The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Not every character is likable—but unlikable doesn’t have to mean forgettable. Zena Del Lowe shares strategies to make unlikable characters sympathetic or intriguing, keeping audiences hooked. Perfect for novelists, screenwriters, and all storytellers. 📌 Resources & Links: Free training: 7 Crucial Plot Points — https://www.thestorytellersmission.com/story-structure-made-easyFollow Zena Dell Lowe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FuQeOePj4c8 Send us a text Support the show

Are you curious about using AI in your writing? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe shares her honest thoughts on ChatGPT and other AI tools for writers. Discover how AI can assist in brainstorming, solving story problems, and refining ideas — without replacing your voice. Zena explains the difference between helpful uses in nonfiction versus the challenges of AI in fiction, novels, and screenplays. She also dives into the ethical considerations every writer should kn...

Do you really need a villain to tell a powerful story—or can life itself provide the opposition your character needs? In this episode, Zena answers a writer’s question about whether “life as the villain” works, and breaks down the difference between antagonists, villains, and complex characters who don’t fit neatly into either box. You’ll learn: Why “life” as an antagonist can weaken your story (unless it’s a disaster plot).How antagonists differ from villains—and why that matters.The dangers...

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe uncovers the hidden power of the “Aha Moment” in your story’s climax — the moment of revelation that resonates long after the final scene. Learn how to weave this essential beat into your work without forcing it, why it matters so much to your audience, and how to make it unforgettable. Perfect for writers, screenwriters, and storytellers ready to elevate their craft. This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s...

“Show, Don’t Tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice — but also one of the most misunderstood. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it? In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe shares a crisp, actionable breakdown that goes beyond flowery description. Using a brilliant metaphor — "give the clues, not the police report" — Zena shows how to shift your writing from passive to powerful. What you’ll learn: Why simply describing something still isn’t “showing”How discovery t...

What if your character’s behavior seems selfish… but they’re actually in pain? Writers often struggle to make characters dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma feel relatable instead of off-putting. You want readers to connect with them—not judge them. In this episode, Zena tackles how to portray characters struggling with mental health challenges in a way that feels true, empathetic, and dramatically compelling. You’ll learn how to let your character’s humanity shine—even when they’re m...

You’ve poured your heart into writing a novel—and now you’re wondering if you should turn it into a screenplay. But without industry insight, that leap could cost you time, money, and momentum. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena lays down the hard truth about adapting novels into screenplays. Should you write the adaptation yourself? Should you hire someone to do it? Or should you leave the screenplay entirely out of your plan? What You'll Learn: → Why most novelists shouldn...

You’ve built your story beat by beat. Your characters are in place. The stakes are high. But now you’ve hit the final stretch—Act Three—and suddenly, it’s not clear how to land the plane. This is where even seasoned writers stumble. In this episode, Zena tackles the storytelling tension of bringing everything together in a satisfying, powerful way—without falling into cliché or chaos. If you're unsure how to pace your climax, resolve subplots, or create that unforgettable moment of trut...

Writers often get stuck at the transition between Act Two and Act Three—especially when the “all hope is lost” moment doesn’t quite fit their story. Is this moment supposed to be the character’s lowest emotional point? Is redemption supposed to kick in right away? What if your character is still flailing? In this episode, Zena challenges the conventional “lowest point” terminology and offers a more nuanced, flexible way to think about this crucial plot transition—and how understanding this sh...

Writing a short film script can feel like trying to squeeze a novel into a sticky note. Can you really fit a full character arc, plot structure, and emotional payoff into just 10 minutes of screen time? In this episode, Zena answers the question: does the Hollywood Plot Map apply to short films, or is it overkill? Her answer might surprise you—and give you permission to stop overthinking and start trusting your creative instincts. What You’ll Learn: - Which story elements are absolutely e...

You’ve got a great premise, compelling characters… but something’s off. Your story feels stuck, and you can’t figure out why. Chances are, your story beats aren’t pulling their weight. 💡 In this episode: Zena Dell Lowe reveals how to turn every scene into a powerful turning point. You’ll learn how to spot weak story beats, replace them with emotional drivers, and make sure every scene earns its place. 🎯 What you’ll walk away with: A clear definition of what a real story beat is How to ens...

Are your characters saying all the right things—but somehow it still feels off? Contrived dialogue is one of the fastest ways to pull your reader or viewer out of the story. Whether you're a novelist or a screenwriter, when your dialogue feels stiff, forced, or unnatural, it kills immersion and weakens emotional impact. The worst part? You might not even realize you're doing it. In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked causes of fake-sounding dialogue—and more importantly, h...

Ever feel like your story should be working — but something’s just... off? Chances are, your characters are missing the one thing that drives truly compelling fiction: a clear, active goal. In this episode, we dig into why so many screenplays and novels lose steam, how to spot the silent killer of narrative momentum, and what your character really needs to stop drifting and start doing. Whether you’re knee-deep in draft land or just sketching your first outline, this is the clarity boost your...

Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you. Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn’t click — and worse, your audience doesn’t care. That’s the pain point. And we’ve all been there. In this episode, we dig into why your characters might be missing that vital spark — and how to fix it. Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, or short film, you’ll uncover: ✅ The essential ...

Ever wondered if your character is truly a hero or just a morally questionable anti-hero? The lines are blurrier than you think, and it's time to get clear on the difference. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the world of heroes and anti-heroes, breaking down their key differences and exploring the moral complexities that make them tick. Is your character’s flaw pushing them toward redemption—or just leading them further down the wrong path? We'll also tackle why the world needs more tru...