This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by screenwriter and storytelling consultant Zena Dell Lowe for a provocative conversation about writing redemptive stories that aren’t agenda-driven, why consequences matter and how they reveal character, the importance of a story’s moral fabric, the difference between moral ambiguity and moral complexity, and the secrets to writing heroic characters. We also question the classic advice, “Show, don’t tell,” and explore its impact on the stories we tell. If you’re interested in what really makes a story tick, check it out.
Season 10 - Episode 26: Mark Phillips
In a special Father’s Day episode, author and essayist Mark Phillips joins me to talk about telling personal stories, writing memoirs, and how much truth lives in the “true” stories we tell. We also chat about his book MY FATHER’S CABIN, which explores the complexities of a father-son relationship and the forgiveness that sometimes needs to go both ways. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 25: Gregory Poirier
This week, screenwriter and novelist Gregory Poirier joins me to discuss how to create characters that readers and viewers are immediately drawn to, identify with, and care about. We explore the differences between writing a novel and writing a screenplay, how important structure is (or isn't), and why the economy of language matters. (We also examine why tigers tracking you through the jungle might work better in a novel than in a movie.) Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 24: T.J. Payne
This week, horror author T.J. Payne joins me to discuss what makes us frightened, the role of horror in art, and the moral fabric of scary stories—and what (if anything) they have in common with romance stories. We explore why they appeal to us, the importance of facing our fears, and how scary stories can bring people together. We also discuss his latest chilling novel, INTERCEPTS.
Season 10 - Episode 23: Bethany Jett
Author and literary agent Bethany Jett joins me for a lively discussion about what agents look for and what turns them off. She explains how to approach an agent, the different ways to pitch a novel and a nonfiction book, and secrets to getting discovered. Listen in for a rare glimpse into an agent’s mindset and perspective on publishing.
Season 10 - Episode 22: Carol Snow
Author Carol Snow joins me to chat about her process of writing, how to write in different genres, how much you should try to be cool when you write for teens, and how much planning is helpful before you start to write a book. We also talk about her latest thriller THE GIRL ON THE BEACH and the best and worst writing advice we’ve ever been given. Check it out!
Season 10 - Episode 21: Tori Eldridge
Author Tori Eldridge hops on this week to chat about her latest book HAWAI’I RAGE. We talk about writing ninja fight scenes, making pizzas on volcanos, the origin of Hawaiian ranchers, the importance of musicality in stories, and how to create authentic characters in your writing.
Season 10 - Episode 20: Donald Maass
On this episode of The Story Blender Podcast, I sit down with legendary literary agent Donald Maass during my time at ThrillerFest in New York City. With more than 40 years in the publishing industry, Donald shares invaluable insights on storytelling, publishing, and what truly makes fiction resonate with readers.
We discuss writing immersive point of view, creating emotional connections that stay with readers long after the final page, the changing landscape of publishing, and practical wisdom for storytellers at every level. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or simply striving to tell better stories, this conversation is packed with inspiration and hard-earned advice from one of the industry’s most respected voices.
Season 10 - Episode 19: Josh Mancuso
This week, viral comedy sensation Josh Mancuso joins me to talk about football mascots, why you shouldn’t make ambition an idol, what makes something funny, insider secrets on emceeing, and two comedians you haven’t heard of that you need to check out.
Season 10 - Episode 18: Cleo Ballard
This week, multi-genre author Cleo Ballard joins me to talk about storytelling principles that apply to whatever story you might tell—whether it’s true or not. We dive into characterization and the importance of being able to pivot into new directions as your career develops rather than always writing in a predictable way. We also chat about her latest domestic suspense thriller, THIS IS A LIE. Don’t miss it.