Do you really need a villain to tell a powerful story—or can life itself provide the opposition your character needs? In this episode, Zena answers a writer’s question about whether “life as the villain” works, and breaks down the difference between antagonists, villains, and complex characters who don’t fit neatly into either box.

You’ll learn:

• Why “life” as an antagonist can weaken your story (unless it’s a disaster plot).
• How antagonists differ from villains—and why that matters.
• The dangers of victimizing your protagonist.
• How to craft compelling conflict even without a traditional “bad guy.”

Perfect for writers exploring survival stories, nuanced characters, or non-traditional narrative conflicts.

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#screenwriting #writingtips  #authorlife #screenwriteradvice #StorytellingTips  #WritersLife #WritingTips #TheStorytellersMission #Villain #antagonist

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In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe uncovers the hidden power of the “Aha Moment” in your story’s climax — the moment of revelation that resonates long after the final scene. Learn how to weave this essential beat into your work without forcing it, why it matters so much to your audience, and how to make it unforgettable.

Perfect for writers, screenwriters, and storytellers ready to elevate their craft.

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#screenwriting #writingtips  #authorlife #screenwriteradvice #StorytellingTips #StoryClimax #AhaMoment #WritersLife #WritingTips #TheStorytellersMission

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“Show, Don’t Tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice — but also one of the most misunderstood. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it?

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe shares a crisp, actionable breakdown that goes beyond flowery description. Using a brilliant metaphor — "give the clues, not the police report" — Zena shows how to shift your writing from passive to powerful.

What you’ll learn:

• Why simply describing something still isn’t “showing”
• How discovery transforms exposition into drama
• The one mistake that makes readers check out
• Visual storytelling, subtext, and behavioral cues that work
• How to engage your audience by making them active participants

🎁 BONUS: Want to write stories that keep your audience hooked?
Download Zena’s free training video on the 7 Deadly Plot Points Every Story Needs 

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#screenwriting #writingtips #storytellersmission #authorlife #screenwriteradvice #StorytellersMission #WritingAdvice #CharacterDevelopment

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What if your character’s behavior seems selfish… but they’re actually in pain?
Writers often struggle to make characters dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma feel relatable instead of off-putting. You want readers to connect with them—not judge them.

In this episode, Zena tackles how to portray characters struggling with mental health challenges in a way that feels true, empathetic, and dramatically compelling. You’ll learn how to let your character’s humanity shine—even when they’re making mistakes.

If you’ve ever worried your “flawed” character will lose the audience’s sympathy, this one’s for you.

Ready to write with more compassion and authenticity?
Subscribe to The Storyteller’s Mission for more insight on how to write stories that matter.

Available on YouTube + your favorite podcast app.

Full series + bonus resources: https://www.thestorytellersmission.com/podcast

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#screenwriting #writingtips #storytellersmission #authorlife #screenwriteradvice #StorytellersMission #WritingAdvice #CharacterDevelopment

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You’ve poured your heart into writing a novel—and now you’re wondering if you should turn it into a screenplay. But without industry insight, that leap could cost you time, money, and momentum.

In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena lays down the hard truth about adapting novels into screenplays. Should you write the adaptation yourself? Should you hire someone to do it? Or should you leave the screenplay entirely out of your plan?

What You'll Learn:
→ Why most novelists shouldn’t rush into screenwriting
→ What Hollywood is actually looking for when it comes to adaptations
→ The long road to becoming a skilled screenwriter—and whether it’s worth it for you

This is a clear-eyed conversation about creative ambition and strategic career choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should try adapting your own book, this episode will help you make that call with confidence.

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.

🎧 Listen now and get clarity on one of the biggest decisions a novelist can face.

Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#screenwriting #writingtips #storytellersmission #authorlife #screenwriteradvice

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You’ve built your story beat by beat. Your characters are in place. The stakes are high. But now you’ve hit the final stretch—Act Three—and suddenly, it’s not clear how to land the plane.
 This is where even seasoned writers stumble.

In this episode, Zena tackles the storytelling tension of bringing everything together in a satisfying, powerful way—without falling into cliché or chaos. If you're unsure how to pace your climax, resolve subplots, or create that unforgettable moment of truth, this conversation will light the path.

Spoiler: The final act doesn’t need to be long—it just needs to be right.

✨ Plus: This episode is pulled from Zena’s private Office Hours, available to anyone who’s purchased one of her courses. Want direct access like this? You can! Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.

Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#amwriting #authorproblems #faithwriters #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter #StoryStructure #WritingTips #PlotDevelopment #ActThree #ScreenwritingLife 

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Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn’t quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character’s lowest emotional point? Is redemption supposed to kick in right away? What if your character is still flailing?

In this episode, Zena challenges the conventional “lowest point” terminology and offers a more nuanced, flexible way to think about this crucial plot transition—and how understanding this shift can raise the stakes and deepen your protagonist’s arc.

Want access to office hours like this one?This episode comes straight from Zena’s monthly Office Hours, an exclusive perk for anyone who’s ever taken one of her courses. These private Q&A sessions are your chance to get unstuck, get clarity, and get expert feedback—directly from Zena herself.

Get in on it: Take any of Zena’s courses to unlock lifetime access to Office Hours.
If you're ready to deepen your craft and get personal feedback from Zena herself, check out her online courses.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#amwriting #authorproblems #shortstory #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter #StoryStructure #WritingTips #PlotDevelopment #ActTwoToThree #ScreenwritingLife 

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Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen time?

In this episode, Zena answers the question: does the Hollywood Plot Map apply to short films, or is it overkill?

Her answer might surprise you—and give you permission to stop overthinking and start trusting your creative instincts.

What You’ll Learn:
- Which story elements are absolutely essential in a short film—and which ones you can let go.
- Why short films come with more creative freedom… and why that can make them even harder to get right.
- How to think about character transformation when you don’t have the luxury of 90 pages.

Want to ask Zena your own burning story questions?This episode is pulled directly from her exclusive Office Hours—a private, monthly Q&A available to anyone who has ever purchased a class.

If you're ready to deepen your craft and get personal feedback from Zena herself, check out her online courses and unlock lifetime access to Office Hours.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

#amwriting #authorproblems #shortstory #screenplayformat #writingtips #writersconnection #christianscreenwriter 

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You’ve got a great premise, compelling characters… but something’s off. Your story feels stuck, and you can’t figure out why. Chances are, your story beats aren’t pulling their weight.

💡 In this episode:
Zena Dell Lowe reveals how to turn every scene into a powerful turning point. You’ll learn how to spot weak story beats, replace them with emotional drivers, and make sure every scene earns its place.

🎯 What you’ll walk away with:

A clear definition of what a real story beat is

How to ensure each beat creates momentum and change

The difference between a tactic shift and a beat shift

When a scene is truly over—and when you’re dragging it out

📣 Plus:
Get access to Zena’s free video training on the 7 deadly plot points that can make or break your story. Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO!

🎧 Tune in now—and make every story beat count.

The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as well as listen. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

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Are your characters saying all the right things—but somehow it still feels off?
Contrived dialogue is one of the fastest ways to pull your reader or viewer out of the story. Whether you're a novelist or a screenwriter, when your dialogue feels stiff, forced, or unnatural, it kills immersion and weakens emotional impact.

The worst part? You might not even realize you're doing it.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked causes of fake-sounding dialogue—and more importantly, how to fix it. You’ll learn a mindset shift and key storytelling tools that will instantly elevate your scenes and bring your characters to life.

🎬 If you've ever been told your dialogue doesn’t “feel real,” this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO!


The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as well as listen. Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Send us a text

Support the show