Helping Writers Become Authors

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...

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...

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...

When we talk about mythic fiction, it's easy to assume mythic stories are created through familiar ingredients: archetypes, symbolism, old myths, epic structure. But I don't think that's where mythic storytelling...

What makes a story feel truly mythic? Many writers assume mythic fiction comes from borrowing archetypes, retelling old myths, or layering symbolic imagery into a story. While there is immense value in studying...

For most of human history, stories were not primarily viewed as commercial products to be sold. Story functioned first as myth, meaning-making, entertainment, cultural memory, and a way of understanding ourselves and...

<p>For most of human history, stories were not primarily viewed as commercial products to be sold. Story functioned first as myth, meaning-making, entertainment, cultural memory, and a way of understanding ourselves and...

<p>Many writers are struggling with burnout in today's creative landscape—but the cause isn't always personal habits.</p> <p>In this episode, I explore why writer burnout sometimes has less to do with storytelling...

Many writers are struggling with burnout in today's creative landscape—but the cause isn't always personal habits. In this episode, I explore why writer burnout sometimes has less to do with storytelling itself and more...

<p >Most stories frame conflict as something happening "out there"—a villain to defeat, an obstacle to overcome, or a problem to solve. But the most powerful character arcs aren't really about defeating the antagonist...

Most stories frame conflict as something happening "out there"—a villain to defeat, an obstacle to overcome, or a problem to solve. But the most powerful character arcs aren't really about defeating the antagonist...

<p >What does it really mean to write dark stories responsibly—and how can you make sure hope feels resonant?</p> <p >In this episode, we explore the craft principles behind balancing darkness and meaning in fiction...

What does it really mean to write dark stories responsibly—and how can you make sure hope feels resonant? In this episode, we explore the craft principles behind balancing darkness and meaning in fiction. Some stories...

<p >Are you writing from your head—or from your body?</p> <p >In this episode, we're exploring embodied writing and why so many stories lose emotional depth when we over-intellectualize the creative process. Craft and...

Are you writing from your head—or from your body? In this episode, we're exploring embodied writing and why so many stories lose emotional depth when we over-intellectualize the creative process. Craft and structure...