Smashed S6 E9

Posted on May 8, 2023June 7, 2023 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

In Smashed (S6 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow brings Amy back, the Trio uses a freeze ray, and Buffy and Spike bring down the house —literally. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why and how Buffy finally acts on her desire for Spike; (2) whether Smashed is complete or one half of a story; and (3) how Buffy’s and Willow’s storylines reflect one another and where they diverge. Download free Story Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus ep...

This Lawyer Writes Crime Novels To Find Justice

Posted on April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 by admin

Author Lisa M. Lilly holding a copy of new release The Forgotten Man (A Q.C. Davis Mystery)

I didn't start out writing crime novels. A need for justice in real life sent me in that direction. As some readers know (though I never wrote about it in my novels), in 2007 a drunk driver killed my parents. The court proceedings against that driver marked the first time I directly experienced the criminal justice system. I learned about it in law school. But as a lawyer, at that point I'd handled only civil cases. (Meaning cases about recovering money, not prosecuting crimes.) These ...

Tabula Rasa S6 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 24, 2023February 2, 2024 by admin

In Tabula Rasa (S6 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow tries another forgetting spell with consequences that are fun at first and then devastating. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what the characters don't say that gives the dialogue so much power; (2) themes and metaphors that work – and don’t – and why; and (3) a super-clear plot structure for the first three quarters that blurs toward the end but hits all the right emotional notes. Last Episode: Once More ...

Once More With Feeling S6 E7

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

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....