James gives Matt some good advice on a Free Story Idea, so Matt turns it onto a beatsheet and submits it to James' judgment. Lots of Yes-Anding!

James tries to convince Matt that every great ending has a "Moment of Grace" where the hero submits to a higher power. Matt is skeptical.

Matt and James discuss the power and peril of Hollywoodizing various examples of sci-fi short fiction. Long but fun!

Should heroes primarily pursue their own self interest? Matt and James debate the issue with special guest Geoff Betts, and James pitches a deranged update of "Annie"

Special guest Jonathan Auxier returns to the program to give us some pushback on our last three episodes (Listen to those first!) And after you've listened to this, check out this follow-up blog post: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2019/05/new-podcast-more-fun-with-jonathan.html

Must all protagonists be active? James says no! ...At least, not at first.

We discuss the hidden back half of story structure, dealing with Decline and Fall, and James finally gets the Last Jedi discussion he wanted.

Matt Bird, author of "Secrets of Story: Innovative Tips for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers", and James Kennedy, author of "The Order of Odd Fish", return for a long-awaited seventh episode, covering audience expectations, shifting tactics, OODA loops, and much more. And James pitches an adaptation of "The Screwtape Letters"!

Matt Bird and James Kennedy discuss story structure and apply Dan Harmon's Story Circle to Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Acclaimed novelist Jonathan Auxier joins Matt Bird and James Kennedy to talk about POV in prose!