Bad Girls (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S3 E14)

Posted on November 23, 2020June 1, 2021 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Bad Girls (Season 3 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy tries out Faith's approach to life and slaying. This podcast episode talks about: (1) an interloper who brings out different sides of our core characters; (2) expressing theme and exploring philosophy through conflict; (3) how this Faith/Buffy story differs from the Buffy/Kendra story; and (4) two game changers for the season and for Faith personally. As always, the discussion...

The Zeppo (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S3 E13)

Posted on November 16, 2020June 1, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Zeppo (Season 3 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Xander has a very strange night. This podcast episode talks about: (1) why Xander is the protagonist; (2) whether a scene can be from the point of view of a character not in it; (3) the effect of a deliberately unfinished subplot; and (4) character growth through conflict. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warnin...

Helpless (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S3 E12)

Posted on November 9, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Helpless (Season 3 Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy turns 18 and faces a grueling test. This podcast episode talks about: (1) weaving in seemingly insignificant details that make later plot developments work; (2) the dangers of sacrificing character for plot; (3) metaphors, theme, and pace; and (4) the demands of writing with a short turnaround time (really short). As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler...

Gingerbread (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S3 E11)

Posted on November 2, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Gingerbread (Season 3 Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where the adults become paranoid and turn on their children. This podcast episode talks about: (1) themes, including mob rule, parenting, and the danger of fear; (2) strong story structure; (3) whether the episode changes the arc of Season 3; and (4) fantastic and fun dialogue. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warni...

Amends S3 E10 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 12, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Amends (Season 3 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) is this a Christmas Carol & series pilot for Angel? (2) challenges identifying the protagonist; (3) use of flashbacks and dreams; (4) a Deus Ex Machina ending; and (5) very clear subplots plot turns. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: The Wish Next Up: Gingerbread Amends...

The Wish S3 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 5, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Wish (Season 3 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) whether a character who dies partway through can be the protagonist; (2) events that shape a character’s personality; (3) a story about a character who never appears; (4) who serves as the antagonist; and (5) clothes that matter. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

Lovers Walk S3 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on September 28, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Lovers Walk (Season 3 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) how a side character (Spike!) changes our main characters' story arcs; (2) major plot turns in some unusual places; (3) protagonist questions; and (4) whether Spike is the most emotionally healthy character in this episode. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Revelations Next Up:...

Do You Know A Middle Grade Child Who Loves To Write?

Posted on September 23, 2020 by admin

I don't have kids of my own, but I do remember being one. While I loved writing fiction, I didn't know how to turn what I wrote into a complete novel. When I saw more than one review saying the reviewer passed one of my fiction writing guides on to a high school student who found it helpful, I started thinking about tailoring a workbook to middle grade kids. (I began writing longer fiction around that age.) But with so many projects on my plate, I didn't get to doing it. (Nothing like too...

Revelations S3 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on September 21, 2020June 2, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Revelations (Season 3 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) a new character (Gwendolyn Post) revealed through every dialogue line; (2) themes of guilt, vulnerability, and isolation; (3) whether anyone is acting out of character; (4) a few plot questions; and (5) many layers for rewatching. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Las...

Band Candy S3 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on September 14, 2020May 17, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Band Candy (Season 3 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) Writing a role reversal story without the body switching; (2) Subtle commentary on the SATs; (3) Fun dialogue lines that serve multiple purposes; and (4) Buffy’s character growth through conflict. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Homecoming Next Up: Revelations Wor...