This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: What's My Line Part Two (Season 2 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) a Midpoint reversal that spins the story and changes Buffy’s mindset about slaying; (2) why readers don’t always believe something that’s authentic; (3) quickly reminding your audience what happened before; and (4) crafting an episode around a great line. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: What's My Line Part 1 (Season 2 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) how to keep exposition interesting; (2) heightening the threat by changing key characters’ behavior; (3) body language that shows emotion; and (4) Marti Noxon's Harold and the Purple Crayon moment. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What's My Line Part 2 Last Week:  The Dark Age W...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: The Dark Age (Season 2 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) external conflict that causes Buffy and Giles to grow; (2) whether The Dark Age is a Coming of Age story; and (3) what makes a character the protagonist. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What's My Line Part 1 Last Week: Lie to Me S2 E7 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point Sto...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Lie To Me (Season 2 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This episode covers (1) a two-part Inciting Incident/Story Spark; (2) a Midpoint reversal Buffy only recognizes in retrospect; (3) characters who talk about everything except what they really feel; and (4) Buffy and Spike reflecting one another and foreshadowing the season final.  As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: ...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Halloween (Season 2 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): (1) why Buffy is the protagonist but someone else saves the day; (2) Willow gains confidence incrementally; and (3) we see another side to Giles that foreshadows future episodes and keeps us coming back. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Lie to Me S2 E7 Last Week: Reptile Boy S2 E5 Work On Your Story Downl...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Reptile Boy (Season 2 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) theme woven into story; (2) a huge turning point for Buffy and Giles; (3) escalating conflict and why the Midpoint of your story matters; and (4) the first of many demon snakes in Buffy.  As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Halloween S2 E6 Last Week: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4 Work On Your Story...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Some Assembly Required (Season 2 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). In this podcast episode, we'll talk about (1) the lack of a strong Midpoint commitment or reversal; (2) a jumble of antagonists; (3) whether flashbacks might help develop the character relationships; and (4) if the theme works. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: School Hard S2 E3 Last Week:  When She Was Bad S2 ...