Hell’s Bells S6 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 18, 2023September 15, 2023 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

In Hell's Bells (S6 E16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Xander and Anya head for the altar – give or take a demon or two. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) mirrors in Hell's Bells that reflect characters’ internal lives; (2) which is the main plot: Xander facing his demons, real and figurative, or Anya getting ready to be married; (3) subtle, thematic scene transitions; and (4) the return of Season 5 Spike (for now). Last Episode: As You Were Next Episode: Normal ...

As You Were S6 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In As You Were (S6 E15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Riley returns in search of a demon and forgets to tell Buffy key information. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what seeing life through Riley’s eyes does for Buffy; (2) in character or out: Spike, Riley, and the perfect Sam; (3) why Riley looks taller – literally; and (4) at last, the cause of Buffy’s angst about Spike. Last Episode: Older And Far Away Next Episode: Hell's Bells Download free Story Struc...

Older And Far Away S6 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 21, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In Older and Far Away (S6 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn’s feeling left out and it’s Buffy’s birthday – what could go wrong? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how small moments create deep conflict; (2) protagonist problems; (3) two demons – no antagonists? (4) a slow story with a lot going on. Last Episode: Dead Things Next Episode: As You Were Download free Story Structure worksheets Get more content while supporting the podcast by...

Dead Things S6 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 7, 2023August 5, 2023 by admin

In Dead Things (S6 E13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the trio tries to frame Buffy for murder, and Buffy’s sure she came back from the dead wrong. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether Spike’s and Buffy’s actions fit their characters as portrayed in earlier seasons; (2) how committing crimes shapes Jonathan, Andrew, and Warren; (3) ways Buffy’s story calls back to Faith's character arc; and (4) a murder subplot enmeshed in a main plot where Buffy strives to unders...

The Forgotten Man Book Group Questions

Posted on August 3, 2023 by admin

Below are suggested book group questions for crime novel The Forgotten Man (A Q.C. Davis Mystery). What Quille learns about her father's past deeply disappoints and angers her. Is she being fair to him? Do his explanations satisfy you? Does knowing more about what Quille's mother went through when Quille was a baby make you more sympathetic to her? Could she do more to improve her relationship with Quille? Do you think Quille will be more understanding with her mother from now on? Sh...

Doublemeat Palace S6 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 24, 2023August 18, 2023 by admin

In Doublemeat Palace (S6 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy gets a job and Willow struggles when Amy gives her magic as a gift. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to create a fair fight between a villain and a superstrong protagonist; (2) layered dialogue (like Hallie’s and Anya’s) that reads differently each time you hear it; (3) when it’s okay for someone else to save your hero; (4) writing a subplot with strong, clear plot turns; and (5) why realism matters...

Gone S6 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 by admin

In Gone (S6 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a social worker visits the Summers house and the trio makes Buffy something that rhymes with "blinvisible." Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the storytelling challenges of an unengaged protagonist like Buffy; (2) why lots of conflict doesn’t always equal a strong plot; (3) season hooks that don’t really hook (the stolen diamond); and (4) small moments that show subtly building conflict between Buffy and Xander but also sh...

Prague And Krakow Spark Supernatural Ideas

Posted on July 3, 2023 by admin

My recent travels to Prague and Krakow sparked all sorts of ideas for novels, including for a new supernatural thriller series. A Non-Supernatural Mystery In Prague First, though, private investigator Quille C. Davis will travel to Prague to question a psychic medium, who is also a murder suspect, in my Q.C. Davis mysteries. While the Q.C. Davis mystery series is not supernatural, Prague's long history of mysticism and alchemy make it an ideal home for the psychic medium character. And ...

A Break For New Books

Posted on June 1, 2023 by admin

Thank you to everyone who helped make the launch of my new book The Forgotten Man (A Q.C. Davis Mystery), a success by buying early copies, posting reviews, and sharing about it on social media! It was great to see so many people at the book release party as well. Now I'm taking a much needed break and traveling in Europe. Along the way, though, I'm getting tons of ideas for a new book that will begin a series that spins off of my Awakening supernatural thriller series. And some possible ...

Wrecked S6 E10

Posted on May 22, 2023May 17, 2023 by admin

In Wrecked (S6 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow meets Rack and dives into dark magic as Buffy deals with the fallout from her night with Spike. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) repetition and pacing; (2) Wrecked as a full story or Part 2 of Smashed; (3) conveying emotion through actions and indirect dialogue; and (4) how well the Willow/Rack/addiction story fits in the Buffyverse. Download free Story Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bo...