The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
Zena Dell Lowe is a seasoned and engaging teacher with a passion for writers and storytellers. Her focused, concise, and practical episodes (all roughly 20 minutes) not only explore the nuts and bolts of the craft, but also dive deep into the inner life of the artist and the "why" behind creativity. If you believe that story matters, you'll want to give this podcast a listen.
Episodes
206 episodes since 2020
From Nebulous to Concrete: Transform Character Wants into Actionable Objectives
Ever feel like your story's goal is just too vague or abstract to get a handle on? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into the crucial difference between a character's want and need and why it’s essential to...
August 29, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 31
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33:49
Navigating Writing Challenges: Balancing Voice, Clarity, & Industry Expectations
Many writers face the challenge of crafting a distinct voice while meeting specific demands, especially in niche markets like Christian film. This can lead to frustration when feedback seems to undermine your creative vision.In this epi...
August 22, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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20:40
From Believable to Brilliant: The 3 Pillars of Dynamic Character Development
We're unlocking the secrets to taking your characters from believable to brilliant. Ever wonder what makes characters truly unforgettable? Join us as we explore the three key pillars of dynamic storytelling that will elevate your characters and...
August 15, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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23:10
Unpacking AI’s Role in Writing: Tools, Techniques, and Ethical Implications
Are you ready to revolutionize your writing process with AI? In this episode of The Storytellers Mission, Zena Dell Lowe dives into the transformative power of artificial intelligence for writers, storytellers, and screenwriters. D...
August 08, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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25:02
Writer’s Gold: Zena Dell Lowe’s Bite-Sized Brilliance
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Hey there, writers! Today’s episode is a special treat as we’re diving into some awesome advice from the fantastic Zena Dell Lowe. We’ve pulled together a bunch of her best tips and insights into quick, bite-sized s...
August 01, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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7:43
Unlocking the Power of Loglines, Taglines, and Synopses: A Writer's Toolbox
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Hey there, storytellers! Ever found yourself stuck trying to sum up your epic novel or screenplay in a single line? Well, fear not! On today's episode of The Storytellers Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, we're diving in...
July 25, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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20:52
Character Development: Beyond Likability and Into Resonance
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, Zena delves into the art of crafting characters that go beyond mere likability to truly resonate with your audience. Exploring three key strategies for creating emotiona...
July 04, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 23
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18:00
Creating Compelling Scripts: The Importance of Visual Details
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this episode of Regent Class, Zena Dell Lowe dives into the intricacies of justifying character motivation through visual storytelling in screenwriting. Zena emphasizes the unique challenge of screenplays, which ...
June 27, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 22
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33:32
How to Shine at a Writers Conference: Insider Tips
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this unplanned and candid episode, Zena and Larry share their post-conference reflections, revealing unexpected insights on how to stand out at writers' conferences. They recount their personal experiences from t...
June 20, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 21
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21:59
The Journey to a Sellable Script: Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Writers
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Anthony Gallo interviews Zena Dell Lowe! Tune in as Zena shares valuable insights and insider tips for writers aiming to break into the competitive world of Hollywood. She delves into the strategies that aspiring wr...
June 14, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 20
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28:44
From Script to Screen: Josh Smith’s Directing Insights and Writing Evolution
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Tune in to this special episode with one of Zena's coaching clients as he debriefs and talks about what it was like going from the writing stage into directing his first short film. Insights abound! Watch this to be...
May 30, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 19
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1:01:19
Story Crisis Averted: Discover the 4 Vital Traits Your Protagonist Must Have
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – So, you think you have a great fatal flaw for your MC? Maybe you're still not quite sure what it should be? Avoid the story crisis of a total rewrite by taking steps now to ensure your protagonist has these 4 charac...
May 23, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 18
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26:52
Building Trust Through Questions: A Path to Effective Leadership
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Bob Tiede (pronounced “Tee-Dee”) has been on the staff of Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) for 52 years – serving 8 years in Cru Campus and then 24 years as the CEO of Josh McDowell Ministry – a Div...
May 16, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 17
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46:40
Dynamic Dialogue: Letting Conflict Speak Louder Than Words
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are your conflicts coming across a little flat? Do you know what your characters are REALLY fighting about...or for? Do you want to elevate your conflicts and negotiations between characters to the next level? Of co...
May 09, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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21:55
Expert Writing Advice from Comic Book Insider, David Avallone
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – David Avallone is a writer and filmmaker. He writes on #batwheels for Warner Brothers Animation, and in 2024 he has a few new comic book series in stores, including horror comedy #ELVIRA MEETS HP LOVECRAFT, and his ...
May 02, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 15
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1:35:10
Captivate Your Audience: 5 Proven Techniques to Hook and Hold Them
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – How do you hook your audience? How do you keep them engaged from the start of your story through to the end? And how do you keep them from getting bored and tuning out? Hooks don't have to be elusive in storytelling...
April 25, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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25:26
Character Unveiled: 5 Expert Techniques Using 'Show Don't Tell'
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever feel like using 'show, don't tell' in revealing true character is challenging or almost impossible ? Watch this episode with Zena to learn 5 easy to apply tips on how to do just that!
April 18, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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18:51
The Character's Journey: From Inciting Incident to Ultimate Objective
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this episode, we delve into character development through setting objectives and overcoming obstacles. Discover how to craft compelling characters that move the story forward and engage audiences with expert advi...
April 11, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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28:48
Deconstructing Iconic Characters in Casablanca and Silence of the Lambs
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Hannibal Lecter. Agent Starling. Rick Blaine. What do they have in common? They are perfect examples of paradoxical characters, which is really why they are so great! Come along for the ride while Zena shows clips a...
April 04, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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30:37
Beyond First Impressions: Crafting Characters with Depth
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is Character? Why do we have trouble really nailing that down? And why does it seem so hard to create 3D characters? Does that really matter if the plot is great? The answers to these and more in this episode w...
March 28, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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24:01
Crafting Characters: Top 7 Tips For Distinctive Character Voices
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – One big issue we can run into as writers is unintentionally making characters who all sound the same. But they all have distinctive lives, backgrounds, and personalities. So, how do we make sure that is heard in the...
March 21, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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16:25
7 Ways to Cultivate Your Unique Voice as a Writer
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Your narrative voice is something unique to you, that sets you apart from others. People can tell it's your voice before they even know you wrote it. So, how do you make that happen? How do you cultivate it? How do ...
March 14, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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21:01
Subtext: What it is and How to Write it into Your Story
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Subtext: an essential element for story to add conflict and further develop your characters. But how do you capture the true essence of this covert communication method? Let's dive into the what and how of this litt...
March 07, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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12:33
What Are the Major Genres for Film and Why That Matters for Novelists
EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is a genre anyway? Is it really that important for you to identify your genre? You don't want to be boxed in by a label, right? Wrong. You do want that label. You do need to identify your genre. And here's why....
February 29, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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16:52
10 Ways to Test if Your Story is Commercial
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Commercial story? Sounds like selling out, but it's more along the lines of actually selling. You have to have mass appeal if you want your stuff to sell. Period. So, put your #wip to the test and see if it stands up...
February 22, 2024
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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26:30