kommen: - Michael Sigl, Klimaphysiker, Universität Bern - Walter Bersinger, früher Verwalter einer Pensionskasse, seit einigen Jahren pensioniert Publikation von Michael Sigl: pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2416699122 Webseite von Walter Bersinger: walterbersinger.ch/mendelssohn-reise-1831/ Hörpunkt-Stunde von 2011 zu Felix Mendelssohns Reise von 1831: srf.ch/audio/hoerpunkt-toene-aus-dem-reisekoffer/felix-mendelssohn-zu-fuss-durch-die-schweiz?uuid=46d1bcc7-45fb-4660-ab17-77345138fff6

The author of This Love is Not For Cowards: Salvation and Soccer in Ciudad Juárez sits down with Josh and Dan to discuss his book, his time in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and how soccer inspired his work. 

Just before last weekend's matchup between El Paso Locomotive and San Antonio FC, Dan sat down with the two founders of Copa Tejas, Steve Arters and Danielle Gawronski. They explain the competition, the important role it plays for Texas soccer clubs, and how they'd love to see it expand.

With the news bring dominated by Cup competitions, Dan and Josh break down the state of play and what they are watching.

We invited Danielle & John from Protagonist Soccer to talk about DC Power's first year...

This week in the Wrap Party, Zeth and Jake are talking about John Holmes, Boogie Nights, commercials from the ‘80s and ‘90s, Gen X, the difference between Eddie and the Hot Rods and Eddie and the Cruisers, summer playlists, and washed-up protagonists. Next week, get ready for our episode on Roman Polanski. In the meantime, Zeth and Jake want to hear from you. What are you watching and listening to? What did you think of the John Holmes/Wonderland Murders episode? Join the party and give us your recs and reviews! Call or text (617) 906-6638, email disgracelandpod@gmail.com, or reach out on socials @disgracelandpod. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jess and Trisha talk about Jane Austen feelings - yours and theirs! - and then get into Kamila Knows Best for book club. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our Kissing Books newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! TBR delivers reading recommendations hand-picked just for you by real human book nerds. You can get your recommendations via email, or receive hardcovers or paperbacks in the mail. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Plans start at just $18! This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. News: We got all caught up in Jane Austen and forgot to talk about it, but check out the After the End Kickstarter! Books Discussed: One and Done by Frederick Smith Whenever You're Ready by Rachel Runya Katz Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron Daughter of Tides by Kit Rocha Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and Lady Susan - all by Jane Austen Let us know what you're reading, what you're thinking, and what you're thinking about what you're reading! As always, you can find Jess and Trisha at the WIR email address (wheninromance@bookriot.com). You can also find us on Twitter (@jessisreading), or Instagram (@jess_is_reading and @trishahaleybrown), and Jess is even on TikTok (@jess_isreading). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices