The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn’t quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character’s lowest emotional point? Is redemption supposed to kick in right away? What if your character is still flailing?

In this episode, Zena challenges the conventional “lowest point” terminology and offers a more nuanced, flexible way to think abo...

Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen time?

In this episode, Zena answers the question: does the Hollywood Plot Map apply to short films, or is it overkill?

Her answer might surprise you—and give you permission to stop overthinking and start trusting your c...

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...

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 d...

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...

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&ap...

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 ...

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, Sta...

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 esse...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 irres...

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...

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 ch...

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.<...

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...

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 ...

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 wh...