The StoryPod

 In this episode, I tackle a Reddit question about refining a powerful and emotional character arc between two brothers. From conflicting motivations to tragic events, this story has a lot of potenti…

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is all about buildi…

What happens when a character’s strength fluctuates dramatically for lore-related reasons unknown to the reader? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode tackles the challenge of making these shif…

Why do characters insist on using someone’s full name when confessing their love? In this short Petty Peeve episode, I rant about this storytelling trope and why it grates on my nerves. No solutions,…

What happens when a man falls in love with a ghost and wants her to become part of his life—permanently? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode explores ways to bring a ghostly character back to…

In this Petty Peeve episode, I’m letting off steam about the frustrating trope of equating strong female characters with being unnecessarily rude or abrasive—and the worst part? It’s never treated as…

Feeling like your scenes are too short or your chapters are rushing by? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode dives into practical strategies for extending scenes and making chapters longer wit…

What happens when you combine Storymatic prompts, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, and a love for retro sci-fi cyberpunk? In this episode, we build a thrilling story from scratch! Follow the journey of an …

Inspired by a Reddit story question, this episode explores the motivations behind an alien surprise attack in a space opera setting. What could be so rare and valuable on Earth that it’s worth trigge…

Eldritch monsters are a staple of sci-fi and horror, but how do you create one that feels fresh, engaging, and suited to a space opera? In this episode, we tackle a Reddit question about avoiding gen…

 What happens when a chocolatier wields magic? Meet the Chocomancer, a candy-conjuring magician who escaped a gilded prison working for a king. In this episode, we dive into the sweet and bittersweet…

Immortality might sound like a gift, but for one character, it’s a never-ending nightmare. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of creating meaningful character growth for an immortal being grapp…

In this Petty Peeves episode, I’m calling out the overuse of blinking in stories—why it often feels like a wasted action and how it can drain energy from a scene. But it’s not all bad! I’ll also shar…

In this Story Snack, we’re addressing a Reddit question on balancing trauma and personality in character development. Can a genetically modified warrior with a traumatic past still be sweet and roman…

In this Story Snack, we’re answering a Reddit question about handling complex story elements without overwhelming the plot. How do you balance a large cast of characters, unique subplots, and intrica…

In this Story Snack, we’re tackling a thought-provoking question about the ultimate savior story. Should humanity’s last hope be an adult, fully equipped to tackle a crumbling world? Or is it more co…

In this Petty Peeves episode, I’m taking aim at a storytelling trope that drives me up the wall: when entire conflicts hinge on a misunderstanding that could be resolved with a single, simple convers…

In this Story Snack, we’re answering a Reddit question on creating an emotionless character without making them dull. How do you write a protagonist who feels almost nothing and still keep readers in…

 In this Story Snack, we’re delving into a question about fairytale romance and redemption. How can a king, shaken by the scars of war, prove his love is true to the queen he’s grown distant from? We…

Welcome to Petty Peeves, a limited series where I rant about common storytelling habits that drive me nuts—and offer solutions for doing better. In this first episode, we’re tackling the overuse of l…