The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Do you really need a villain to tell a powerful story—or can life itself provide the opposition your character needs? In this episode, Zena answers a writer’s question about whether “life as the vill…

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe uncovers the hidden power of the “Aha Moment” in your story’s climax — the moment of revelation that resonates long after the final scene. Learn how to weave this esse…

“Show, Don’t Tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice — but also one of the most misunderstood. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it?

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe…

What if your character’s behavior seems selfish… but they’re actually in pain?
Writers often struggle to make characters dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma feel relatable instead of off-putti…

You’ve poured your heart into writing a novel—and now you’re wondering if you should turn it into a screenplay. But without industry insight, that leap could cost you time, money, and momentum.

In thi…

You’ve built your story beat by beat. Your characters are in place. The stakes are high. But now you’ve hit the final stretch—Act Three—and suddenly, it’s not clear how to land the plane.
 This is whe…

Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn’t quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character’s lowe…

Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen ti…

You’ve got a great premise, compelling characters… but something’s off. Your story feels stuck, and you can’t figure out why. Chances are, your story beats aren’t pulling their weight.

💡 In this episo…

Are your characters saying all the right things—but somehow it still feels off?
Contrived dialogue is one of the fastest ways to pull your reader or viewer out of the story. Whether you're a novelist …

Ever feel like your story should be working — but something’s just... off? Chances are, your characters are missing the one thing that drives truly compelling fiction: a clear, active goal.

In this ep…

Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you.

Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn…

Ever wondered if your character is truly a hero or just a morally questionable anti-hero? The lines are blurrier than you think, and it's time to get clear on the difference.

In this episode, we’ll di…

Are you struggling to differentiate the inciting incident from your character’s "normal world" in your story? Many writers confuse the two, leading to confusion in their plot structure and weak story…

Feeling like you have to land on the perfect idea can often freeze you in your tracks. What do you do when it seems like every idea isn’t good enough? How do you keep moving forward when the pressure…

Writers often feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities when developing their plot and characters, leading to “paralysis by analysis.” The fear of making the wrong choices can stall progress and …

Are you struggling to create memorable characters that drive your story? Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, mastering character development is crucial to engaging your audi…

As writers, we often face the pressure to please our audience, avoid controversy, and "play it safe." But is this the most effective way to create meaningful, impactful stories? Many writers struggle…

As writers, we often struggle with creating characters that feel real, dynamic, and compelling. Many of us get stuck focusing on plot, not realizing that without a well-crafted character, even the mo…

Many writers struggle with creating characters who feel both complex and authentic. One common issue is misidentifying a character's fatal flaw, confusing it with a simple moral deficiency or surface…