Logo

    The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

    Zena Dell Lowe is a seasoned and engaging teacher with a passion for writers and storytellers. Her focused, concise, and practical episodes (all roughly 20 minutes) not only explore the nuts and bolts of the craft, but also dive deep into the inner life of the artist and the "why" behind creativity. If you believe that story matters, you'll want to give this podcast a listen.
    en-us184 Episodes

    People also ask

    What is the main theme of the podcast?
    Who are some of the popular guests the podcast?
    Were there any controversial topics discussed in the podcast?
    Were any current trending topics addressed in the podcast?
    What popular books were mentioned in the podcast?

    Episodes (184)

    Subtext: What it is and How to Write it into Your Story

    Subtext: What it is and How to Write it into Your Story

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Subtext: an essential element for story to add conflict and further develop your characters. But how do you capture the true essence of this covert communication method? Let's dive into the what and how of this little beast so you can harness its power in your story.

    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    What Are the Major Genres for Film and Why That Matters for Novelists

    What Are the Major Genres for Film and Why That Matters for Novelists

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What is a genre anyway? Is it really that important for you to identify your genre? You don't want to be boxed in by a label, right? Wrong. You do want that label. You do need to identify your genre. And here's why.

    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    10 Ways to Test if Your Story is Commercial

    10 Ways to Test if Your Story is Commercial

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Commercial story? Sounds like selling out, but it's more along the lines of actually selling. You have to have mass appeal if you want your stuff to sell. Period. So, put your #wip to the test and see if it stands up to any of these 10.


    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    3 Ingredients Hollywood Wants in Your Story: Heart, Smarts, & Sparkle

    3 Ingredients Hollywood Wants in Your Story: Heart, Smarts, & Sparkle

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Whether your #wip is a screenplay, a novel, or a novel that hopes to one day become a screenplay, this episode is for you. Hollywood loves to adapt books into movies, so make sure you start on the right foot by ensuring you have these three elements in your story.


    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Unlocking Story Potential: Elements of a Good Story

    Unlocking Story Potential: Elements of a Good Story

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION –Ever wonder if you actually have a good story idea? Want to take that story idea that seems good and make it great? Well, stop what you're doing and watch this episode to level up your stories and unlock their full potential.

    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    The How To Guide to Fatal Flaws in Character Development

    The How To Guide to Fatal Flaws in Character Development

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy. Want a deeper dive into #fatalflaws in character development? Go ahead and click the link below so you can be a part of this group too!

    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Are There Major Differences Between Screenplay Writing and Novels?

    Are There Major Differences Between Screenplay Writing and Novels?

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Sneak Peak into the Beta Program for Zena's new online class - Hollywood Story Structure. Check out this excerpt where she discusses the differences and similarities between writing screenplays and writing novels. Then go ahead and click the link below so you can be a part of this group too!

    Hollywood Story Structure Class - Early Adopter opportunity

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Keeping Your Protagonist Active: Zena's Talk on Reality Coaching for Writers

    Keeping Your Protagonist Active: Zena's Talk on Reality Coaching for Writers

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena joins Diana Flagel on Reality Coaching for Writers for this sweet little episode all about why and how to keep your protagonist active.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Author & Screenwriter Jennifer Dornbush on Evidentiary Trails & Genre

    Author & Screenwriter Jennifer Dornbush on Evidentiary Trails & Genre

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Jennifer Dornbush teaches the proper processes and evidentiary trails to follow in a crime story, but she also helps connect the dots to see that the same principles can really be applied to all stories, not just in the crime genre. And speaking of genre, Jennifer and Zena also discuss what makes the crime genre so popular and fulfilling.

    Jennifer is a screenwriter, author, international speaker, and forensic specialist. Raised as the daughter of a medical examiner whose office was in their home; forensics and crime writing are infused into her DNA. Jennifer penned suspense thriller HOLE IN THE WOODS;  historical crime fiction THE LOCARD PRINCIPLE; true crime memoir, RAISED BY THE ICE MAN; on-going mystery series THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER, and contributes to mystery anthologies. She also created the acclaimed crime writer’s guide FORENSIC SPEAK. As a screenwriter Jennifer has optioned, sold, developed, and adapted material for film and television. She is a sought-out international teacher, speaker, and mentor.  www.jenniferdornbush.com

    Get 20% off FORENSIC SPEAK
     https://mwp.com/product/forensic-speak-how-to-write-realistic-crime-dramas/

    Check out book three in The Coroner's Daughter Series: LAST ONE ALIVE
    https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/last-one-alive-fp9t.html#541=2054952

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Jennifer Dornbush on Forensics, Story Structure, and Character Arc

    Jennifer Dornbush on Forensics, Story Structure, and Character Arc

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Jennifer Dornbush talks forensics, story structure and character arc. If you are writing crime stories or not, there are several applicable tools and tips in this interview.

    Jennifer is a screenwriter, author, international speaker, and forensic specialist. Raised as the daughter of a medical examiner whose office was in their home; forensics and crime writing are infused into her DNA. Jennifer penned suspense thriller HOLE IN THE WOODS;  historical crime fiction THE LOCARD PRINCIPLE; true crime memoir, RAISED BY THE ICE MAN; on-going mystery series THE CORONER'S DAUGHTER, and contributes to mystery anthologies. She also created the acclaimed crime writer’s guide FORENSIC SPEAK. As a screenwriter Jennifer has optioned, sold, developed, and adapted material for film and television. She is a sought-out international teacher, speaker, and mentor.  www.jenniferdornbush.com

    Get 20% off FORENSIC SPEAK
     https://mwp.com/product/forensic-speak-how-to-write-realistic-crime-dramas/

    Check out book three in The Coroner's Daughter Series: LAST ONE ALIVE
    https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/last-one-alive-fp9t.html#541=2054952

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Fear Shows Up in the Stories We Allow Ourselves to Tell

    Fear Shows Up in the Stories We Allow Ourselves to Tell

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – I know, I know. What fear? Right? You're not scared, right? Or are you? What stories are you allowing yourself to tell? Well, it's time for a paradigm shift. And Zena is here to tell you all about why and how. By the end of this episode you will understand that we need not be afraid.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Not All Stories Need a Happy Ending

    Not All Stories Need a Happy Ending

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you stuck in the "and they lived happily ever after" zone? Do you wonder if that's really the only way? What if all stories didn't need a happy ending? Would you want to understand why and how? Well, here's your chance! Zena breaks it all down on this week's episode.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    How to Create Dialogue Your Audience Can Enjoy

    How to Create Dialogue Your Audience Can Enjoy

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Dialogue is a fantastic tool to provide clarity and show, not tell. But how do you make sure your dialogue is true to your story? How do you justify the dialogue so it isn't trite and contrived? How do you make sure your audience doesn't check out because it's confusing? Tune in as Zena shares 4 tricks to help you create organic, meaningful dialogue that your audience can enjoy.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Setups and Payoffs - Don't Let Them See It Coming!

    Setups and Payoffs - Don't Let Them See It Coming!

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – No one likes to watch a movie or read a novel where you can see the setups as plain as day. Audiences want to be surprised and delighted when those setups that you integrated come full circle later in the story. So, how do you seamlessly add your setups? One easy to remember tool. Learn about it here and find out how the movie #aliens uses this tool to perfection.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    How to Write Meaningful Scenes That Help Advance Your Story

    How to Write Meaningful Scenes That Help Advance Your Story

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Ever wonder if you have too many scenes? Want to make sure every one counts? Want to make sure every scene plays into your narrative? How about making sure they all move the story forward? Well, here is one tip you don't want to miss.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    George Lucas Ruined Star Wars by Breaking This 1 Rule for Storytellers

    George Lucas Ruined Star Wars by Breaking This 1 Rule for Storytellers

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena Dell Lowe breaks down one rule for storytellers that George Lucas didn't follow in Star Wars Episode 1. Learn how to avoid this mistake in your own story.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    2 Tips on How to Write Captivating Opening Scenes

    2 Tips on How to Write Captivating Opening Scenes

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Opening scenes can make it or break it for your audience/reader. Take too long and you've lost them, go too fast and you'll miss building the story and the moments. So what is a writer to do? Check out this episode and find 2 simple tips to help hook your audience from the start!

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    The #1 Skill Writers Need for Conquering Character Development

    The #1 Skill Writers Need for Conquering Character Development

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Have an antagonist who feels one dimensional? Your villain falling a little flat? Check out this episode to understand how to develop those characters to new satisfying, three-dimensional depths.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting

    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    Top 10 Signs Your Character is Active - You WANT This!

    Top 10 Signs Your Character is Active - You WANT This!

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Passive characters are un-engaging and boring. Things are happening to them, whereas an active character is driving the action, they are intriguing, and they grab your audience. Okay, so easy choice. You want an active character. But what does that mean? What does that look like? How do you avoid that passive pitfall? Tune in for this top 10 list and learn how to give your MC the acid test to ensure they're the one who is driving the action.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting


    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show

    How to Bring Character Thoughts to Life in Story

    How to Bring Character Thoughts to Life in Story

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION – How easy is it to rely on your characters to extrapolate on their thoughts and feelings? But is that really fair to your readers? I mean, sure, sometimes you can't get around it, but when you can, it adds intrigue and excitement to the narrative. And this in turn hooks your reader on another level. Want to learn how to get out of your character's head and bring those thoughts and feelings to life? Join Zena for this week's short, sweet, and meaty episode.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting


    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!

    Contact us for anything else!

    Support the show