Story Deep Dive Podcast
Join editor and USA Today bestselling author Dana Pittman and developmental editor Rachel Arsenault for a weekly deep dive into great novels.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 72 minutes
- Episodes
- 37
- Years Active
- 2025
Episode 17: Editor’s Take on Pacing, Stakes, and Genre Mastery in The Whistleblower
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel wrap up their exploration of The Whistleblower by Robert Peston with an editor’s lens—diving into pacing choices, plot construction, and th…
Episode 16: Unlikable or Unforgettable? Crafting Gil Peck in The Whistleblower
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel dive into how to craft emotionally complex protagonists in plot-driven genres, using Robert Peston’s The Whistleblower as their case study.
…
Episode 15: Mastering Crime Story Arcs with The Whistleblower
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana kick off their latest book selection: The Whistleblower by Robert Peston. Whether you're a crime writer, storyteller, or curious reader, yo…
Episode 14: Secrets, Scandals, and Structure in The Whistleblower
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana kick off their latest book selection: The Whistleblower by Robert Peston. Whether you're a crime writer, storyteller, or curious reader, yo…
Episode 13: Coffee Chats & Craft Talk: Romance, Crime, and Creative Process
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this special bonus episode, Dana and Rachel share a casual, behind-the-scenes conversation about storytelling, character development, and the creative journey.
Whether yo…
Episode 12: The Art of Dual-Genre Writing in Dead Until Dark
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel wrap up their deep dive into Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. They explore the art of blending romance and mystery, the importance of r…
Episode 11: Unraveling Character Dynamics in Dead Until Dark
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel continue their deep dive into Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris, shifting the focus to characters—from the protagonist’s internal struggl…
Episode 10: Love, Death, and Storytelling Secrets from Dead Until Dark
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel Arsenault and Dana Pittman dive into the plot of Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or storyteller, you’ll gain va…
Episode 9: Mystery, Romance, and High Stakes in Dead Until Dark
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel introduce their latest book analysis: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. They discuss how this novel expertly blends mystery and romance,…
Episode 8: Structure, Subplots, and Swoon-Worthy Moments in Things We Never Got Over
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana conclude their discussion of Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or storyteller, you’ll gain valuable i…
Episode 7: Grumps, Sunshines, and Found Family in The Things We Never Got Over
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana break down the unforgettable characters in Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score.
Whether you’re a romance writer, reader, or storyteller, …
Episode 6: Tropes, Tension, and Plot Mastery in The Things We Never Got Over
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, hosts Rachel and Dana dive into the plot structure of Lucy Score’s The Things We Never Got Over.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or storyteller, you'll gai…
Episode 5: Writing Romance That Hooks Readers: Lessons from The Things We Never Got Over
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana dive into The Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or storyteller, you’ll gain valuable insights on char…
Episode 4: Unlocking Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Story Deep Dive – Episode 4: Unlocking Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Show Notes:
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel wrap up their in-depth discussion of Ninth House by Leigh Bar…
Episode 3: The Character Study of Alex Stern in Ninth House
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel delve into the intricacies of character development, focusing on Alex Stern, the protagonist of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.
Whether you're…
Episode 2: Unraveling the Plot of Ninth House
Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, hosts Dana and Rachel take listeners on an in-depth journey into the plot of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or lover of intri…
Episode 1: Welcome to Story Deep Dive + Exploring Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Welcome to the very first episode of Story Deep Dive!
Join your hosts, Rachel Arsenault and Dana Pittman, as they introduce themselves, share the inspiration behind the podcast, and break down the art…