Family S5 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 28, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Family (Season 5 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Tara puts her friends in danger to try hide who she fears she really is. This podcast episode recaps Family and focuses on: (1) characters asking questions when the audience needs answers; (2) linking scenes with images, language, and theme; (3) repeating words to convey theme and character growth; plus (4) special guest Elena Campobassi address themes of family, teen identity, and communit...

No Place Like Home S5 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 14, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

No Place Like Home Podcast Episode Cover

The Buffy and the Art of Story podcast looks at story elements in No Place Like Home (Season 5 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to learn what's making her mother ill, confronts Dawn, and faces a new foe. This podcast episode recaps No Place Like Home, focusing on: (1) making life harder and harder (and harder) for the protagonist; (2) climax questions that reveal plot; (3) how to write an ephemeral antagonist; and (4) anger management as a theme. Spoiler-free...

Spike Bonus S5 E4B (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)

Posted on February 28, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a bonus podcast episode explores Spike v. Spike and his emotional arc in Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The episode looks at: Major subplot plot turns Spike's unconscious mind as the antagonist Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Out of My Mind (S5 E4) Next Up: No Place Like Home (S5 E5) Work On Your Story Download free Story Structure worksheets Super Si...

When The Phone Rings At Midnight

Posted on February 24, 2022June 18, 2022 by admin

The Fractured Man Q.C. Davis Mystery Series 3

A midnight phone call rarely brings good news. This idea sparked the opening scene for one of the Q.C. Davis mysteries, The Fractured Man. But it didn’t inspire the plot. I say “industry” because I love self-help minus the industry. Tony Robbins' book Awaken The Giant Within helped me reframe my thoughts and overcome anxiety when it was a real struggle. Other books on happiness, productivity, and success helped me make career changes and improve my relationships. But self-help has ...

Out of My Mind S5 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 18, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Riley has a crisis and Spike and Harmony team up to try to kill Buffy. This podcast episode looks at: (1) blending episode and season-long stories; (2) building character through action; (3) the powerful difference between showing and telling; (4) revealing exposition through conflict; and (5) how to misdirect the audience. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)...

Chicago Knows How To Rebuild

Posted on February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 by admin

One reason I love writing the Q.C. Davis mysteries is they highlight what I love about Chicago, where I live. The news is full of bad news about the city (but that's what news is, right?). But Chicago also is home to fantastic restaurants, striking indoor and outdoor art, and beautiful buildings. Sometimes when I'm walking at twilight I stop and stare at the skyline and think how lucky I feel to live here. What you may not know is that this abundance of stunning (and sometime...

The Replacement S5 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 14, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Replacement (S5 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where a demon targets Buffy and creates Xander's evil twin. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a fakeout that plays fair; (2) a defining moment between Buffy and Riley; and (3) two main plots that intertwine – or is it one plot and one subplot? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Real Me (S5 E2) Next Up: Out of My Mind (S5 E4) Support The Podcast Bec...

Real Me S5 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 31, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Real Me (S5 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Dawn and Buffy clash and Harmony returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Starting in media res – in this case in the middle of Dawn's world; (2) Who is the protagonist – Dawn or Buffy? (3) Creating suspense by holding back from the audience; and (4) A little sister who's young for her age. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Buffy vs Dracula (S5 E1) Next...

Buffy vs Dracula S5 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 17, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Buffy vs Dracula (Season 5 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy faces off against the famous count. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Buffy as both protagonist and damsel in distress; (2) major plot turns that affect the pace; (3) how Buffy vs Dracula resets the series for the new season; and (4) gamechangers versus cliffhangers (with the gamechanger of all gamechangers at the episode end). Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plen...

Bonus Giles and Buffy S4 E24 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on December 20, 2021February 18, 2022 by admin

Buffy & the Art of Story Podcast Buffy and Giles Bonus Podcast Episode

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a Season 4 Bonus: Buffy and Giles – Comparing The Dark Age and A New Man. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Season 4 A New Man, where Ethan turns Giles into a demon whom Buffy aims to kill; (2) Season 2 The Dark Age, where Buffy learns of Giles's dark past, which literally comes back to haunt them all; and (3) how the two episodes compare, including the ways Buffy's and Giles's relationship evolves. Some spoilers! Last Episode: Season 4 Story A...