Never Leave Me S7 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 12, 2024August 30, 2024 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

In Never Leave Me (S7 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy interrogates Spike, Xander and Anya play good cop/bad cop with Andrew, and Principal Wood acts strangely. Along with the recap of Never Leave Me, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of using a group as protagonist; (2) setting the rules in a supernatural story; (3) filling in a lack of plot developments with fun and humor; and (4) building to a key revelation. Last Episode: Sleeper Next Episode: Bring On The N...

Sleeper S7 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 29, 2024August 17, 2024 by admin

In Sleeper (S7 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy struggles to sort out whether, how, and why Spike is killing again and Giles is in peril. Along with the recap of Sleeper, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) fluid plot turns that keep the pace fast; (2) foreshadowing future rifts among Buffy and her friends; (3) segues that link scenes; (4) actions and dialogue that can be read multiple ways, creating believable conflict. Last Episode: Pride, Prejudice and Buffy (Bonus) Next Epi...

Pride, Prejudice and Buffy (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on June 10, 2024June 10, 2024 by admin

This bonus episode of Buffy and the Art of Story features host Lisa M. Lilly and audiobook narrator and voice actor Shiromi Arserio. The two met due to their shared love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Today they talk about their recent new release, a special edition audiobook of Pride and Prejudice. The conversation includes: (1) the strong female characters in Pride and Prejudice; (2) what new writers can learn from the Jane Austen classic; (3) why the book has endured for centuries; (4) wher...

Conversations with Dead People S7 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 27, 2024June 10, 2024 by admin

In Conversations with Dead People (S7 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, Willow and Dawn talk with the dead (or the undead) — maybe — and Spike’s story takes an ominous turn. With special guest Steven Youngkin, host of the Angel retrospective podcast Wolfram & Cast. Along with the recap of Conversations with Dead People, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) connecting seemingly unconnected vignettes; (2) character arcs and themes; (3) pop culture references; and (4) behind-the-s...

Him S7 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 13, 2024May 9, 2024 by admin

In Him (S7 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn falls in love - or falls under a love spell - and Buffy refuses to take her seriously until it’s almost too late. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) always making things worse for the protagonist (Dawn); (2) is Buffy under a spell or acting out of character? Or both? and (3) hints of a theme that may be there or coming soon. Last Episode: Selfless Next Episode: Conversations With Dead People Get more content w...

Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give (Book Review)

Posted on May 3, 2024 by admin

Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give book cover

As someone who is happily single, I'm sure I'm not the target audience for the book Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun. I bought it because I like reading memoirs by authors whose worlds are different from my own. (It's good for my fiction writing, and I just enjoy learning about other people's lives.) I liked the author's willingness to share anecdotes that didn't put her in the best light, her humor, and her openness about the challenges of staying married. Many of the storie...

Selfless S7 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 29, 2024April 26, 2024 by admin

In Selfless (S7 E5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya returns to her demon life with a vengeance, forcing Buffy to make a terrible choice. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why choice is key in the Buffyverse; (2) flashbacks at their best; (3) character motives and exposition revealed through gripping conflict; and (4) how the themes of Selfless affect Anya's story. Last Episode: Help Next Episode: Him Get more content while supporting the podcast by becomi...

Help S7 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 15, 2024May 9, 2024 by admin

In Help (S7 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a Sunnydale High student insists she will die in a few days though she doesn't know why and Buffy strives to save her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Surprising the viewer while playing fair with a second — and third — ending; (2) foreshadowing or overshadowing plot turns and Season 7 themes; (3) callbacks or rehashes? and (4) what makes an opening scene compelling. Last Episode: Same Time Same Place Next Episode: ...

Same Time Same Place S7 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 1, 2024March 29, 2024 by admin

In Same Time Same Place (S7 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow returns to Sunnydale, a victim is flayed, and no one can find anyone else. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how coincidence affects story; (2) why the doubled scenes are so engaging; (3) what happens when rules--for demons or spells--are unclear; (4) pacing problem or thematic choice? and (5) many, many metaphors. Last Episode: Beneath You Next Episode: Help New Audiobooks How To Write A N...

Beneath You S7 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 18, 2024April 12, 2024 by admin

In Beneath You (S7 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a giant worm demon terrorizes Sunnydale and Buffy learns Spike’s secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well “from beneath you it devours” works in this episode; (2) the oddness of Spike with a soul; (3) repetitive exposition that slows the pace; and (4) well-constructed exposition that adds fun. Last Episode: Lessons Next Episode: Same Time Same Place Latest Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Seas...