The Secrets of Story: A Screenwriting & Novel Writing Podcast

Jonathan Auxier returns for a record fifth time to discuss what he originally wanted to discuss last time: Genre, how it is like burgers, and what this all has to do with the movie Alien. James then high-roads us with some classical music cues.

Jonathan Auxier returns again with his best idea yet: Everything you write should have an Author Draft, an Artifact Draft, and an Audience Draft.

Matt and James examine James's first novel to see if it matches some of the writing rules we've discussed over the years.

Last episode's guest Lou Anders returns with more storytelling tricks, including a way to break your story into four quarters: Orphan, Wanderer, Warrior, and Martyr.

Matt and James welcome the delightful novelist Lou Anders who expands on Head Heart Gut with a list of eight archetypes hiding in many great stories.

James has an elaborate theory about how writing is like cult indoctrination. Matt tries to keep up.

Parker Peevyhouse returns to ask about when a character should break their own rules, which results in discussion of The Mandalorian, Knives Out, and whether superhero movies suck. Check out this blog post we cite a few times: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2018/09/rulebook-casefile-three-rules-vs.html

We’re back! Matt and James have a rousing discussion of Head, Heart and Gut (And Spleen, and Groin, and Spirit, and a zillion other permutations…) Read more about and see neat charts here: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2017/05/head-heart-gut-aka-how-to-create.html

James has advice for writing opening scenes and Matt basically agrees with him for once. Plus, James almost gets hit by a meteor and Matt sings the praises of Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Returning guest Jonathan Auxier stops by to discuss franchise finales, because he's about to write one himself. It's another long one!