Podcasts about story structure

Today's Lake and Shed framed conversation is about J. K. Rowling's first “original screenplay,” Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Nick does his signature deep dive into the history of the Fantastic Beasts film franchise's origins in Warner Brothers' determination to keep the Wizarding World profit-pillar in their portfolio alive after the last Harry Potter adaptation — and Rowling's equal determination that they not use their copyright privilege to muck up her legacy with an Indiana Jones meets Crocodile Dundee knock-off. John takes the Shed pole in the conversation and shares his months long pursuit of the shooting text screenplay, the actual last screenplay over which Rowling had control. He lays out the (1) twelve scenes that were cut from that shooting script by Steven Kloves, David Heyman, and David Yates as they “fit the woman to the dress” of Hollywood blockbuster formula, and (2) how it made a mess of the movie's chiastic integrity. Hat tip to Kelly Loomis!New to the Lake and Shed Kanreki Birthday series? Here's what we're doing:On 31 July 2025, Joanne Murray, aka J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, will be celebrating her 60th birthday. This celebration is considered a ‘second birth' in Japan or Kanreki because it is the completion of the oriental astrological cycle. To mark JKR's Kanreki, Dr John Granger and Nick Jeffery, both Nipponophiles, are reading through Rowling's twenty-one published works and reviewing them in light of the author's writing process, her ‘Lake and Shed' metaphor. The ‘Lake' is the biographical source of her inspiration; the ‘Shed' is the alocal place of her intentional artistry, in which garage she transforms the biographical stuff provided by her subconscious mind into the archetypal stories that have made her the most important author of her age. You can hear Nick and John discuss this process and their birthday project at the first entry in this series of posts: Happy Birthday, JKR! A Lake and Shed Celebration of her Life and Work.Tomorrow? It's back to a book we know was written by Joanne Murray, aka Robert Galbraith, Lethal White, the fourth Cormoran Strike novel. Nick promises to lay out the tensions between classes and castes in this book and how the story told reflects those tensions in Rowling's own life. John is set to discuss how Ibsen's Rosmersholm, the source of this book's epigraphs, is also a story template for this turning point of the first seven books. Stay tuned! Links to posts mentioned in today's Lake and Shed conversation for further reading:Unlocking Fantastic Beasts: Finding the Text* Preface: ‘The Original Screenplay' – Not the Shooting Script or Even a Faithful Movie Transcript (What the Movie Makers Changed or Left Out)* Preface 2: Comparing the Original Screenplay with the Actual Film: What the Film Makers Left Out, Changed, or Deleted (with Kelly Loomis)* Part 1: J. K. Rowling, Screenwriter — Who is Working for Whom?* Part 2: The Film Makers and Decision Makers?* Part 3: The Six Scenes You Missed in Fantastic Beasts and the Seventh: GrindelGraves' Vision* Part 4: Fantastic Beasts Revelations from the Far Side Sources (Can You Say ‘Lego Movie'?) * Part 5: So What? The Found Text and Its Meaning* 5.1 The Story of the Text We're Looking For* 5.2 Theseus the Hero and Newt Scamander* 5.3 Jacob Kowalski: Is He Bigger than Newt?* 5.4 The Grindelwald-Credence Relationship* 5.5 Lumos and the Barebone OrphanageInterpretation and Speculation: Ring Structure, Christian Content, Elder Wand, Etc.* On the Story Structure of Fantastic Beasts: Is It a Ring?* On the Deep Back Story Revealed in Fantastic Beasts* On the Christian Content in Fantastic Beasts — and the New Controversy* Rune Magic in ‘Fantastic Beasts'? I wish* Why the Film Franchise Cannot Win a Major League ‘Oscar'* Nicolas Flamel to Appear in the Sequel? Don't You Believe It!* Who is the Death Stick's Master? The Elder Wand and Fantastic BeastsPodcasts:* Fantastic Beasts Ring Composition: A ‘Reading, Writing, Rowling' Podcast (with Katy McDaniel and Brett Kendall)* On Rowling's Missteps and Misappropriatrions in ‘History of Magic in North America‘ (with Dr. Amy H. Sturgis and Allison Mills, MuggleNet Academia podcast)* The HogwartsProfessors Talk ‘Fantastic Beasts' (with Louise Freeman, Emily Strand, and Elizabeth Baird-Hardy; MuggleNet Academia podcast)* Eugenics in American History and Fantastic Beasts (with Professor Chris Gavaler of Washington and Lee University; MuggleNet Academia podcast)Elizabeth Baird-Hardy's Fantastic Beasts Posts* Throwback Thursday with Narnia, Newt Scamander, and Fantastic Beasts: Part I* Throwback Thursday with Narnia, Newt Scamander, and Fantastic Beasts: Part II* Pack Your Bags! Newt Scamander's Fantastic Beast-y Suitcase, Hermione's Handbag, and their Literary Relatives* Five Spoiler-Free Reasons Potterphiles will Love Fantastic Beasts* Thanksgiving Thoughts on Terrific Treats from Fantastic Beasts!* Fantastic Beast Flashbacks: The Five Things We Want to Know about What Happened BEFORE Newt's NY Adventure* Fairies and Wizards? A Midsummer Night's Dream and What We Might Expect from Crimes of GrindelwaldGuest Posts:* Wayne Stauffer: Names in Fantastic Beasts* Beatrice Groves: On ‘Nagini Maledictus' – Literary Allusion in Fantastic BeastsThe twelve HogwartsProfessor birthday videos posted thus far in this series can be read at the links below:* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* A Lake and Shed Reading of Casual Vacancy* A Lake and Shed Reading of Cuckoo's Calling* A Lake and Shed Reading of The Silkworm* A Lake and Shed Reading of Career of Evil* A Lake and Shed Reading of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Get full access to Hogwarts Professor at hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

In City Of (S1 E1 of Angel), the Powers That Be reach out to Angel, who is struggling to fight evil without becoming evil himself. Along with the recap of City Of, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) themes of connection, friendship, and staying in the fight; (2) revisiting characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and meeting new ones; (3) how City Of expands and alters the Buffyverse; and (4) where the episode falls on a scale of 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Find more Buffy podcasts at https://www.millionpodcasts.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-podcasts/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Full Show Notes: www.authorlkhill.com/post/ep264 Check out the Legendary Fiction Forge here (Only $17 for first month!): https://6figurestoryteller.com/join-lff-67 Get my free 10 Universal Plot Points to Craft Any Story mini course here: https://bit.ly/10plotpoints  

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation is a great example of good, straight forward storytelling. Yes, it's an action movie with big stunts. Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief.  Yes, it's Tom Cruise.  But there's more craft in this movie than meets the eye. This episode, I'll show you what I mean and Valerie will give her take on the interesting variation of the Villian's monologue. Just in case anyone was wondering, Valerie and I do our own stunts on the podcast. -M 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.

Bloom Into You Review & Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Anime CharactersEpisode Overview:Join AniPro hosts; Cole, Mike, and Jay as they dive into, and review, the hit yuri anime adaptation of Bloom Into You!Also, the hosts express their favorite LGBTQIA2S+ characters, what's been going on in their crazy weeks, and more!Topics & Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro & Episode Preview 00:02:44 – My Friend Roboco Manga Talk 00:06:49 – Mike's Web Dev School Update 00:10:57 – Mobile Gaming, Minecraft & Chill Chat 00:18:15 – Hange Zoe, Summer Hikaru Died, Land of the Lustrous 00:24:01 – Skip & Loafer, One Piece, Scott Pilgrim, Astolfo 00:28:59 – Witch from Mercury, Yuri on Ice, Heavenly Delusion 00:32:52 – Birdo Lore, Kino's Journey, Sailor Moon 00:39:20 – Listener's Choice Winner & Segment Break 00:44:10 – Eating Fish: A Culinary Tangent 00:47:42 – Bloom Into You Review Begins 00:55:10 – Animation & Visual Direction 01:01:13 – Soundtrack, Voice Acting, OP & ED 01:06:44 – Romance in Bloom Into You 01:11:44 – LGBTQ+ Representation & Themes 01:16:52 – Main Character Archetypes 01:23:34 – Character Relationships & Dynamics 01:29:21 – Plot Pacing & Story Structure 01:37:45 – Final Thoughts & Ratings 01:42:20 – Wrap-Up & What's Coming NextSupport AniPro:Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe:X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropodDiscord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews:Anime – BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! → ID: INVADEDManga – Cosmos → Wandance → Kindergarten WarsMusic & Credits:Opening Theme – “Shibuya”Bumper Track – "The Most High" by moon cafeMusic licensed via – slip.streamEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

You've built your story beat by beat. Your characters are in place. The stakes are high. But now you've hit the final stretch—Act Three—and suddenly, it's not clear how to land the plane. This is where even seasoned writers stumble.In this episode, Zena tackles the storytelling tension of bringing everything together in a satisfying, powerful way—without falling into cliché or chaos. If you're unsure how to pace your climax, resolve subplots, or create that unforgettable moment of truth, this conversation will light the path.Spoiler: The final act doesn't need to be long—it just needs to be right.✨ Plus: This episode is pulled from Zena's private Office Hours, available to anyone who's purchased one of her courses. Want direct access like this? You can! Learn more at The Storyteller's Mission.Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO#amwriting #authorproblems #faithwriters #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter #StoryStructure #WritingTips #PlotDevelopment #ActThree #ScreenwritingLife Send us a textSupport the show

Send us a textAuthor Daniel Braum discusses setting, how it can unknowingly capture moments in time, and why it is necessary to immerse readers into the story.▬Check out Dan's author page and his books:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Braum/author/B01F9C69PShttps://bloodandstardust.wordpress.com/page/2/Follow him on his socials to see what happens next:https://www.facebook.com/DanielBraumFiction/https://www.instagram.com/daniel_braum/

Ready to journey back to a galaxy far, far away? This episode is your deep dive into the second season of Andor! Listen in as The Cinedicate and the Grindhouse Girls team up with WSTR: Galactic Public Access to discuss the darker edge Star Wars has taken. We break down real-world parallels, favorite scenes, and even weigh in on the future of storytelling within Star Wars—plus, some wild tangents, epic impressions, and laugh-out-loud moments you don't want to miss.What to expect from the episode:An in-depth discussion of Andor Season 2, exploring Cassian Andor's reluctant hero arc, the show's effective lead-in to Rogue One, and fresh perspectives on familiar characters like Mon Mothma and Luthen RaelThoughtful conversation about the show's mature tone, real-world parallels to revolution and political unrest, and how Andor challenges traditional Star Wars notions of good and evilLively banter about Star Wars fandom, related media (including spin-offs, comics, and collectibles), and plenty of geeky tangents that include everything from favorite podcast projects to video game recommendations and behind-the-scenes Star Wars loreEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 - WSTR Intro and Guest Introductions  00:03:07 - Katie's Star Wars Fandom and Podcast Background  00:08:03 - Is Cassian a Hero or a Reluctant Survivor?  00:10:01 - Does Andor Seamlessly Lead into Rogue One?  00:13:42 - The Role of Everyday People in the Rebellion  00:15:29 - Time Jumps and Their Effect on Story Structure  00:18:17 - Character Arcs and Growth (Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera)  00:21:54 - Blaster Logic, Gore, and Plot Armor in Star Wars  00:28:32 - Luthen Rael's Strategy and Moral Ambiguity  00:33:43 - ISB, Krennic, and Deidre's Political Power Plays  00:41:02 - Revolution, Protest, and Real-World Parallels  00:46:40 - Exploring the Shades of Good and Evil  00:50:52 - Sacrifice, Gorman Massacre, and Rebellion Consequences  00:54:00 - Comparing Andor's Tone to Other Star Wars Shows  01:15:00 - Casting Hypotheticals01:18:48 - Final Ratings and Thoughts on Andor Season 2  01:24:46 - News of the Week: Comics and Force Ghosts  01:38:28 - Cantina Chat: Personal Geeky Interests  01:39:10 - Clock Tower Game Series and Survival Horror  01:43:04 - Pee-wee Herman Documentary and Legacy  01:52:23 - Helldivers, Star Wars in Fortnite, and Darth Jar Jar  01:55:41 - DC vs Marvel Chat, Doom Prequel, and Summer Trooping  01:58:08 - Outro and Final Goodbye----------Listen to Katie on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.Listen to Todd and Carla on their podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn't quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character's lowest emotional point? Is redemption supposed to kick in right away? What if your character is still flailing?In this episode, Zena challenges the conventional “lowest point” terminology and offers a more nuanced, flexible way to think about this crucial plot transition—and how understanding this shift can raise the stakes and deepen your protagonist's arc.Want access to office hours like this one?This episode comes straight from Zena's monthly Office Hours, an exclusive perk for anyone who's ever taken one of her courses. These private Q&A sessions are your chance to get unstuck, get clarity, and get expert feedback—directly from Zena herself.Get in on it: Take any of Zena's courses to unlock lifetime access to Office Hours. If you're ready to deepen your craft and get personal feedback from Zena herself, check out her online courses.Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO#amwriting #authorproblems #shortstory #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter #StoryStructure #WritingTips #PlotDevelopment #ActTwoToThree #ScreenwritingLife Send us a textSupport the show

Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen time?In this episode, Zena answers the question: does the Hollywood Plot Map apply to short films, or is it overkill? Her answer might surprise you—and give you permission to stop overthinking and start trusting your creative instincts.What You'll Learn:- Which story elements are absolutely essential in a short film—and which ones you can let go.- Why short films come with more creative freedom… and why that can make them even harder to get right.- How to think about character transformation when you don't have the luxury of 90 pages.Want to ask Zena your own burning story questions?This episode is pulled directly from her exclusive Office Hours—a private, monthly Q&A available to anyone who has ever purchased a class. If you're ready to deepen your craft and get personal feedback from Zena herself, check out her online courses and unlock lifetime access to Office Hours.Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO#amwriting #authorproblems #shortstory #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter Send us a textSupport the show

After twenty years in Hollywood as a screenwriter working for the major studios, Jule Selbo moved to Portland Maine to focus on writing novels. First came three historical fiction books, then she moved into her favorite genre: crime-mystery. 7 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery, is the fourth book in the crime/mystery series that has made Kirkus' Top 5 mysteries from Indie Publishers List, has been awarded a Silver Falchion and award nominations from Foreword Review, the Clue Award, Maine Literary Award and more. The series begins with 10 DAYS, is followed by 9 DAYS, 8 DAYS, and now 7 DAYS (you can see the pattern). The Dee Rommel Series is a finalist in the CIBA Book Series Awards. Quoting from reviews: “Dee Rommel is one of today's most compelling detectives”;“A hero unlike any other in crime fiction”; “Fans of Lisa Jewell and Lisa Gardner will enjoy these suspenseful thrillers”. She's now working on 6 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery.Some of her screenwriting credits include: Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Hercules, Hunchback of Notre Dame II (Disney), Ariel, The Mermaid's Beginning (Disney), Space Above and Beyond, Melrose Place, Hard Promises (Columbia), Women In Prison (HBO) and more. She was also a professor of film for 15 years, and wrote books on Story Structure and Film Genre that are used in universities. Facebook Page: https://www.Facebook.com/jule.selboInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/juleselbo/Blue Sky Handle: https://bsky.app/profile/jselbo11.bsky.socialWebsite: https://www.juleselbo.com*****************About SinCSisters in Crime (SinC) was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Through advocacy, programming and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crime writers regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.www.SistersinCrime.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincnational/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sincnational.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@sincnationalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersincrimeTikTok:: https://www.tiktok.com/@sincnationalThe SinC Writers' Podcast is produced by Julian Crocamo https://www.juliancrocamo.com/

Stories aren't just for books and movies—they're the secret to making your presentations, conversations, and videos relatable and unforgettable. Whether crafting your brand, pitching an idea, creating social media reels, networking, or guesting on a podcast, storytelling is your most powerful tool for connection.On this episode of Delight in the Limelight, I'm joined by speechwriter and story consultant Susan Lovett, who studied storytelling at Disney University and worked with clients ranging from NASA to Nordstrom, National Geographic to PBS, and the US Army to Woman's Day.Listen to this episode to learn:- The key elements of a great story- The different formats for stories—through speech, writing, and visuals- The biggest storytelling mistakes—and how to avoid themIf you want to make your brand, presentations, or business communications more engaging, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!Click here to check the full show notes.

“That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with author, editor, and writing mentor Deborah Ager, founder of Radiant Media Labs. Based in Maryland, Deborah helps business leaders, professionals, and creatives translate their decades of knowledge into books that clarify, inspire, and connect. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Deborah shares how her work evolved from marketing consultant to book coach—and how a single ghostwriting project opened a door she didn't expect. Now, she guides clients through a process she calls “Clarify, Storify, Amplify,” giving them the structure and strategy they need to write books that build brands, careers, and legacy. She opens up about how poetry, language precision, and her own creative practice inform her work—and how joy, not perfectionism, is the secret ingredient to finishing. Whether you're stuck at page one or polishing your manuscript, this episode is full of practical wisdom, thoughtful metaphors, and writer-to-writer solidarity. Quotable quotes “Editing is revision—but it's also revisioning.” “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.” “Just creating can feel very good—even if no one ever sees it.” “Words have nuance. Choosing the right ones can change everything.” “Discernment will help you move forward faster.” Episode highlights From Marketing to Memoirs | How Radiant Media Labs got its start Ghostwriting to Book Coaching | The power of clarifying other people's ideas Editing as Joyful Revisioning | How to make peace with the hard parts Mindset Matters | Why joy and process go hand in hand Not Everyone Will Like It | And that's okay Knowing Your Reader | Why audience clarity changes everything The Poetry Edge | Precision of language as a business advantage Clarify, Storify, Amplify | Deborah's signature 3-part writing framework A Perfect Deborah Day | Creativity, conversation, and long walks What Deborah Reads | Essays, hybrid memoirs, and story-rich nonfiction Guilty Pleasures | Gardening, lake walks, and sharing food with wildlife Creating for Joy | Letting go of judgment and loving the process Rebels in Waiting | Discernment is the rebel's best friend Black-Eyed Peas & Greens | Deborah's go-to comfort food Dreambook Launcher | A free tool to help you start your book Links from the episode Radiant Media Labs Website (https://radiantmedialabs.com) Deborah Ager on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahager) BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

In this episode, Jeff teaches the Dialoggers about plot structure. Together they work through plot styles for single vehicle and multi vehicle stories. Then they discuss the story Love Actually and examine how a Mosaic Plot style works.  For more on the craft of writing, go to https://dialoguedoctor.com/

We've reached the end of another season and that means it's time for me and Melanie to give your our best advice, our a-has, and our key takeaways all about the core event and progressive complications. You'll want to bookmark this episode! -V. 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

In the Last 5 Buffy Episodes Ever Caleb is introduced and Faith comes to Sunnydale. These episodes wrap up Buffy the Vampire Slayer the series, but do they form their own separate story arc, too? Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) how well the major plot turns in Dirty Girls, Empty Places, Touched, End of Days, and Chosen work to bring the series to a close; (2) what events start and finish the 5-episode story arc; and (3) why the writers may have made the choices they did. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Check Out Lisa M. Lilly's Q.C. Davis mystery series by getting a free novella: https://lisalilly.com/no-good-plays/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Grab Your Free Ticket to The 2025 Spark To Story Summit (MAY 27-29)Struggling to figure out where your story is going? In this episode, we break down how understanding your content genre can give you a built-in structure for your novel, shaping your plot, character arc, and emotional payoff. We'll explore the difference between marketing and content genres, explain why genre is more than just a shelf label, and dive into how frameworks like Save the Cat Writes a Novel and The Story Grid can help you choose your content genre and write with more intention.Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction to Genre and Storytelling 00:22 – Welcome to The Write It Scared Podcast 01:31 – Understanding Your Story Genre 02:27 – Marketing vs. Content Genre 05:39 – Frameworks for Identifying Content Genre 06:50 – External vs. Internal Content Genres 08:33 – Blending Genres and Finding Your Story's Spine 10:12 – Conclusion and Next Steps 

Cameron Sutter is a sci-fi/fantasy author and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual story planning software. Many authors have used Plottr to outline and flesh out their book creation process. Now, Cameron joins us to talk about Storysnap, a tool he designed to help authors create story bibles and streamline their creative process. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In Chosen (S7 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, her friends, and the potentials bring the series to a close and engage in one final battle with The First. Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) the challenges of winding up a seven-season story; (2) deep character development that makes the finale gripping; (3) inconsistency that undermines some of the finale's impact; (4) whether the scythe's magic is too convenient; and (5) writing a happy ending while ensuring the final battle takes a toll. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Check Out Lisa M. Lilly's Q.C. Davis mystery series by getting a free novella: https://lisalilly.com/no-good-plays/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Send us a textIt's just Mark, his overanalysis, and Rudy Vallée as he tries to figure out what makes Some Like It Hot such a timeless comedy, why the idea of syncopation gives it rare thematic harmony, and how Billy Wilder and IAL Diamond were so damn good.https://markoveranalysesfilm.buzzsprout.com/https://www.markoveranalysesstory.com/https://twitter.com/overanalysefilm

Are you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking. From pitching your first project to navigating story structure and the unique challenges of faith-driven media, Ryan shares industry insights, personal stories, and what it truly takes to create films that impact both hearts and culture. Learn how filmmakers can bridge the gap between church and cinema—and what surrendering your dreams to God looks like in a creative career.

In End of Days (S7 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy King-Arthurs the scythe from a rock, the gang tries to save wounded potentials, and Buffy faces Caleb again. Along with the recap of End of Days, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) choosing which characters to highlight at the end; (2) indirect dialogue and actions that resolve character arcs; (3) whether Willow's magic, Caleb's strength, and another new character are consistent with Buffy's history; (4) the perils of new story questions at the eleventh hour; and (5) satisfying the audience as you wrap a very longform story. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Check Out Lisa M. Lilly's Q.C. Davis mystery series by getting a free novella: https://lisalilly.com/no-good-plays/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you have your sight on making a short film, wouldn't it be great if someone helped you buff your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson is that someone! As a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel, Shannan left her full-time gig to become a storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher, and therapist, she uses her innate understanding of storytelling to make compelling TV and movies. In today's podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it's like to work in Hollywood. She offers invaluable tips on how to write and tell a great story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision to achieve my desired outcomes! As you listen to the interview, the conversation will skip forward here and there - this is because Shannan's audio cut off at certain points, but the insights remain powerful throughout. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Shannan E. Johnson 02:09 The Journey into Storytelling 07:14 Understanding the Craft of Screenwriting 12:23 The Differences in Storytelling Mediums 18:19 Transitioning to Executive Roles in Hollywood 24:15 Navigating the Business of Hollywood 26:48 The Evolution of Storytelling in TV 35:03 Navigating the Transition from Executive to Entrepreneur 41:08 Building Confidence and Leadership Skills 47:09 The Professional Pen: Empowering Screenwriters 51:03 Introducing Truffle Sauce: A New Film Experience Connect with Shannan: Website: http://www.shannanejohnson.com/ The Professional Pen: https://www.awriterforyourwriter.com/bio.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanejohnson/ The Professional Pen IG: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalpen/ Connect with your host: Website: Martine Severin Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This episode of This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie.  

In Touched (S7 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Faith takes over as the leader, Spike reaches out to Buffy, and disaster looms. Along with the recap of Touched, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) the mayor and Giles as foils for one another; (2) the way The First evolves as a season antagonist; (3) Faith's emotions, doubts, and growth shown through action and dialogue; (4) recurring episode themes; and (5) why some unanswered questions drive a story and others distract from it. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Check Out Lisa M. Lilly's Q.C. Davis mystery series by getting a free novella: https://lisalilly.com/no-good-plays/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/ Edit

In Empty Places (S7 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Faith takes the potentials on a night out and everyone pushes back against Buffy's plan to attack Caleb again. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) why an antagonist doesn't need to be a villain; (2) strong foreshadowing early in the story; (3) why Faith and Buffy's history affects how Buffy sees the conflicts and her choices; (4) what role grief plays in the final confrontation; and (5) what Empty Places says about leadership. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Check out FeedSpot's 35 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast is No. 7!): https://podcast.feedspot.com/buffy_the_vampire_slayer_podcasts/ Revisit Grief and the Buffyverse: https://lisalilly.com/grief-in-the-buffyverse/ Check Out Lisa M. Lilly's cold case murder mystery The Forgotten Man: https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Man-Q-C-Davis-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C2BBNXDT About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and Greta Kelly as they chat with bestselling author Nicholas Binge about his new novel Dissolution, memory and identity, writing elderly characters, the joys of teaching and podcasting, agents and querying, getting books optioned for TV and film, living up to hype, marketability vs. artistic vision, experimenting with story structure, antagonists, dementia, grandparents and much more.NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Nicholas. Stayed tuned next week for his writing masterclass on Finding the Emotional Core.OUR SPONSOR:Transference by Ian Patterson is a near-future, sci-fi dystopia that dissects the medical/pharmaceutical industries, economic inequality, and what it means to be human in a city where diseases can be transferred.Transference is available now in eBook and paperback. Purchase it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.SHOUTOUT TO THE 'SFF ADDICT' PATRONS:Thank you Ian Patterson, David Hopkins, Luke F. Shepherd, Christopher R. DuBois, Tai, Luke A. Winch and GavinGuile for supporting us on Patreon at $10+.SUPPORT THE SHOW:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more)- Rate and review SFF Addicts on your platform of choice, and share us with your friendsEMAIL US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sffaddictspod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ABOUT OUR GUEST:Nicholas Binge is the bestselling author of Ascension and Professor Everywhere. His latest release is Dissolution, which you can purchase here. He's also the co-host of The Binge Reading Book Club podcast.Find Nicholas on Twitter, Instagram, Amazon and his personal website.ABOUT OUR HOSTS:Adrian M. Gibson is a podcaster, writer and illustrator. His debut novel, Mushroom Blues, is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in all formats.Find Adrian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠his personal website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Greta Kelly is the author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Queen of Days⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, The Frozen Crown and The Seventh Queen.Find Greta on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠her personal website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.M.J. Kuhn is the author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Among Thieves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ Thick as Thieves⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Find M.J. on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠her personal website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.FOLLOW SFF ADDICTS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MUSIC:Intro: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Into The Grid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" by MellauSFXOutro: “⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Galactic Synthwave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠” by DivionAD ATTRIBUTION:- Music: "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corporate Advertising Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" by SigmaMusicArt / "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Synthetic Deception⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" by GioeleFazzeri- Video:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Svavar Halldorsson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gorodenkoff⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠artlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jacob Wackerhausen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FHP Animation Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SweetBunFactory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shivkantsharma07⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iLexx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ circotasu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Astragal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alasabyss

Send us a textMark's obsession with overanalysing films has gone some ways to the way his life has been as he tries to figure out what makes Mulholland Drive so mesmerizing, how the film does actually mostly make sense, and how many times he'd buy someone pretending to play the trumpet to a recording. (Answer: many, many times) https://markoveranalysesfilm.buzzsprout.com/https://www.markoveranalysesstory.com/https://twitter.com/overanalysefilm

In Dirty Girls, S7 E18, Faith arrives in Sunnydale and Buffy takes an army of potentials to battle a super-powered misogynistic preacher. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) how to keep it fun when characters need to exchange information viewers already know; (2) foreshadowing a tragic climax; (3) how story structure affects pace; and (4) what Buffy's choices and Caleb's character say about the episode themes. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Check out FeedSpot's 35 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast is No. 7!): https://podcast.feedspot.com/buffy_the_vampire_slayer_podcasts/ Revisit Grief and the Buffyverse before watching Empty Places: https://lisalilly.com/grief-in-the-buffyverse/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Storytelling is a powerful way to create relationships with your audience. Your stories allow you audience to get to know you. STORYTELLING BY THE BEST The best speakers in the world use powerful storytelling. Zig Ziglar always used great stories in every point he made. He was a master at storytelling. If you've listened to Zig, you've heard the story of the old water pump or the selling pans door to door. He made his stories come to life. When Simon Sinek speaks, he is always telling stories. Watch his TedTalk on starting with why and you will see a talk filled with stories. Brene' Brown is one of my favorites. Her stories of struggle and success make you fall in love with everything she does. Storytelling allows your audience to get to know you. By the stories you tell, your listeners know what you value, what you believe and how you operate. Friendships are formed through storytelling. Watch these three and others to learn from the best. TRANSPORT YOUR LISTENER One reason storytelling is so powerful is that stories transport your listener to other places. They forget about their problems and struggles for a bit. To take your listeners somewhere else, use visual words. Bring your story to life in the theater of the mind. Use words they can see. Active language helps your story come to life. It is easier to see walking than walked. "He walked into the diner" is harder to envision than "He came walking into the diner." Use all five senses. What did it look like? Describe the smells. What were the sounds? How did you feel? The more descriptive your story, the more it will come to life in your listener's mind. DO I LIKE YOU? Stories will help people decide if they like you. Your listeners need to like you in order to listen to you. They are going to spend 30 minutes or an hour with you in their earbuds. It better be more than info. Pretend they are asking, "Would I enjoy taking a one-hour car ride with this person every week?" That is really the essence of your show. Develop friendships by telling a story to your best friend. Let your listener learn something about you. REVEAL THINGS THROUGH STORYTELLING When I review shows for my clients, I always ask myself, "What do I know about the host that I didn't know before the show started?" Reveal things about yourself to let your listeners get closer to you. During a show review for a client recently, he referenced his Italian in-laws, mentioned the movie Talladega Nights and talked about the R&B group Boyz II Men. Little things like that let us get to know him. When are building your influence and authority, you need to become a powerful personality that attracts people. Storytelling defines your character. This is how people get to know, like and trust you. The Bible has lasted for thousands of years because of the stories around a powerful character. Comic book heroes have been around for decades due to the stories and characters. Zig Ziglar was influential because of his storytelling and powerful personality. To increase your influence and significance, leverage storytelling. STORYTELLING WITH DR. MICHELE GUNDERSON In this episode, we have a fantastic interview with Dr. Michele Gunderson. She is a former university instructor and Iyengar yoga teacher who has transformed into a successful entrepreneur. Dr. Michele possesses a unique talent for helping business owners align their inner and outer worlds through storytelling, which can catapult their businesses to new heights. During my conversation with Dr. Michele, you'll learn how understanding and harnessing the power of story can lead to incredible opportunities, whether you're working to grow your podcast, inspire an audience, or achieve five- or six-figure months in your business. We'll dive into key elements that make stories memorable and compelling, and how they can transform not just your messaging but your entire business strategy. Dr. Michele also provides practical insights into recognizing empowering and disempowering narratives within ourselves and their impact on our business results. Get ready to be inspired as Dr. Michele Gunderson guides us through the art of storytelling and how it connects us deeply with the world around us. It's a conversation filled with fascinating insights and actionable tips on harnessing the undeniable power of story to drive your success. Dr. Michele's free gift is called "7 Quick Tips for Crafting an Inspiring Story That Sells". You can download it at QuickStoryTips.com. HELP WITH YOUR STORYTELLING Let me help you with your storytelling. If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply. You can click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals. Let's get started today.

While Melanie and I cook up something extra special for you, we're highlighting some past episodes that you might have missed. THE DRY is an Outback Noir that we studied back in season 9. We talk about the environment as an antagonist, character archetypes, and a whole lot more. Check it out! - V. 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

This week, we welcome Gary Hodges (D vs. M) and discuss editing an anthology (5:20) and naming conventions for the volumes of your work (9:15) before we open up the conversation on story structure (17:00), keeping the energy of a rough version in later versions (35:00), the rhythm / music of stories (51:50), and more!

In Orpheus, Buffy/Angel crossover S4 E15, Angelus and Faith battle it out and Willow comes to L.A. to try to restore Angel's soul. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) Seemingly separate storylines that converge into one gripping plot; (2) how to use multiple characters as the antagonist and a group as a protagonist; (3) whether Willow is a different character on Angel than she is in Buffy Season 7; and (4) how dramatic irony adds tension and keeps the audience engaged. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Check out FeedSpot's 35 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast is No. 7!): https://podcast.feedspot.com/buffy_the_vampire_slayer_podcasts/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

Bob Moesta, co-creator of the Jobs to Be Done framework, recently published a new book, Job Moves. Drawing from interviews with over 1,000 people about their career transitions, it offers a practical playbook for career development. In our conversation, we discuss:• The four different “quests” that drive career changes• Why job features (salary, title) matter less than experiences• How to identify what gives you energy vs. drains you• The power of taking a “jobcation”• A template for crafting your career story• Tips for hiring and retaining great talent• The importance of prototyping potential careers• Much more—Brought to you by:• Eppo—Run reliable, impactful experiments• Vanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security• OneSchema—Import CSV data 10x faster—Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-find-work-you-love-bob-moesta—Where to find Bob Moesta:• X: https://x.com/bmoesta• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmoesta/• Website: https://www.jobmoves.com/• Podcast: https://pca.st/gg6goo1n—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Bob's background(05:10) Bob's new book, Job Moves(09:31) Job features vs. job experiences(11:16) Four reasons people leave jobs(17:20) Energy drivers and energy drains(31:05) Prototyping your next job(34:32) Pushes and pulls(40:01) Understanding that no job is perfect(43:18) Taking a jobcation(51:22) Finding the right next step(55:18) Navigating job applications and interviews(58:28) How to craft your career story(01:04:04) Strengths and weaknesses: leveraging your superpowers(01:06:21) Hiring and writing job descriptions(01:11:20) Self-awareness and founding a startup(01:21:24) Conclusion and final thoughts—Referenced:• The ultimate guide to JTBD | Bob Moesta (co-creator of the framework): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-ultimate-guide-to-jtbd-bob-moesta• Ethan S. Bernstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbernstein/• National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/• Radical Candor: From theory to practice with author Kim Scott: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/radical-candor-from-theory-to-practice• Building a long and meaningful career | Nikhyl Singhal (Meta, Google): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-a-long-and-meaningful-career• The Story Spine (also known as Pixar's Story Structure): https://www.storyprompt.com/blog/the-story-spine-also-known-as-pixars-story-structure• Tobi Lütke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiaslutke• Job Moves resources: https://www.jobmoves.com/resources• Why Employees Quit: https://hbr.org/2024/11/why-employees-quit—Recommended book:• Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career: https://www.amazon.com/Job-Moves-Making-Progress-Career/dp/0063283581—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. Get full access to Lenny's Newsletter at www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

In Release, Angel crossover S4 E14, Faith and Angelus battle, Fred has a crisis, and Cordelia implores Connor to keep their secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) how the writers draw on backstory from both Buffy and Angel; (2) true vs. false conflict; (3) many storylines – but is there a main plot? and (4) cliffhanger or gamechanger and when it matters. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Buffy and the Art of Story podcast is No. 7 on FeedSpot's List: 35 Best Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025 About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly:   

Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE.Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management.I kick things off by sharing some eye-opening insights inspired by Oliver Burkman's 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a must-read for anyone rethinking how to make the most of their time (spoiler: it's not about doing more). Then, we shift gears to break down the magic behind positive character arcs—focusing on the growth and redemption subtypes. Using beloved examples like Harry Potter and A Christmas Carol, you'll learn how to craft a positive character arc your readers will love!Plus, I've got a handy PDF guide to help you visualize story structure and character arcs—it's free to download!Stick around for a sneak peek at what's coming next: a deep dive into negative character arcs and an inspiring chat with romance writer Trisha Jenn Loehr about crafting romances.Episode Breakdown:00:00 Let's Talk Positive Character Arcs00:15 Welcome to the Write it Scared Podcast01:33 Balancing Craft and Mindset02:02 The Truth About Time Management (Inspired by 4,000 Weeks)08:26 Breaking Down Positive Character Arcs10:55 Growth Arcs: What They Are and How to Write Them14:25 Redemption Arcs: Creating Powerful Transformations16:46 Structuring Positive Character Arcs Step-by-Step22:54 Recap + Free Resources for Your Writing Journey24:36 What's Coming Next: Negative Arcs and a Romantic TwistDon't forget to grab your PDF guide to visualize and understand story structure and character arcs, and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Let's keep building brave, brilliant stories together!Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Alexa Bigwarfe chats with award-winning writer and writing coach Alida Winternheimer about the essentials of story craft. They explore the three-act structure, including how to craft a compelling Act 1 with hooks, stakes, and inciting incidents, and how Act 1 reflects the entire story. Alida shares insights on balancing showing vs. telling, navigating feedback, and transitioning between genres like nonfiction, literary fiction, and romantic comedies. With actionable writing tips, advice on working with editors or coaches, and a focus on developing your craft, this episode is perfect for aspiring and experienced authors alike.

Frustration follows flaws! Can you create tension and conflict if the 4 Story questions haven't been answered? The simple answer is “no”. I desperately wanted to love this movie because I'm writing a short story based on selkies. This is a sweet movie. It lacks some storytelling basics, which results in minimal tension and conflict. I know I've said it before, but learning from stories that don't work is more valuable when you're learning to write.  -M"Conflict relies on tension to make readers want to know what happens." Janice HardyRelated Story Nerd EpisodesSeason 5Calendar Girls (Season 13, Episode 1) 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

Scooter bakes a Story Mud Pie as Mr. Harmon helps us discover the secrets of structure, musical theatre, and nothing itself.This is an older episode from the archives. The language is somewhere between PG and PG-13, and the last 20 minutes feature a lot of Big Farm talk. If you want to learn about fascinating moments in history in the most relaxing way possible, then try Calm History. You'll learn about famous explorers, inventions, civilizations and ancient wonders, all told in a calm, relaxing voice to help you fall asleep. Just search your podcast player for Calm History, or go to calmhistory.comStart a 7 day FREE trial of Sleep With Me Plus- The ultimate way to listen to show, based on how YOU listen! Are you looking for Story Only versions or two more nights of Sleep With Me a week? Then check out Bedtime Stories from Sleep With MeGet your Sleep With Me SleepPhones. Use "sleepwithme" for $5 off!!Show Artwork by Emily TatGoing through a hard time? You can find support at the Crisis Textline and see more global helplines here.HELIX SLEEP - Take the 2-minute sleep quiz and they'll match you to a customized mattress that'll give you the best sleep of your life. Visit helixsleep.com/sleep for up to 27% off and 2 free pillows!ZOCDOC helps search for local doctors who take your insurance, read verified patient reviews and book an appointment, in-person or video chat. Download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE at zocdoc.com/sleep PROGRESSIVE - With the Name Your Price tool, you tell Progressive how much you want to pay for car insurance, and they'll show you coverage options that fit your budget. Get your quote today at progressive.comANKER SOUNDCORE's A20Earbuds monitor your sleep status and deliver visual reports to help you understand your sleep patterns and optimize rest. And they block noise for a quieter sleep! Go to Soundcore.com and use code "SLEEP" (all caps) for $30 off.DAVE'S KILLER BREAD is kicking off their inaugural Rock Your Reset! Throughout January, SMS subscribers can win epic sweepstakes prizes like VIP concert prize packs! To enter, text RESET to 73876. Head to DavesKillerBread.com/reset to learn more.ACORNS - Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing so your money has a chance to grow for you, your kids, and your retirement. Acorns will recommend a diversified portfolio that fits you and your money goals, and you can get started with even just your spare change! Head to acorns.com/sleep to learn more. (Paid non-client endorsement. Compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns. Tier 1 compensation provided.Investing involves risk. Acorns Advisers, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. View important disclosures at acorns.com/sleep) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we're diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot.I'll share insights on developing authentic characters so readers will empathize with them and want to know more.We'll chat about different character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—and how understanding these can enrich your storytelling. Plus, I'll debunk myths about story structure being formulaic and show you how it's essential for guiding your characters' emotional journeys. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical tips to develop compelling characters and a story your readers will love!00:00 Introduction to Character Arcs02:29 Exploring Story Structure06:27 Diving into Character Arcs09:19 Understanding Character Development19:31 Practical Tips for Writers20:36 Conclusion and ResourcesHave a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

In Salvage (Angel crossover S4 E13), Angelus meets The Beast (a powerful demon terrorizing L.A.) and Wesley persuades to Faith break out of prison. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) showing internal conflict (Wesley's) through imagined dialogue; (2) who the protagonist is in a group with the same goal and two leaders (Wesley and Faith); (3) the challenges and pluses of a  conflict engine character  (Connor); and (4) subplots that resolve issues or raise stakes in the main plot. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/worksheets Looking for a winter read? Try The Charming Man, where lawyer/private investigator Quille C. Davis hunts for a killer while trapped in a high rise during a blizzard: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L7PSDNK About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly:  https://lisalilly.com/free/

I love it when Valerie and I study different theories and come to different conclusions about the movie. Crazy, Stupid, Love has great examples of slow/low tension and high/intense tension - it's a great movie demonstrating how tension works. However, it doesn't work so well when the 4 Story Questions are applied. Why? Because a multi-point-of-view story needs answers for all POV characters! Which POVs work and which don't…dive into this episode and find out. -M"Having your characters make stupid decisions is a great way to increase tension." -Melanie HillRelated Story Nerd Episodes:The Accidental Tourist (Season 5, Episode 503) 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

This podcast episode covers the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Buffy episodes ever, plus some Honorable Mentions. See if you agree. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!  Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/worksheets Looking for a winter read? Try The Charming Man, where lawyer/private investigator Quille C. Davis hunts for a killer while trapped in a high rise during a blizzard: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L7PSDNK About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly:  https://lisalilly.com/free/

While I'm teaching my kids to surf during our summer beach holiday, and Valerie is shovelling out from a winter storm, we're bringing you a throwback episode from season 6 where we studied stakes and empathy. Based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", "10 Things I Hate About You" is packed with lessons about what not to do. We'll be back with a brand new episode on January 8. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays story nerds! - M."Stakes equals object of desire plus consequences." Melanie Hill 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a favourite with both our families, and given that this is a Tim Burton film we expected that the storytelling would be rock solid. This is a great example of writers using the storytelling tools at their disposal to maximum effect. Ah, but since filmmakers have access to different tools than novelists, when you strip away the "spectacle" of stop-motion and musical numbers, how strong is the story itself? The answer may surprise you.This is our last new episode before the holiday season. For the next two weeks we've selected two of our most favourite back episodes, and we'll be back with you in the new year. Happy Holidays everyone!! -V&M."If you cannot answer the four story questions... you are very likely wasting your time." Valerie FrancisRelated Story Nerd Episodes:Coraline (Season 4, Episode 2)Calendar Girls (Season 13, Episode 1) 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.Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor

We have official Scream 7 announcements! This week Ryan covers the new cast of Scream 7, including Isabel May, McKenna Grace, and more, in addition to the potential story structure of the latest sequel. Then, as part of turning the page for good on the year-long toxicity and controversy in the fandom, Ryan addresses the comments made by Melissa Barrera about the “morality” about seeing Scream 7 and the comparisons she made to Woody Allen, R Kelly, and Michael Jackson.  Subscribe on Patreon.com/screamwithrcs Introduction Opening Scream 7 Thoughts New York Trip Isabel May as Sidney's Daughter The Story Structure & Kevin's Power  The New Cast Melissa Barrera's “Morality” Comments Turning the Page on Toxicity   Find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Host: @ScreamWithRCS  Editor: @albertmpadilla  Consultants: @britneyvinyl @homohorror @joevallese @TVTweets2024 @happyhorrortime @jacobthefool

In Lies My Parents Told Me (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S7 E17), Robin Wood aims to kill Spike and Giles is in on the plan. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:  interweaving three plots – Robin v. Spike, Giles v. Buffy, Spike v. himself; whether Giles's choices fit his character; how William becomes Spike; point of view and protagonists; and a (hopefully) unintended episode theme. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/worksheets Looking for a winter read? Try The Charming Man, where lawyer/private investigator Quille C. Davis hunts for a killer while trapped in a high rise during a blizzard: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L7PSDNK About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly:  https://lisalilly.com/free/

Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Make your audience a part of the story.Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers, and stand-up comedians, these masters of engagement know that true connection happens when you make your audience a part of the story.In part two of this special series on storytelling, host Matt Abrahams explores the art of audience connection with an extraordinary lineup. For magician Alex Moffat, it's about immersive performance. “How can I get the audience to not [just] sit there watching? They've got to be able to feel it too,” he says. As TikTok's head of creator marketing, Kudzi Chikumbu says authenticity is everything. "Be your authentic self. Show yourself in a way that other people don't." And for standup comedian Orlando Leyba, it's about leveraging presence and responsiveness to transform a performance into a genuine conversation.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, discover how these engagement experts create stories that don't just inform or entertain — they forge genuine connections with every audience member.Episode Reference Links:Alex MoffatKudzi ChikumbuOrlando Leyba Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged Connect:Premium Signup >>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:39) - Linear vs. Nonlinear Storytelling (05:30) - Tools for Engaging an Audience (08:55) - Key Ingredients of a Good Story (10:44) - Authenticity in Storytelling (11:53) - Description in Storytelling (12:20) - Positivity in Storytelling (15:53) - Engaging Through Presence (17:30) - Conclusion

Marissa chats with Alyssa Colman about her Gilded Magic middle grade fantasy duology and her upcoming WHERE ONLY STORMS GROW in this jam-packed middle grade focused episode. Also discussed: the hallmarks of middle grade (themes, tone, voice), word counts, heavy and difficult themes in middle grade books, voice, humor, creating sympathetic characters, how middle grade characters defeat their villains, magic systems, standing out in a crowded market, and so much more!Jennifer Laughran's post about word counts: https://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.htmlLisa Cron's Story Genius: https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781607748892Jessica Brody's Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9780399579745Dan Wells on Story Structure: https://youtu.be/KcmiqQ9NpPE?si=jVamtqLH3YPFYBub The Happy Writer at Bookshop.orgPurchasing your books through our webstore at Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. Amplify MarketersOur mission is to help your message rise above the noise so it can be heard loud & clear.Red Herrings SocietyUse the code HappyWriter at RedHerringWriters.com to try the first month for free.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377 Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Discover the importance of the Resolution in storytelling. Learn how to bring closure to your story and leave readers with a final emotion.

Crafting the perfect Climax for your novel is essential. Learn how to create tension, suspense, and unforgettable moments for your readers.