Buffy and the Art of Story

In Potential (S7 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy trains potential slayers and Willow’s spell to find a new one takes a surprising turn. Along with the recap of Potential, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) building to a surprising yet inevitable twist; (2) revealing inner conflict – here, Buffy’s about Spike – through dialogue and action; (3) small moments that convey Dawn’s emotional journey; (4) changes to Buffy, Xander, and Dawn over the seasons; and (5) how questions about who the protagonist is affect the story.

Last Episode: Showtime

Next Episode: The Killer In Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly 

In Showtime (S7 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), more potential Slayers arrive in Sunnydale and Buffy fights the Turok Han, this time with an audience. Along with the recap of Showtime, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) weaving foreshadowing into your story; (2) just-in-time world building; and (3) how the character relationships gradually evolve in believable ways.

Last Episode: Bring On The Night

Next Episode: Potential

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly 

In Bring On The Night (S7 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles returns to Sunnydale with potential vampire slayers and Buffy fights an ubervamp. Along with the recap of Bring On The Night, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) making new characters’ choices believable; (2) why goals matter (and what happens when they’re not clear); (3) Buffy and friends treat Andrew badly – what does that say about them? and (4) when open story questions frustrate the audience.

Last Episode: Never Leave Me

Next Episode: Showtime

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly 

In Never Leave Me (S7 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy interrogates Spike, Xander and Anya play good cop/bad cop with Andrew, and Principal Wood acts strangely. Along with the recap of Never Leave Me, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) the challenges of using a group as protagonist; (2) setting the rules in a supernatural story; (3) filling in a lack of plot developments with fun and humor; and (4) building to a key revelation.

Last Episode: Sleeper

Next Episode: Bring On The Night

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly 

In Sleeper (S7 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy struggles to sort out whether, how, and why Spike is killing again and Giles is in peril. Along with the recap of Sleeper, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) fluid plot turns that keep the pace fast; (2) foreshadowing future rifts among Buffy and her friends; (3) segues that link scenes; (4)  actions and dialogue that can be read multiple ways, creating believable conflict.

Last Episode: Pride, Prejudice and Buffy (Bonus)

Next Episode: Never Leave Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly 

This bonus episode of Buffy and the Art of Story features host Lisa M. Lilly and audiobook narrator and voice actor Shiromi Arserio. The two met due to their shared love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Today they talk about their recent new release, a special edition audiobook of Pride and Prejudice. The conversation includes: 

(1) the strong female characters in Pride and Prejudice; (2) what new writers can learn from the Jane Austen classic; (3) why the book has endured for centuries; (4) where Pride and Prejudice crosses paths with Buffy and more.

Last Episode: Conversations With Dead People

Next Episode: Sleeper

Audiobook On Kobo (digital)

Audible

CD Edition

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. 

For the past 18 years Shiromi Arserio has worked as a voice actor. As an audiobook narrator she has narrated over 250 titles for major publishers. She is a 2x Audie Finalist, IAA Nominee, SOVAS Nominee and winner of multiple Earphones awards and Pencraft Literary awards for my narrations. She has a knack for accents and loves Science Fiction & Fantasy, as well as YA and Romance. Shiromi Arserio is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Learn more at ShiromiSpeaks.com.

In Conversations with Dead People (S7 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, Willow and Dawn talk with the dead (or the undead)  —  maybe  —  and Spike’s story takes an ominous turn. With special guest Steven Youngkin, host of the Angel retrospective podcast Wolfram & Cast. Along with the recap of Conversations with Dead People, this podcast episode focuses on: 

(1) connecting seemingly unconnected vignettes; (2) character arcs and themes; (3) pop culture references; and (4) behind-the-scenes trivia and info on writing and production.

Last Episode: Him 

Next Episode: Pride, Prejudice and Buffy (Bonus)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In Him (S7 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn falls in love – or falls under a love spell – and Buffy refuses to take her seriously until it’s almost too late. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:

(1) always making things worse for the protagonist (Dawn); (2) is Buffy under a spell or acting out of character? Or both? and (3) hints of a theme that may be there or coming soon.

Last Episode: Selfless

Next Episode: Conversations With Dead People

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In Selfless (S7 E5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya returns to her demon life with a vengeance, forcing Buffy to make a terrible choice. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:

(1) why choice is key in the Buffyverse; (2) flashbacks at their best; (3) character motives and exposition revealed through gripping conflict; and (4) how the themes of Selfless affect Anya’s story.

Last Episode: Help

Next Episode: Him

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In Help (S7 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a Sunnydale High student insists she will die in a few days though she doesn’t know why and Buffy strives to save her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:

(1) Surprising the viewer while playing fair with a second — and third — ending; (2) foreshadowing or overshadowing plot turns and Season 7 themes; (3) callbacks or rehashes? and (4) what makes an opening scene compelling.

Last Episode: Same Time Same Place

Next Episode: Selfless

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Click here for free books by Lisa M. Lilly.