Sep 14, 2026
What is an Impact Character, and how can this supporting character help you show a believable character arc instead of simply telling readers your protagonist has changed?
Character arcs are largely internal, which creates an obvious challenge for writers: how do you dramatize a changing worldview on the page? One of...
Aug 31, 2026
How do you identify your writing weaknesses? And, even more importantly, how can you tell if something really is a weakness? In this episode, I share five ways writers can recognize recurring craft problems, strengthen weak areas, and distinguish poor execution from intentional writing style.
Every story presents its...
Aug 3, 2026
What if the Lie the Character Believes isn't really a lie?
For years I've taught the Lie the Character Believes as the foundation of character arc. But over time, I've come to see that this concept may point toward something much deeper than just a mistaken belief.
In this episode, I explore three increasingly complex...
Jul 20, 2026
A great ending is about much more than resolving the plot. Why do satisfying story endings stay with us for years, while others leave us empty? In this video, I explore the psychology of story endings.
When we think about writing endings, we often focus on tying up loose ends or delivering a dramatic finale. But endings...
Jul 6, 2026
Why do we need heroic stories? More than entertainment, the best stories shape our imaginations, awaken courage, and remind us who we can become when life asks something difficult of us.
In this episode, I share a recent experience that affirmed the way I think about heroic fiction. After unexpectedly falling in love...