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Rewind Storytelling

Rewind Storytelling
Author: Justice Tilsher
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© 2025 Rewind Storytelling
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I’m Justice Tilsher—bestselling novelist, story coach, and founder of JesusWriMo. I wrote my debut novel at 17 as a homeschool student, and now I help Christian writers like you silence the fears of comparison, self-doubt, and the lies of the enemy—so you can finally step into your God-given calling and write the book you were created to share. If you’re ready to write and publish the highest-quality book of your dreams—and change lives for Jesus—hit play below.
"As each have received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of Gods varied grace."
— 1 Peter 4:10
38 Episodes
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It’s one thing when a character first believes a lie — it’s another when they start living like it’s true. This is the scene where your character makes their first conscious choice rooted in that false belief, and the world rewards them for it. In this episode, I break down how to write this pivotal moment so it doesn’t just show what they think, but proves how the lie begins shaping their actions, their relationships, and their story moving forward.
The best characters don’t need long monologues to reveal their past, their quirks, traits, and little habits do it for them. In this episode, I break down how to create characters whose behavior hints at deeper layers, making them feel real and unforgettable. We’ll look at how to design traits that point to a hidden history, while still driving the present story forward.
This is a controversial episode. I rip the band-aid off and say what no one else wants to: the bar in Christian entertainment isn’t simply low...it was never there to begin with. From cringe movies to shallow storytelling, we’ve settled for less when we should be leading the way. In this episode, I call out the problems and share how I believe we can finally raise the standard and create stories worthy of the one true God who gave us our creativity in the first place.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to write Chapter 2 of your story — the moment where everything changes. We’re going to talk about crafting the impossible choice, the kind of decision that forces your character into motion and locks your readers into the story. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep the tension high and make sure your audience can’t put the book down, this episode is for you.
Most people set New Year’s resolutions with big dreams… and most people fall off by February. Then the months fly by, and when September hits, the excuse creeps in: ‘Well, it’s only a few more months until January. I’ll just restart then.’ No. Forget that. In this episode, we’re hitting pause, reassessing where we are, and making the most of the time left. Four months is plenty to write a draft, start a side hustle, get in shape, heal a relationship, or finally commit to that thing you’ve bee...
In this episode, I dive deep into one of Marvel’s most emotionally rich characters — Shalla-Bal, the herald of Galactus. She saved her planet by striking a bargain, only to spend the rest of her existence enabling the destruction of countless worlds. Was she wrong to make that choice? Or was she trapped in an unwinnable game? Today, I’ll walk you through her backstory, her belief system, and the inner war between duty and guilt that makes her such a powerful study for writers. By the end, you...
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 sneaky traps that lead writers straight into burnout, plus the simple shifts that will help you dodge them. You’ll learn how to set deadlines that actually work, take real breaks without guilt, and track your progress so you can see just how far you’ve truly come. If you’ve been feeling drained, stuck, or ready to give up on your story, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and keep your writing fire alive.
In this episode, we’re diving into one of Disney’s most complex and underrated heroines: Meg from Hercules. We’ll unpack how her tragic redemptive arc is shaped by one central truth: every character has a lesson to learn. And how side characters, often carry the heart of your story’s message. If your protagonist has flaws to face, debts to pay, or a transformation that needs to hit hard, this episode is your blueprint.
In this episode, we're heading to the theme parks to break down how Disney rides can teach us everything we need to know about storytelling. From the spooky spectacle of Haunted Mansion... To the adventure and chaos of Pirates of the Caribbean... To the over-the-top puns of Jungle Cruise... We’re unpacking how Disney uses setup, worldbuilding, and emotional payoff to craft unforgettable experiences — and how you can apply the same tools to write a novel that pulls readers in and d...
In this episode, we’re swinging into one of Disney’s most underrated masterpieces — Tarzan. We’ll unpack how Tarzan’s transformation is driven by one central question: "Where do I belong?" And how that tug-of-war between truth and lie is the heart of every great character arc. If your protagonist feels stuck between two identities, this is the blueprint. Let’s talk legacy, loyalty, and writing a transformation that actually hits.
Want to guarantee your reader never turns page two? In this episode, I’m breaking down five deadly sins of story openings — from worldbuilding overload to hiding your protagonist behind four pages of weather descriptions. We’ll cover why info-dumps kill momentum, how delaying the inciting incident loses trust, and what happens when you open with a side character no one asked for. If you want to hook your reader instead of confuse them, this is how to make your first chapter actually work. ...
In this episode, we’re heading to Mordor. But not to follow Frodo. We’re chasing Gollum. Because every great story has a mirror, a character who reflects your hero’s deepest fear, secret sin, or buried desire. And Gollum? He’s a caution sign. A whisper of what Frodo could become if he gives in. Today, we’ll explore how to use supporting characters to expose your protagonist’s inner battle, and how reflection, contrast, and temptation can turn a good story into a legendary one.
In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most convicting parables Jesus ever told: the Parable of the Talents. We’ll unpack how God wired us for story, why creativity is a Kingdom assignment, and what Scripture really says about wasting what we've been given. If you’ve ever wondered whether your book actually matters — or if you’re “qualified” to write it — this one’s for you.
In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite stories of all time — Hamilton. But we’re not talking history. We’re talking heartbreak. We’ll unpack how to write a broken hero like Hamilton — a man who climbs and climbs, only to realize he can never reach enough. And we’ll explore the haunting mirror of Aaron Burr, who spends his whole life waiting… until everything he wants slips away. I’ll break down how to use desire, fear, and misbelief to craft gut-wrenching character arcs — and how...
In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most powerful truths in storytelling — the reason your character’s goal will never actually satisfy them. It’s called The Gap. Too many characters (and real people) live their lives thinking, “If I just get that one thing… then I’ll be happy.” But they’re wrong. And the gap between where they are and where they think they need to be? That’s where the real story unfolds. I’ll show you how to use this concept to write more honest, conflicted, and gut-...
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most underrated heartbreaks in animation history: the betrayal in Treasure Planet. We’ll break down how Disney built one of the most gut-wrenching moments of backstabbing — and what it teaches us about writing betrayal that actually hurts. This is for storytellers who want to write characters that change us. And yes, we’ll talk about trust, desire, and why Silver was the father figure Jim always wanted… until he wasn’t. In this episode, I’m diving i...
Miles Morales might be the most relatable Spider-Man ever written — and in this episode, I’m breaking down why. I’m diving deep into the psychology of what makes a character actually connect. Not just likable… but real. We’ll unpack Miles’ wound, his longing, and how every choice he makes flows from a deeper fear. If you’re a Christian storyteller who wants to write characters that actually matter — this one’s for you.
Be real — you've fallen head over heels for a fictional character before. For me? It was Elizabeth Bennet (don't judge). But here's the thing: there's a psychology behind crafting characters your readers actually fall in love with — and yes, it's biblical.
NaNoWriMo? It’s dead. In this episode, I’m letting you in on what comes next — and it’s called Jesus Writing Month. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever built. A writing revival for Christian storytellers who know their book is a calling, not a hobby. Let me tell you why it matters. And why I think it’ll change your life.
In this episode, I’m breaking down my all-time favorite storytelling arc: the Lost Man. This powerful framework applies to nearly every unforgettable character—and we’re diving deep into how to write it well. Using The Greatest Showman and It’s a Wonderful Life as examples, we’ll unpack why this storyline hits so hard and how you can use it to elevate your own characters.