The Secrets of Story: A Screenwriting & Novel Writing Podcast

James has an elaborate theory about how writing is like cult indoctrination. Matt tries to keep up.

Parker Peevyhouse returns to ask about when a character should break their own rules, which results in discussion of The Mandalorian, Knives Out, and whether superhero movies suck. Check out this blog post we cite a few times: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2018/09/rulebook-casefile-three-rules-vs.html

We’re back! Matt and James have a rousing discussion of Head, Heart and Gut (And Spleen, and Groin, and Spirit, and a zillion other permutations…) Read more about and see neat charts here: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2017/05/head-heart-gut-aka-how-to-create.html

James has advice for writing opening scenes and Matt basically agrees with him for once. Plus, James almost gets hit by a meteor and Matt sings the praises of Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Returning guest Jonathan Auxier stops by to discuss franchise finales, because he's about to write one himself. It's another long one!

Do writers lose something when they actually learn to write? In this episode, James and Matt look at the script that got Matt signed and consider that question. If you want, you can download the script at SecretsOfStory.com and read along at home!

Returning guest Jonathan Auxier stops by to discuss Franchise Finales, because he's about to write one himself. It's another long one!

Matt and James discuss Matt's upcoming book and debate about lots of things. And, inevitably, James tosses off two more 'E's.

Returning guest Jonathan Auxier stops by to discuss Franchise Finales, because he's about to write one himself. It's another long one!

Do writers lose something when the actually learn to write? In this episode, James and Matt look at the script that got Matt signed and consider that question. If you want, you can download the script at SecretsOfStory.com and read along at home!

Matt and James launch a new era of the show, discuss Matt's new book, and debate about lots of things. And, inevitably, James tosses off two more 'E's.

James and Matt discuss endings and a video by Michael Arndt ( https://vimeo.com/238637906) , plus a bonus pun! pga3f6ta

James has two more E's for us, and the long-awaited return of Free Story Ideas ...sort of.

James still wants to add to Believe Care Invest. He pitches Isolation (appropriately enough) and then five tricks all starting with E. Can he convince Matt?

Acclaimed Novelist Parker Peevyhouse stops by and she's got a question: Should novelists follow screenwriting advice? Much debate is had!

James gives Matt some good advice on a Free Story Idea, so Matt turns it onto a beatsheet and submits it to James' judgment. Lots of Yes-Anding!

James tries to convince Matt that every great ending has a "Moment of Grace" where the hero submits to a higher power. Matt is skeptical.

Matt and James discuss the power and peril of Hollywoodizing various examples of sci-fi short fiction. Long but fun!

Should heroes primarily pursue their own self interest? Matt and James debate the issue with special guest Geoff Betts, and James pitches a deranged update of "Annie"

Special guest Jonathan Auxier returns to the program to give us some pushback on our last three episodes (Listen to those first!) And after you've listened to this, check out this follow-up blog post: http://www.secretsofstory.com/2019/05/new-podcast-more-fun-with-jonathan.html

Must all protagonists be active? James says no! ...At least, not at first.

We discuss the hidden back half of story structure, dealing with Decline and Fall, and James finally gets the Last Jedi discussion he wanted.

Matt Bird, author of "Secrets of Story: Innovative Tips for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers", and James Kennedy, author of "The Order of Odd Fish", return for a long-awaited seventh episode, covering audience expectations, shifting tactics, OODA loops, and much more. And James pitches an adaptation of "The Screwtape Letters"!

Matt Bird and James Kennedy discuss story structure and apply Dan Harmon's Story Circle to Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Acclaimed novelist Jonathan Auxier joins Matt Bird and James Kennedy to talk about POV in prose!