Buffy and the Art of Story

InGone (S6 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a social worker visits the Summers house andthe trio makes Buffy something that rhymes with "blinvisible." Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the storytelling challenges of an unengaged protagonist like Buffy; (2) why lots of conflict doesn’t always equal a strong plot; (3) season hooks that don’t really hook (the stolen diamond); and (4) small moments that show subtly building conflict between Buffy and Xander but also show their bond. Last Episode: Wrecked Next Episode: Doublemeat Palace Download freeStory Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus episodes bybecoming a patron GetSuper Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) GetThe One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) ReadBuffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-bookAwakening supernatural thriller seriesas well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in herQ.C. Davis mysteries. Hernon-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

InWrecked (S6 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow meets Rack and dives into dark magic as Buffy deals with the fallout from her night with Spike. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) repetition and pacing; (2) Wrecked as a full story or Part 2 of Smashed; (3) conveying emotion through actions and indirect dialogue; and (4) how well the Willow/Rack/addiction story fits in the Buffyverse. Download freeStory Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus episodes bybecoming a patron Check out the courseHow To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft GetSuper Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) GetThe One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Make a one-time donation atBuy Me A Coffee ReadBuffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-bookAwakening supernatural thriller seriesas well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in herQ.C. Davis mysteries. Hernon-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In Smashed (S6 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow brings Amy back, the Trio uses a freeze ray, and Buffy and Spike bring down the house —literally. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why and how Buffy finally acts on her desire for Spike; (2) whether Smashed is complete or one half of a story; and (3) how Buffy’s and Willow’s storylines reflect one another and where they diverge. Download freeStory Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus episodes by becoming a patron Check out the course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In Tabula Rasa (S6 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow tries another forgetting spell with consequences that are fun at first and then devastating. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what the characters don't say that gives the dialogue so much power; (2) themes and metaphors that work – and don’t – and why; and(3) a super-clear plot structure for the first three quarters that blurs toward the end but hits all the right emotional notes. Last Episode: Once More With Feeling S6 E7 Next Up: Smashed S6 E9 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast bybecoming a patron GetSuper Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) GetThe One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year(ebook, audiobook, or workbook) New Release: The Forgotten Man (A Q.C. Davis Mystery) Check out self-study online courseHow To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft ReadBuffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-bookAwakening supernatural thriller seriesas well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in herQ.C. Davis mysteries. Hernon-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.

In Once More With Feeling (S6 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sunnydale bursts into song, Spike and Buffy are drawn together, and Dawn is once again in peril in the Buffy musical episode.Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how a tight plot structure, including subplots, gives Once More With Feeling emotional power; (2) escalating conflict that keeps the story moving; (3) whether misdirects about Xander and Dawn play fair with the audience; (4) why it might not matter who summoned the demon; and (5) why subverting expectations works so well here. Last Episode:All The Way S6 E6 Next Up: Tabula Rasa S6 E8 Check out the course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Download freeStory Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus episodes by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly.

In All The Way (S6 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn ducks out of Xander’s and Anya’s engagement party on Halloween and puts herself in peril. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) who the protagonist is – Dawn, Buffy, someone else?(2) which is the main plot: Tara/Willow, Xander/Anya, Dawn's adventure, Buffy's struggles?(3) are all these story lines subplots, partial season arcs, or both? (4) when misdirection and subverting expectations works best; and(5) how not knowing what characters think undermines the emotional power of a story. Last Episode: Life Serial S6 E5 Next Up: Once More With Feeling S6 E7 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get the latest Q.C. Davis Mystery The Hidden Man Check out self-study online course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee to hear bonus episode Gods, Guilt, and the Weight of the World Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.

In Life Serial (Season 6 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to figure out what to do with her life and gets stuck in a magical loop. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: when stretching or breaking the characters undermines the plot why internal logic matters for spells and the story in character vs. out of character humor the effect of magic without consequences Last Episode: Flooded S6 E4 Next Up: All The Way S6 E6 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Check out the course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee to hear bonus episode Gods, Guilt, and the Weight of the World Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.

In Flooded (S6 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the basement floods, Buffy struggles over too many bills, and the trio sends a demon after her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of an intangible villain (like debt and falling property values) in a fantasy story; (2) false conflict vs. character-based conflict between Buffy, Giles, and Willow; (3) what works and doesn’t with cartoony villains like the trio; and (4) is slaying a metaphor for women’s unpaid labor? Last Episode: After Life S6 E3 Next Up: Life Serial S6 E5 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get the latest Q.C. Davis Mystery The Hidden Man Check out self-study online course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee to hear bonus episode Gods, Guilt, and the Weight of the World Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.

In After Life (S6 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a demon Buffy’s friends think she brought back from hell torments everyone. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) plot turns and protagonist questions that make After Life more of a continuation than a standalone story; (2) why monsters need rules and whether the demon here follows any; (3) hints the writers weave in to tell us Buffy is hiding things from her friends; and (4) seeds for season-long character and relationship arcs. Last Episode: Bargaining Part 2 S6 E2 Next Up: Flooded S6 E4 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Check out self-study online course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee to hear bonus episode Gods, Guilt, and the Weight of the World Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.

In Bargaining Part 2 (S6 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), demon bikers take over Sunnydale and Buffy claws her way out of the grave and thinks she’s in hell. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Bargaining Parts 1 and 2 change the tone of series; (2) clever scene transitions that cue new viewers in and engage the audience; (3) a climax with a different protagonist; and (4) whether Buffy, though dead for Part 1, is the antagonist throughout. Last Episode: Bargaining Part 1 S6 E1 Next Up: After Life S6 E3 Download freeStory Structure worksheets Listen to bonus episodes and support the podcast by becoming a patron Get Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Get The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (ebook, audiobook, or workbook) Check out self-study online course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft Make a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee to hear bonus episode Gods, Guilt, and the Weight of the World Read Buffy and the Art of Story Books As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you or influence my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. AboutLisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also foundedWritingAsASecondCareer.com. Click here to learn about free ebooks from Lisa M. Lilly.