In this episode, Brian and Jesse break down the essential components of three-act story structure. You’ll learn why all three acts are imperative, how well constructed stories mark the difference between entertainment and impact, and why “choose your own adventure” tales will never change your life.

This episode was recorded on January 26, 2022.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by comic book writer John Arcudi, who’s written for DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics and is currently working on Two Moons, a series from Image Comics. John shares why stories that focus on the smallest possible conflict are often the most interesting, and how truth and complexity are key to creating captivating stories.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse deep dive into the ten-year journey of crystallizing Brian’s newly released non-fiction graphic novel Land of the Dead. Together, they investigate ancient storytelling’s tradition of venturing to the underworld, the framework for what’s encountered there, and why facing life’s universal pain is essential for leaving your audience transformed.

Graphic Policy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-the-dead-lessons-from-the-underworld-on-storytelling-and-living-brian-mcdonald/18246299?ean=9781626727311

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Land-Dead-Lessons-Underworld-Storytelling/dp/1626727317/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O30UD6X7NCJ7&keywords=land+of+the+dead+brian+mcdonald&qid=1674495802&sprefix=%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by cartoonist and lecturer Gene Luen Yang, author of the award-winning graphic novel American Born Chinese. Brian and Gene talk about what it’s like to pursue a career in the comic industry as a person of color—and how truly feeling the emotions of their characters makes for better storytelling.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Jenn Ely, a freelance illustrator and production designer known for her work on “The Boxtrolls,” “The Shivering Truth,” and upcoming Netflix films “Wendell and Wild” and “Pinocchio.” Jenn shares why she believes in risking rejection to acquire knowledge—and chats with Brian about the state of gender and racial inclusion in the industry.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse go deeper into Brian’s experience trying to break into the comic and film industries, touching on perseverance, disappointment, diversity, and what it takes to keep going. For anyone feeling discouraged about reaching their creative goals, this one’s for you.

Why do stories need structure to be successful? Learn how structure, especially when done simply, can be incredibly effective. Tap the link in our bio to watch this week's episode of “You Are a Storyteller.”

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by writer, director, and comedian J. Elvis Weinstein—a founding member of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” a writer/producer of the NBC show “Freaks and Geeks,” and director of the new documentary “Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?” J. Elvis shares how his early start on the comic circuit influenced his writing—and how he creates a compelling story without artifice.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by screenwriter Jim Uhls, the writer of Fight Club and Jumper. Jim shares why his goal in writing is to “demonstrate something with a truism”—and how he knows he’s succeeded.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why “old” films are still so powerful—and what contemporary creators can learn from them.