Season 4 Story Arc S4 E23 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on December 6, 2021February 26, 2022 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a look at the overall story arc of Buffy Season 4. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a opening conflict for Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 that pays off in its Climax; (2) a season arc that's more theme-based than plot-based; and (3) whether the one-off episodes muddle the season story arc. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Restless Next Up: Bonus - Giles & Buffy (A New Man and The Dark Age) Work ...

Restless S4 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 22, 2021February 18, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Restless (Season 4 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where after battling Adam Buffy and friends are attacked in their dreams – and meet The Cheese Man. This podcast episode looks at: (1) dreams as a vehicle for story; (2) whether there's an overall plot structure for this 4-dream episode; and (3) how Restless both serves as a coda for Season 4 and foreshadows the rest of the series. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

Primeval S4 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 8, 2021February 26, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Primeval (Season 4 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy must fight not only Adam but the military complex that created him. This podcast episode looks at: (1) how the episode sums up the themes of Season 4; (2) more repetition than we usually see in a season finale and a slower pace; (3) thematic bookends for Yoko Factor (Part 1) and Primeval; and (4) whether Adam is a strong antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...

New Release: The 5th Q.C. Davis Mystery Is Here

Posted on October 29, 2021October 30, 2021 by admin

The Hidden Man (New Release) He wants his father's killer found, but his secrets kept. She vows to solve the murder no matter what. Will what she doesn't know eventually kill her? Until now, Chicago lawyer Quille C. Davis has investigated crimes, but only to help her loved ones. Now she's been hired to solve the murder of a well-known class action attorney. The victim died with a secret. Quille suspects it relates to his fascination with UFOs, an interest he shared with his long-time gi...

Fictional Detective Visits Real Chicago Restaurants

Posted on October 27, 2021October 27, 2021 by admin

When I started the Q.C. Davis Mystery series I wasn't thinking about restaurants. But they quickly became key to the books. Why? First, because I love dining out. Second, and more important to readers, is that sleuths need to interview a lot of people, and scenes with just questions and answers start to feel repetitive. One way to vary those types of scenes is to set them in places readers might enjoy visiting or to feature food or drinks they want to try. Now the question readers ask me ...

The Yoko Factor S4 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 25, 2021November 19, 2021 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Yoko Factor (Season 4 Episode 20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Adam and Spike collude to separate Buffy from her friends. This podcast episode looks at: (1) episode themes that are key for Season 4; (2) subplots disconnected from main storyline (unlike in New Moon Rising); (3) an Angel side plot that's fun yet slows the pace; and (4) setting up Part 2 of the season finale. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last E...

New Moon Rising S4 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 11, 2021July 7, 2023 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – New Moon Rising (Season 4 Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Oz returns and Willow must make a choice. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a multifaceted main plot that includes action and intense emotion; (2) nesting doll subplots that weave into the main story; (3) a climax after the action plot resolves; and (4) layers of meaning in dialogue and gestures that emphasize emotion. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

A Sleuth Whose Superpower Is Listening

Posted on October 7, 2021 by admin

I didn’t set out to write a series featuring a sleuth who is kind. All I knew was that to write a private or amateur detective mystery, I needed a main character with special skills. Skills that could help her solve crimes where police failed. My first choice about Quille C. Davis, the sleuth in the Q.C. Davis Mysteries, was an easy one. I made her a lawyer because I am one and know what skills it requires. Sleuth, Lawyer, And Former Actress Like me, Quille appears in court and handles law...

Where the Wild Things Are S4 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on September 27, 2021October 23, 2021 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Where the Wild Things Are (Season 4 Episode 18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where a frat house once again becomes a dangerous place for everyone and Buffy and Riley can't get out of bed. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Striking scenes, fantastic dialogue, and series foreshadowing; (2) is the Scooby Gang the protagonist? (3) an antagonist without a clear goal; (4) illogical magic; and (5) is there any theme? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with ...

Superstar (Buffy and the Art of Story S4 E17)

Posted on September 13, 2021October 9, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Superstar (Season 4 Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Jonathan changes everything. This podcast episode looks at: (1) beginning in media res; (2) small moments that build a character or a world; (3) who is protagonist: Buffy or Jonathan? (4) why themes and plots resonate differently with different viewers; and (5) unintentional messages in fiction. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Sanctuary (S1...