The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Yes, we need our characters to have flaws that they need to overcome in the course of the story. The confusion comes when we start writing our characters as morally depraved beyond the realm of redemption. Do you see the difference? Do you see how this works? Join Zena as she breaks it all down. What makes a hero? What are essential heroic virtues? And what makes your "h...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Wouldn't it be great to not have to rely so much on clever language to paint the picture of character growth within themselves and their relationships? Yeah, that "show, don't tell" thing again. Catch this week's episode about establishing patterns, breaking them, and using traditions and rituals in order to "show" a great deal to your audie...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Show, don't tell. It can be a struggle. Let's talk about 2 tips you can sink your teeth into that will help in mastering the art. Significant actions and visual cues. Sure, you may have heard these are great tools, but Zena brings a fresh look at both that will really help you adopt them into your writing. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting Sign up for The Digest...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you struggling with your WIP? Do you have ideas, but nothing seems to be coming to fruition? Do you feel like you're almost there, you have your story, but something just isn't quite right?  Maybe it's time to consider a free 30-minute consultation with Zena. And to assuage any worries of what to expect, check out this episode where Zena conducts one such c...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Every writer will have to write a proposal if they want to sell what they've written. While screenwriters and authors need to include different elements in their pitches and proposals, there are overlaps as well. Join Zena as she gets the low down on dos and don'ts of book proposals and shares some of the overlaps from the screenwriting side. While this episode skim...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Be a fly on the wall for a presentation she gives to students at Act One on the importance of writing as a calling and how to evaluate your work and the work of others by thinking critically instead of passively. Incredibly engaging and captivating. A must-see for not only writers and screenwriters, but for anyone who consumes films and television, Christian or not. Free Vide...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION –  Passion, purpose, and writing tips. Zena checks all the boxes in this captivating and controversial interview with Shari McGriff for her special event: Penning for a Purpose. About Penning for a Purpose - Why should you watch this event? you're utterly horrified by the indoctrination of our kids and our culture--which writers have played a huge part in! you believe that...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION –  Loglines can be a pain, but a necessary one. Most of us wait until the very end to write our logline, but what if you did it first? What if there was an easy set of steps to help you create your logline first? Couldn't you then use that logline to keep your story on track? Join Zena this week for her tried and true method for creating the perfect logline in 4 simple ste...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION –  Is your commitment to truth in storytelling being unknowingly skewed by past trauma? How can you tell? How do you stop it? Why does it matter? This week Zena takes you down the road of trauma recovery and why, as a storyteller and human being, it is so important to take your power back...and then wield your power responsibly. Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting Sign up for...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION –  Is art really about self-expression? Or something more? Why do we create it? Especially when the majority of the time, we don't even know the outcome. Will we get paid for it? Will it be published or produced? We don't know. And yet...we press on. Why? Tune into this week's episode as Zena answers all the questions and extrapolates further on the driving force...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sean Gaffney has authored thirty produced plays, three feature films, four commissioned television pilots, two published chapter books, as well as over two hundred produced videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes and short films (including for Big Idea, SuperBook, Yake Films, CBN and Globalstage).  He was the Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features, editor o...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sean Gaffney has authored thirty produced plays, three feature films, four commissioned television pilots, two published chapter books, as well as over two hundred produced videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes and short films (including for Big Idea, SuperBook, Yake Films, CBN and Globalstage).  He was the Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features, editor o...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena lends her knowledge and expertise as a guest on Reality Coaching for Writers with host Eddie Jones. From how to pitch your story to why Christians need to start writing rated R material, this one has all kinds of goodies. Want to know more on what Hollywood is actually looking for? It's here. How about opportunities for Christian writers to break into Hollywood? Zen...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What's going on with the writers and this strike? What are the demands? Are they reasonable? Why now? Why at all? Find the answers and more in this episode as Zena takes us through the changing climate for writers in today's Hollywood...and tomorrow's. WGA Strike Hub Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting as mentioned in the podcast. Sign up for The Digest: scro...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Wondering if the little things that feel kind of wrong in life are really that big of a deal? Maybe you feel like they aren't. Like the truth will come out eventually. That's what Winston, in George Orwell's 1984, thought too. The connections between this fiction novel and the happenings of today are eerily similar and equally scary. Join Zena this week as she...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Do you remember 1984? Not the big hair and MTV, but the telescreens and newspeak. That's right, we're talking George Orwell's 1984 on this week's episode. Zena's analysis of then and now draws some eery connections that you don't want to miss. Sign up for The Digest: scroll to the bottom of the webpage The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is no...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Let's talk about protest literature: what it is and isn't, the impact it has had historically, the power behind the art. Zena breaks down a few favorites, as well as the impact they had and still can have today. Sign up for The Digest: scroll to the bottom of the webpage The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube. You can watch your favorite podcast as...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Just in case there is still any confusion on self-indulgence in story, Zena brings a new movie into the mix this week with Jesus Revolution, analyzing story for story's sake. You'll get her breakdown of the film and a few side notes applicable to the real-life side of things. Sign up for The Digest: scroll to the bottom of the webpage The Storyteller's Mission...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Have you seen or read some stories and come away feeling a little manipulated? Maybe you felt there were elements that really didn't make sense, but still managed to punch you in the face. And maybe you are struggling with some elements of your own WIP that you're not sure about. Join Zena this week as she helps to guide you through how to tell when a story is self-...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever find yourself on the defense after bringing up your views that may be counter-woke? Feel like you can't even bring up your views because labels and assumptions start flying? Find answers on how to navigate this tricky stance and flip the burden of proof. Thanks for hanging in there for part 2. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, you can start t...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the world's gone crazy? Afraid to speak out because of the backlash of name-calling, labels, and assumptions? Join Zena this week as she presses on for truth above all else in storytelling AND in life. You can't have just one. They are interconnected. Zena will help equip you with skills to allow you to respect...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Let's face it. We're at a turning point in our society. And this begs the question: Am I writing the most important stories? What stories should I be telling? How can I help make a difference with my art? Join Zena as she starts to break down how to think through some of these issues and questions. You'll come away with a better idea of how to prioritize or rep...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Did you know, as a storyteller, you actually are held to a higher moral standard? Do you know why? Follow along as Zena breaks down the importance of representing the moral worldview you tout and how it can make or break you. 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...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this brand new session created exclusively for the Writers Chat community, Zena uses the knowledge she’s gleaned as a story coach to come up with 5 mind-blowing insights to help writers accomplish that oft-eluded goal, Show, Don’t Tell. These tips are so simple that you’ll wonder how you missed them in the first place. But once you hear them out loud, you’ll never forget t...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you aware of the worldview you're promoting in your writing? Do you write just for yourself and not to influence or affect change? Join Zena in this episode as she breaks down the importance of ethics for writers regardless of why you write, or even what genre. She'll help you see the impact your stories have, whether intended or not, and bring awareness to the...