How does a narrative podcast begin? With a script. In this impassioned episode, I try to uncover what it is about creative writing that is so important — both for ourselves, and for our listeners.

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• Our Narrative Foundations scriptwriting & editing workshop
• Anne Lamott's wonderful creative writing memoir, Bird by Bird

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Who is Storyscaping for? It's for all of you who are dedicated to personal and creative growth, who feel like you have a story inside you waiting to get out, but have limited time or schedules. That's a big reason why episodes are always ten minutes or less! :-) Demanding job? Parent of small children? Caregiver for a relative? This podcast is for you, because your story deserves to be heard. Listen to Storyscaping for practice-proven tips and inside insights on ideas for a narrative podcast, how to write and edit a script, best practices for recording and narration, artful audio editing and sound design, and other podcasting and creative living skills. 

What can manual labor teach us about the creative process? Turns out — a lot, as I find out the hard way one week at the cabin in northern Minnesota. Ten quick tips about narrative podcasting (which also apply to other types of creative work, with an intro reflection on family and priorities). 

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Show notes:

* Scrubbing the boards: more on script writing and editing

* Punch up your podcast script with this one tip

* Repetitive physical actions and creativity: walking, showering & washing dishes 

.......... Do you have an idea for a narrative podcast, but aren’t sure where to begin? You’re in the right place. Storyscaping exists to equip and inspire anyone who wants to make a narrative podcast, and we'll do this with bite-size episodes that each excavate some part of the creative process. We cover specific parts of creating a narrative, story, or fiction podcast (like scriptwriting and editing, recording and narration, audio editing and sound design), as well as the creative practices and habits that are bigger than the medium of podcasting, and will set you up for long-term creative living. 

What is it that makes narrative podcasting special compared to other art forms like writing, singing, or photography? Intimacy. But how do we create that sense of intimacy as podcasters? In today's episode, we suggest an answer to that question, reflecting on a distracted, noisy world, and how we can create the emotional connections we're all seeking. 

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Show notes:

• Sherry Turkle's TED talk on technology and distraction
• 99% Invisible episode on background noise and environments
• The Podcast Host's post on home podcast studio options  
• Our home recording setups for Storyscaping and Shelter in Place

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What’s a narrative podcast? Our definition is 1) telling a story, 2) working from a script, and 3) creating an immersive soundscape. This episode on recording, sound quality, and emotional connections dovetails with the second workshop in our three-part Narrative Foundations series, where we distill the key skills for creating great scripted podcasts into three two-hour interactive sessions. Learn more and sign up at narrativepodcasts.com. 

Storycaping started as mini teaser episodes to answer questions for prospective students — but as I kept working on it, I realized it had to answer questions for me. A reflection on creative motivation, long gestation processes, hopes and aspirations, and why I believe narrative podcasting is special. (Also: types of episodes we'll have here, and what you can expect from the show.)

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Show notes:

• Fast Company article on the power of creative constraints
• James Baldwin on redeeming hardship through creativity
• Our Narrative Podcasts online course

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Are you trying to find your voice — as a creator, and as a person? Then this show, and our training programs, are for you. Whether you are a radio or journalism veteran, a busy parent, or a creative explorer, our course, workshops, and private coaching are designed for you. You’ll learn the essential skills of narrative podcasting, like scriptwriting, narration, and sound design, and build a complete audio storytelling and creative living toolkit as well. We can’t wait to hear your stories!

Do you want to create an unforgettable narrative podcast — and a more creative life? Welcome to Storyscaping: with bite-size personal essays and proven creative practices, we’ll uncover the contours of the story inside you.

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Show notes: 

• Katie Semro, composer and sound designer
• Shelter in Place, the 200-episode narrative podcast that got us here
• Post about the question, "Why should I start a narrative podcast?"

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What is a narrative podcast? Our definition has three parts: 1) an inviting story, 2) a well-written script, and 3) a crafted soundscape. Including all of these three core elements is why narrative podcasts are both more labor-intensive, and more compelling, than other types of podcasts.

Storyscaping exists to equip and inspire listeners on each of these three core elements. A bit more on this three-part definition:

1) An inviting story. While interview shows (like any conversation), often meander, narrative podcasts create a sense of direction by employing universal aspects of successful stories: characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. 

2) The first key element that gives narrative podcasts their artfulness, and sets them apart from interview and other unscripted shows, is that narration has been written (and edited!) in advance.

3) With careful audio editing (removing filler words, rearranging clips, cutting a lot), and enhancement with music and sound effects, narrative podcasts create an experience where every minute counts and contributes.