The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
70. The 8 Essential Ingredients that Every Great Story Must Have
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
07/01/21 • 28 min
THE STORYTELLER’S MISSION WITH ZENA DELL LOWE
EPISODE 70 – The Eight Essential Ingredients for Great Storytelling
Follow along with the cheat sheet below, or DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE on the podcast page of our website www.thestorytellersmission.com.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –
Episode 70 marks the final episode of Season One of this podcast. Thus, it feel apropos in this final episode to focus on the 8 primary ingredients or core essentials of great storytelling. In other words, what does a story have to have in order to be considered great?
1.) The story itself. The story must be good. It must be interesting and/or fresh enough to compel the audience to invest.
2.) The execution of that story. Is the story well-written? Does it use all of the tools of skill and language that we have at our disposal?
3.) The structure. Is it well-structured according to our intuition? Does it feel right?
4.) The characters. Does it have a compelling main character at the center, with compelling supporting characters? Does the audience find the main character sympathetic, likable or intriguing?
5.) The dialogue.Is it believable? Is it credible? Does it sound right for your story? Or is it totally unrealistic sounding?
6.) Visual Images. Is it visual? We need to learn to use visual images to add layers of meaning to the story.
7.) Setups and payoffs. A good dset up is barely noticcible, and a good pay off is intrinsically satisfying to the audience.
8.) The worldview. Everybody has one. And you need to make sure yours is both true and internally consistent
UP NEXT – The Storyteller’s Mission will be on Hiatus for the rest of the month of July 2021. New episodes will be released every thursday starting in August on the podcast app of your choice.
In lieu of the podcast, please do check out our offerings on the online platform. The Storyteller’s Mission online platform is your go-to place for help with all your writing needs. Sign up for one-on-one COACHING, get a SCRIPT CRITIQUE, or register for one of our ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING today!
TOPIC REQUESTS?
If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, SEND AN EMAIL to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
SPECIAL THANKS -The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer CARLA PATULLO for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to www.carlapatullo.com
TAGS: Writers, Novelists, Novels, Fiction, Screenwriters, Screenplays, Screenplay, Authors, Writing Classes, Writer tips, Writing, Story, Storytelling, Storytellers, How to Write a Novel, How to Write a Screenplay, Writer, Playwriting, Playwright, Zena Dell Lowe, Mission Ranch Films, The Storyteller’s Mission, The Storyteller’s Mission Podcast, Writing Advice, Become a better writer, Master the craft, create great characters, Christian Writers, Christian, Christian arti
64. What Makes a Great Villain
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
05/20/21 • 20 min
THE STORYTELLER’S MISSION WITH ZENA DELL LOWE
EPISODE 64 – What Makes a Great Villain
Follow along with the cheat sheet below, or DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE on the podcast page of our website.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION –
Recently, a long-time listener of The Storyteller's Mission reached out to ask my opinion as to the best movie villains and why, so this podcast episode is dedicated to Donna Mumma as I attempt to answer her question. In essence, I argue that three main areas to concern yourself with as a writer when it comes to constructing your villains include:
- What motivates your villain? Justify their choices. We don't do things just because we're evil. We always have a reason.
- What past event has twisted his or her morality (because Villains proceed from a flawed sense of justice and morality
- What qualities make him or her a worthy opponent? They can't be idiots. They must be smart, clever, brilliant, relentless -- they must be as good or better than the hero in order to be a worthy foe.
UP NEXT - TBD
OUR ONLINE PLATFORM
The Storyteller’s Mission online platform is finally up and running! Sign up for one-on-one COACHING, get a SCRIPT CRITIQUE, or register for one of our highly anticipated ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING today!
TOPIC REQUESTS?
If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL recording with your problem, question, or issue!
SPECIAL THANKS -The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer CARLA PATULLO for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to www.carlapatullo.com
42. Five Empowering Phrases to Transform Your Professional Life
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
12/17/20 • 15 min
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
A-ha moment #2 = In this episode, Zena shares how she had a terrible time setting boundaries in business early in her career, so in order to prevent her life from being hijacked by others, she needed some guiding principles and pre-planned phrases that she could use at the drop of the hat. The following are 5 empowering phrases that Zena has discovered over the years that she's adopted to help her navigate some fairly tricky waters, without overturning the boat or being tossed out of the boat by the rest of the crew.
These 5 phrases protected Zena from being thrown off course by others. It’s our job to protect ourselves. No one else is going to do it. But we need to learn how to do it in a way that doesn't offend others or cause undue conflict or stress. Mastering these 5 phrases may literally transform your professional life if you put them into use.
The 5 Empowering phrases that can transform your professional life are:
1. I could be wrong, I often am.
2. I changed my mind.
3. Interesting. Let me think about that.
4. You’re right. (Instead of: I know).
5. No. (Why?!)
- I just don’t feel comfortable with that.
- It just doesn’t sit right with me.
- It just isn’t for me.
These phrases eliminate the burden to be right, buy time to process when feeling pressured to make a decision, and give you a way out if you’ve committed to something you now realize was a mistake.
UP NEXT
Next Week, Zena will share another A-HA moment in her life. Whereas Episode 41 refers to the Artist's Vocation, and Episode 42 refers to the Artist's ability to navigate business situations, Episode 43 addresses the Spirituality of the Artist. Namely, Zena reveals several false beliefs that she didn't even know she had, and how they were sabotaging her life.
SIGN UP TO GET "FIRST ACCESS EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS"
Starting in January, Zena will be launching classes for experienced writers who are interested in taking their writing to the next level. These classes will be interactive, which means seating will be limited. To be part of the first wave of notifications of when each class is available, click the link provided to sign up to get First Access Email Notifications.
https://www.thestorytellersmission.com/firstaccess
QUESTIONS OR TOPIC REQUESTS?
If you have a question about this or any other episode, or if you have a specific topic that you would like Zena to address, click on the link below to leave a voicemail recording with your problem, question, or issue.
https://www.speakpipe.com/ZenaDellLowe
SPECIAL THANKS
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer Carla Patullo for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to www.carlapatullo.com
Tags: Artist, Artists, Writing tips, Writing Advice, Writing Podcast, Crafting a Story, Writers, Writer, Author, Novelist, Screenwriter, Story, Storytelling, Storytellers, Zena Dell Lowe, Mission Ranch Films, The Storyteller's Mission, The Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
Special Episode: Two Family Members Died and my Nephew Fights For His Life - How Could a Good God Allow this to Happen?
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
09/29/21 • 19 min
The #1 Thing That Makes a Story Memorable (And 4 Ways to Nail It)
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
11/14/24 • 19 min
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 into why relationships are the true heart of every memorable story. You’ll learn how to shift your focus from just plot points to the powerful connections between your characters—because those are the moments that truly captivate and resonate.
Tune in to discover 4 actionable takeaways you can apply today to create more impactful, emotionally charged stories that your audience won’t be able to forget. Whether you're working on a novel, screenplay, or TV show, these tips will transform the way you approach storytelling—and elevate your characters to new heights!
Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO!
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 a new episode or announcement.
EMPATHY: The Number One Tool Writers Need to Develop Dynamic Characters
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
06/16/22 • 17 min
S2_E42. EMPATHY! The Number One Tool Writers Need to Develop Dynamic Characters
EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Last week, I gave you the 5 dialogue tricks every writer needs to create a clear and dynamic storyline. This week I discuss how to create dynamic characters through empathy.
The basis of story is understanding the human condition from an empathetic point of view. In order to do this it is absolutely necessary for a writer to understand and confront their own sin nature. If you don't understand people, you cannot be a good writer. So this, in turn, means that you must be aware of the world around you. The actual world, not the false created world you pretend it is.
There is a desire to deny evil, because if evil doesn't exist, then we're not guilty. And what do human beings want to do more than anything? We want to justify ourselves! By knowing that evil exists inside of ourselves, we can then translate more believable characters and more believable scenarios to our stories.
DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE on the podcast page of our website.
HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at [email protected], or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!
UP NEXT - Next week we get out of our comfort zone and change the way we think about engaging culture.
What Writers Need to Do at the Start of Each Scene to Keep Their Reader Hooked
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
06/02/22 • 16 min
EPISODE DESCRIPTION -Today we are diving into #7 in our series of “Aha Moments,” that I’ve had both as a writer, and as a story coach. One mistake that I see happen with a lot of writers, is that they wait too long to get into the action of their story. The story lags on and on without the reader or viewer knowing what the story is actually about.
That’s why today’s episode is about setting your scene sparingly. You must get to the pertinent details quickly so that your reader knows what is going on, and then you can reveal more things as you go.
The second key to this is making sure you introduce your main character quickly. By page 5 the reader should already know who the main character is and what they are about. There are exceptions to this of course that have been done well, as in the film Witness.
Listen now for a more detailed understanding of how to keep your reader hooked and engaged from the very beginning.
DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE on the podcast page of our website.
UP NEXT - Next week, I'll give you every trick you need on how to write clearly and avoid the ultimate kiss of death in story, confusion.
HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at [email protected], or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!
How to Use Rituals and Traditions to Reveal Deeper Meaning in Story
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
02/10/22 • 22 min
S2_E24 – How to Use Rituals and Traditions to Reveal Deeper Meaning in Story
Last week, we started talking about how one of the best tools you’ll ever learn how to use in story is to establish and pattern and then break it. When you do this, it immediately adds deeper meaning to the story, reveals character progression and/or a change in character relationships, adds energy to the narrative, and does all of this in a visual way. It’s a wonderful tool to master.
This week, I’m expanding on that to explore the use of Ritual and Tradition in story. This is another fabulous tool that you can use to reveal character information, and help us understand who a character is at their core. Show us your character’s rituals or traditions. And notice from the outset what you’re setting yourself up to be able to do, because what is a ritual or a tradition if not an established pattern? So, this can also be used to show a deviation down the road, but it doesn't have to deviate from the pattern in order to successfully be used to reveal a great deal about that character. We glean a lot of significant knowledge from the rituals and traditions that our character performs, from who they are at their core, to what the status is of their current relationships, with God, themselves, and others.
DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE at www.thestorytellersmission.com.
WHAT'S NEXT? Join us next Thursday for another layer to this technique. Here, we’ve talked about establishing a pattern and breaking it. Next week, we’ll see this applied in a variety of different ways so that you can get an idea of how helpful this tool can be.
NEED HELP? The Storyteller’s Mission online platform is your go-to place for help with all your writing needs. Sign up for one-on-one COACHING, get a SCRIPT CRITIQUE, or register for one of our ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING today!
TOPIC REQUESTS? If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, SEND AN EMAIL to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
SPECIAL THANKS to CARLA PATULLO for the original music used in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to www.carlapatullo.com
Ethics in Storytelling: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
03/23/23 • 23 min
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 power of the narrative, whether fiction or non-fiction.
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 a new episode or announcement.
Support the Show on Paypal@Missionranchfilms!
HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at [email protected], or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICE
The Business of Hollywood: Why You Need a Producer to get Your Project Made
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe
01/27/22 • 27 min
S2_E22 – The Business of Hollywood: Why You Need a Producer to Get Your Project Made
For the last few weeks, we've been discussing how Hollywood works. What are some of the things that you should know as a writer so that you don't end up getting ripped off or scammed by a so-called opportunity that some charlatan brings your way? We also started talking about option agreements and how you have to get a project to a producer, either a novel that you want adapted into a screenplay, or a screenplay that you've written. It's got to be about the story. That's what a producer is working with. This week, I want to explain the basics of what a producer does. This is to educate you. These are broad strokes, not step by step instructions. I don't claim to have all the answers. I just want to give writers more insight into the movie making process so that they're not ignorant, and so that they're less gullible or less easy to be deceived.
DOWNLOAD FULL TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE at www.thestorytellersmission.com.
WHAT'S NEXT? Join us next Thursday, when we dive into Part 3: What does your Protagonist Need?
NEED HELP? The Storyteller’s Mission online platform is your go-to place for help with all your writing needs. Sign up for one-on-one COACHING, get a SCRIPT CRITIQUE, or register for one of our ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING today!
TOPIC REQUESTS? If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, SEND AN EMAIL to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!
SPECIAL THANKS to CARLA PATULLO for the original music used in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to www.carlapatullo.com
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe have?
The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe currently has 225 episodes available.
What topics does The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe cover?
The podcast is about Stories, Christianity, Fiction, Story, Screenwriting, Craft, Writing, Writers, How To, Religion & Spirituality, Artists, Storytelling, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe?
The episode title 'Seven Keys to Unlocking Great Stories for Christian Writers, Producers, Publishers, and Consumers' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe?
The average episode length on The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe is 23 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe released?
Episodes of The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe?
The first episode of The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe was released on Mar 28, 2020.
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