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!


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Ever feel like your story should be working — but something’s just... off? Chances are, your characters are missing the one thing that drives truly compelling fiction: a clear, active goal.

In this episode, we dig into why so many screenplays and novels lose steam, how to spot the silent killer of narrative momentum, and what your character really needs to stop drifting and start doing. Whether you’re knee-deep in draft land or just sketching your first outline, this is the clarity boost your story structure’s been waiting for.

🎯 Because when your characters stop wandering and start pursuing — that’s when the magic happens.

Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO!


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Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you.

Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn’t click — and worse, your audience doesn’t care. That’s the pain point. And we’ve all been there.

In this episode, we dig into why your characters might be missing that vital spark — and how to fix it. Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, or short film, you’ll uncover:

✅ The essential trait all compelling characters share (hint: it’s not just likability)
✅ How paradox, sympathy, and intrigue shape unforgettable protagonists
✅ Why suffering might just be the secret weapon of great storytelling
✅ Real-world examples and feedback that bring these concepts to life

Join us as we workshop character ideas live, break down why some characters captivate us instantly, and reveal the storytelling truths that most writers learn the hard way.

🎧 Press play now to finally unlock the emotional core your characters have been missing.

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.

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Ever wondered if your character is truly a hero or just a morally questionable anti-hero? The lines are blurrier than you think, and it's time to get clear on the difference.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the world of heroes and anti-heroes, breaking down their key differences and exploring the moral complexities that make them tick. Is your character’s flaw pushing them toward redemption—or just leading them further down the wrong path? We'll also tackle why the world needs more true heroes, and how understanding these distinctions can elevate your writing.

But here’s the twist: not all anti-heroes are created equal. Some may challenge our views of morality, but others just reflect the chaos of our modern world. Want to know which category your characters fall into? You'll have to watch to find out.

Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO!


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Are you struggling to differentiate the inciting incident from your character’s "normal world" in your story? Many writers confuse the two, leading to confusion in their plot structure and weak storytelling.

In this episode, we break down the difference between your character's everyday actions and the pivotal moment that launches them into the adventure—the inciting incident. Using popular movies like Armageddon, Star Wars, and Jaws, we’ll show you how to identify the real turning point that transforms your protagonist’s journey. 

Learn how to pinpoint the exact moment that propels your character into action, making your story unforgettable.



This episode has been pulled from one of the live coaching sessions that you'll have exclusive access to by purchasing any one of the online writing courses offered by The Storyteller's Mission. Check them out!


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