The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
Zena Dell Lowe is a seasoned and engaging teacher with a passion for writers and storytellers. Her focused, concise, and practical episodes (all roughly 20 minutes) not only explore the nuts and bolts of the craft, but also dive deep into the inner life of the artist and the "why" behind creativity. If you believe that story matters, you'll want to give this podcast a listen.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 236
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
From Script to Screen: Josh Smith’s Directing Insights and Writing Evolution
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Tune in to this special episode with one of Zena's coaching clients as he debriefs and talks about what it was like going from the writing stage into directing his first short f…
Story Crisis Averted: Discover the 4 Vital Traits Your Protagonist Must Have
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – So, you think you have a great fatal flaw for your MC? Maybe you're still not quite sure what it should be? Avoid the story crisis of a total rewrite by taking steps now to ensu…
Building Trust Through Questions: A Path to Effective Leadership
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Bob Tiede (pronounced “Tee-Dee”) has been on the staff of Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) for 52 years – serving 8 years in Cru Campus and then 24 years as the…
Dynamic Dialogue: Letting Conflict Speak Louder Than Words
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are your conflicts coming across a little flat? Do you know what your characters are REALLY fighting about...or for? Do you want to elevate your conflicts and negotiations betwe…
Expert Writing Advice from Comic Book Insider, David Avallone
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – David Avallone is a writer and filmmaker. He writes on #batwheels for Warner Brothers Animation, and in 2024 he has a few new comic book series in stores, including horror comed…
Captivate Your Audience: 5 Proven Techniques to Hook and Hold Them
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – How do you hook your audience? How do you keep them engaged from the start of your story through to the end? And how do you keep them from getting bored and tuning out? Hooks do…
Character Unveiled: 5 Expert Techniques Using 'Show Don't Tell'
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever feel like using 'show, don't tell' in revealing true character is challenging or almost impossible ? Watch this episode with Zena to learn 5 easy to apply tips on how to do…
The Character's Journey: From Inciting Incident to Ultimate Objective
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this episode, we delve into character development through setting objectives and overcoming obstacles. Discover how to craft compelling characters that move the story forward…
Deconstructing Iconic Characters in Casablanca and Silence of the Lambs
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Hannibal Lecter. Agent Starling. Rick Blaine. What do they have in common? They are perfect examples of paradoxical characters, which is really why they are so great! Come along…
Beyond First Impressions: Crafting Characters with Depth
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is Character? Why do we have trouble really nailing that down? And why does it seem so hard to create 3D characters? Does that really matter if the plot is great? The answe…
Crafting Characters: Top 7 Tips For Distinctive Character Voices
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – One big issue we can run into as writers is unintentionally making characters who all sound the same. But they all have distinctive lives, backgrounds, and personalities. So, ho…
7 Ways to Cultivate Your Unique Voice as a Writer
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Your narrative voice is something unique to you, that sets you apart from others. People can tell it's your voice before they even know you wrote it. So, how do you make that ha…
Subtext: What it is and How to Write it into Your Story
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Subtext: an essential element for story to add conflict and further develop your characters. But how do you capture the true essence of this covert communication method? Let's d…
What Are the Major Genres for Film and Why That Matters for Novelists
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is a genre anyway? Is it really that important for you to identify your genre? You don't want to be boxed in by a label, right? Wrong. You do want that label. You do need t…
10 Ways to Test if Your Story is Commercial
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Commercial story? Sounds like selling out, but it's more along the lines of actually selling. You have to have mass appeal if you want your stuff to sell. Period. So, put your #w…
3 Ingredients Hollywood Wants in Your Story: Heart, Smarts, & Sparkle
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Whether your #wip is a screenplay, a novel, or a novel that hopes to one day become a screenplay, this episode is for you. Hollywood loves to adapt books into movies, so make sur…
Unlocking Story Potential: Elements of a Good Story
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Ever wonder if you actually have a good story idea? Want to take that story idea that seems good and make it great? Well, stop what you're doing and watch this episode to level u…
The How To Guide to Fatal Flaws in Character Development
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy. Want a deeper dive into #fatalflaws in character development? Go ahead and cl…
Are There Major Differences Between Screenplay Writing and Novels?
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure. Check out this excerpt where she discusses the differences and similarities between wri…
Keeping Your Protagonist Active: Zena's Talk on Reality Coaching for Writers
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena joins Diana Flagel on Reality Coaching for Writers for this sweet little episode all about why and how to keep your protagonist active.
Free Video Tutorial for Screenwritin…