Once More With Feeling S6 E7

Posted on April 10, 2023May 5, 2023 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

In Once More With Feeling (S6 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sunnydale bursts into song, Spike and Buffy are drawn together, and Dawn is once again in peril in the Buffy musical episode. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how a tight plot structure, including subplots, gives Once More With Feeling emotional power; (2) escalating conflict that keeps the story moving; (3) whether misdirects about Xander and Dawn play fair with the audience; (4) why it might not matter ...

All The Way S6 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by admin

In All The Way (S6 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn ducks out of Xander’s and Anya’s engagement party on Halloween and puts herself in peril. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) who the protagonist is – Dawn, Buffy, someone else? (2) which is the main plot: Tara/Willow, Xander/Anya, Dawn's adventure, Buffy's struggles? (3) are all these story lines subplots, partial season arcs, or both? (4) when misdirection and subverting expectations works best; and (5) how not ...

Life Serial S6 E5

Posted on March 13, 2023March 27, 2023 by admin

In Life Serial (Season 6 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to figure out what to do with her life and gets stuck in a magical loop. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: when stretching or breaking the characters undermines the plot why internal logic matters for spells and the story in character vs. out of character humor the effect of magic without consequences Last Episode: Flooded S6 E4 Next Up: All The Way S6 E6 Download free Story...

Flooded S6 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 27, 2023March 23, 2023 by admin

In Flooded (S6 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the basement floods, Buffy struggles over too many bills, and the trio sends a demon after her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of an intangible villain (like debt and falling property values) in a fantasy story; (2) false conflict vs. character-based conflict between Buffy, Giles, and Willow; (3) what works and doesn’t with cartoony villains like the trio; and (4) is slaying a metaphor for women’s unp...

After Life S6 E3

Posted on February 13, 2023March 10, 2023 by admin

In After Life (S6 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a demon Buffy’s friends think she brought back from hell torments everyone. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) plot turns and protagonist questions that make After Life more of a continuation than a standalone story; (2) why monsters need rules and whether the demon here follows any; (3) hints the writers weave in to tell us Buffy is hiding things from her friends; and (4) seeds for season-long character and relationsh...

Bargaining Part 2 S6 E2

Posted on January 30, 2023February 23, 2023 by admin

In Bargaining Part 2 (S6 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), demon bikers take over Sunnydale and Buffy claws her way out of the grave and thinks she’s in hell. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Bargaining Parts 1 and 2 change the tone of series; (2) clever scene transitions that cue new viewers in and engage the audience; (3) a climax with a different protagonist; and (4) whether Buffy, though dead for Part 1, is the antagonist throughout. Last Episode: Bargainin...

Bargaining Part 1 S6 E1

Posted on January 16, 2023January 26, 2023 by admin

In Bargaining Part 1 (S6 E1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy’s friends struggle to deal with her death—and to bring her back to life. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) conflicts that bring the audience into the brand new world without Buffy; (2) story questions that keep viewers on edge; (3) actions that show characters’ emotions in powerful ways; and (4) protagonist and pacing issues because Bargaining: Part 1 includes so many viewpoints and covers so much ground....

3 Women Talk Buffy Season 5 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)

Posted on December 19, 2022December 14, 2022 by admin

In Buffy Season 5 As A Whole (a bonus Buffy and the Art of Story podcast episode), 3 women podcasters talk about the best, the worst, and the meh in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 and beyond. Host Lisa M. Lilly and guests Kerry Walsh (co-host of Coaching Carrie podcast) and Roberta Lipp (co-host of They Coined It podcast) focus on: (1) does Glory’s disappearing act undercut her as the Big Bad? (2) The Body: best episode dealing with death or concept that doesn’t quite land? (3) should anyo...

Glory As The Big Bad S5 E23 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)

Posted on December 5, 2022November 26, 2022 by admin

In Glory As The Big Bad (a bonus Buffy and the Art of Story podcast episode), host Lisa M. Lilly talks with Rachel Wharton of Kobo Writing Life about Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 and more. The conversation focuses on: (1) Glory as a powerful, stereotypically feminine Big Bad who reflects series’ themes; (2) how the “Death Is Your Gift” message affects Buffy’s view of herself and her mission in Season 5; (3) whether Season 4 ranks as the least best season despite many excellent episodes; ...

Crime Writer At The Shooting Range

Posted on December 1, 2022 by admin

Not too long ago I took a research trip I hesitate to write about. I went to a shooting range. I'd never held a gun before let alone fired one. It was a little scary. I did it because at some point Quille, the protagonist of my Q.C. Davis Mystery series, will probably pick up a gun. Spoiler: I don't ever imagine her owning one or shooting anyone. But a crime writer probably should know how it feels. Also, if/when I write a present day supernatural thriller (perhaps revisiting Tara ...