The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

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The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Zena Dell Lowe

236 episodes

1 month ago

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...

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Religion & Spirituality,

All content for The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe is the property of Zena Dell Lowe and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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...

Show more...

Religion & Spirituality,

Episodes (20/236)

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Are Your Story Beats Driving Change—or Dulling Impact?

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 ens...

1 week ago

10 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

How to Ditch Contrived Dialogue for Good

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, h...

3 weeks ago

12 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Goal Diggers: Characters Who Actually Do Stuff

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...

1 month ago

19 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Unveiling Depths: The Secrets to Engaging Characters

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 ...

1 month ago

30 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Heroes vs Anti-Heroes: The Battle You Didn’t Know You Were Writing

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 tru...

2 months ago

22 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

The Real Inciting Incident: Why It’s More Than Just Big Events

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...

2 months ago

21 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Pressure of Perfection: When Your Story Won’t Speak (& Your Characters Don’t Either)

Feeling like you have to land on the perfect idea can often freeze you in your tracks. What do you do when it seems like every idea isn’t good enough? How do you keep moving forward when the pressure to create the perfect story is overwhelming? You’ve probably heard other writers talk about their characters “speaking” to them, but what happens when that doesn’t happen for you? Is something wrong, or are you missing an essential piece of the writing puzzle? Join us in this episode as we expl...

3 months ago

18 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Plot Points & Character Arcs: How to Avoid Paralysis and Focus Your Story

Writers often feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities when developing their plot and characters, leading to “paralysis by analysis.” The fear of making the wrong choices can stall progress and derail a story’s direction. Learn how to break through that overwhelm and stay focused with key insights on organizing your story structure, making sure every choice serves the larger narrative. This episode has been pulled from one of the live coaching sessions that you'll have exclusive acces...

3 months ago

19 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Mastering Character: A Back-to-Basics Approach for Writers at Any Level

Are you struggling to create memorable characters that drive your story? Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, mastering character development is crucial to engaging your audience. In this episode, Zena dives into the fundamentals of character creation, exploring why every writer—no matter their experience—should revisit the basics. Tune in for practical insights that will take your storytelling to the next level! Key Takeaways: -Why every character needs a personal...

4 months ago

27 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Offend to Enlighten: The Ethics of Writing

As writers, we often face the pressure to please our audience, avoid controversy, and "play it safe." But is this the most effective way to create meaningful, impactful stories? Many writers struggle with balancing moral responsibility and creative freedom, worried that their work might offend or alienate readers or viewers. In this episode, we dive deep into the ethics of storytelling and why sometimes offending the audience can be the most ethical act a writer can do. Drawing on insights f...

5 months ago

24 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Why We’re Obsessed with Characters (and How to Make Yours Irresistible)

As writers, we often struggle with creating characters that feel real, dynamic, and compelling. Many of us get stuck focusing on plot, not realizing that without a well-crafted character, even the most thrilling story can fall flat. Readers or audiences won’t connect to a character who doesn’t feel authentic or multidimensional. In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe breaks down the essential qualities that make a character irresistible to your audience. You’ll learn why character is more important...

5 months ago

23 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Fatal Flaws vs. Wounds: How to Deepen Your Characters' Arcs

Many writers struggle with creating characters who feel both complex and authentic. One common issue is misidentifying a character's fatal flaw, confusing it with a simple moral deficiency or surface-level trait. This misunderstanding can lead to flat, unrelatable characters who fail to resonate with audiences. In this episode, we break down the crucial difference between a fatal flaw and a wound—and why understanding this distinction is key to crafting compelling character arcs. By learning...

5 months ago

18 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Create Characters Who Evolve: The Power of Rituals and Breaking Patterns

As writers, it’s easy to get stuck in the rut of creating characters who don’t feel like they’re evolving. If your characters seem to stay the same throughout your story, or their growth feels forced, you’re not alone. Many writers struggle with making their character arcs feel authentic and compelling. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies to use rituals and deviations to reveal deeper layers of your characters, enhance their arcs, and keep your audience engaged—witho...

6 months ago

23 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Crafting Powerful Scenes: Tone, Theme, and Plot Transitions

Struggling to make your scenes feel dynamic and purposeful? Are you finding it difficult to set the right tone, weave in your theme, or transition smoothly between key plot points? In this episode, we dive into the craft of building powerful, unforgettable scenes that do more than just move the plot forward. Whether you’re a writer or a screenwriter, mastering the art of scene construction can transform your entire story. Learn practical strategies to maximize the dramatic potential of ever...

6 months ago

48 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

The Power of Conflict: 3 Types of Obstacles That Build Heroes

Are you unsure how to build obstacles that challenge your characters on multiple levels and drive the story forward? In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe breaks down the three key types of obstacles every character can face. Learn how to craft each obstacle to challenge your characters in unique ways, forcing them to grow, make difficult choices, and push the story to its emotional peak. Watch now to discover these obstacles to create compelling, active characters and elevate your storytelling! ...

6 months ago

19 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

The #1 Thing That Makes a Story Memorable (And 4 Ways to Nail It)

Struggling to make your stories stick with readers or audiences? You're not alone! Many writers get caught up in creating intricate plots and thrilling twists, but the truth is—it’s the relationships between your characters that keep people coming back. If your stories feel flat or forgettable, it could be because you're missing the emotional core that great relationships bring. In this episode, we dive deep into why relationships are the true heart of every memorable story. You’ll learn how...

6 months ago

19 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Stop Dreading Loglines: A Simple 4-Step Approach to Get It Right

Struggling with your story's logline? You’re not alone! Writers often avoid creating loglines because they think they’re too hard or too limiting. But what if I told you there’s a simple, 4-step formula that makes writing your logline easy—and it’ll keep your entire story on track? In this episode, we break down exactly how to write a logline that’s clear, concise, and captures the heart of your story. You’ll learn why a solid logline is more than just a pitch—it’s a powerful tool that helps...

7 months ago

20 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Rated R for Redemption: Deep Truths, Thoughtful Portrayals

Many Christian narratives shy away from the complexities of real life, resulting in stories that feel disingenuous or trivial. This avoidance not only limits the impact of these stories but also leaves important human experiences unexplored. In this episode, we’ll focus on two essential rules for tackling hard topics in Christian writing. Join us as we empower Christian writers to craft narratives that confront hard truths while honoring their audience, leading to deeper, more impactful stor...

7 months ago

27 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Unfiltered Faith: Writing Beyond Family-Friendly Limits

What if the stories we tell about faith could be as complex and gritty as real life? It’s time to break free from the confines of family-friendly narratives. Many Christian writers feel pressured to produce only wholesome, safe content, fearing backlash or judgment. This limits the depth and authenticity of their storytelling. Join the conversation! Come away with a better understanding of the importance of tackling mature themes and the misconception that R-rated content is inherently ne...

7 months ago

18 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Masterclass in World Building: Red Rising and The Dresden Files Explored

World building isn’t just background noise—it's essential to storytelling. Let’s see how two masters, Pierce Brown and Jim Butcher, weave it into every scene. Today, we break down how Red Rising and The Dresden Files build immersive, unforgettable universes. 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. Support ...

7 months ago

31 minutes

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

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...