All Episodes
Finding Writing Motivation: How to Keep Showing Up | Reddit Question
A Reddit writer asks: How do you get dopamine to write? In this episode, I share thoughts on writing motivation, building momentum, and what keeps writers coming back ...
REDDIT Q: Writing Portal Fantasy: What Stops Characters from Returning?
A Reddit writer asks for compelling reasons why characters who travel to another world can’t go back home (or might not want to). In this episode, I explore some creat...
Does Your Story’s Setting NEED to Mean Something? | Reddit Writing Q
A Reddit writer asks if a fantasy setting needs to have deeper meaning to be worth using. Can a setting just exist because the author likes it, or should it serve a gr...
That One Annoying Trope: Withholding Info for Drama | Petty Peeve
You ever watch a movie, read a book, or play a game where a character knows something crucial but refuses to tell the protagonist for no good reason? Yeah… it drives m...
REDDIT Q: How Do These Mutants Get to The Citadel? | Moving Characters Through Plot
A Reddit writer is struggling with how to naturally move their characters from one location (the Greenhouse) to the next major plot point (the Citadel). In this video,...
Is ‘Coffee-Colored’ Skin Racist? | Reddit Story Question
A Reddit writer asks if describing a Black character’s skin as “coffee-colored” is racist. In this video, I share my thoughts on the topic and why word choice matters ...
Reddit Story Question: How to Improve a Complicated Character Arc
In this episode, I tackle a Reddit question about refining a powerful and emotional character arc between two brothers. From conflicting motivations to tragic events,...
AI in Creativity Part 2: Update on My Personal Experience with AI in Storytelling
✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. ...
Reddit Story Question: Handling Sudden Strength Changes in Characters
What happens when a character’s strength fluctuates dramatically for lore-related reasons unknown to the reader? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode tackles th...
Petty Peeve: Using Full Names in Love Confessions
Why do characters insist on using someone’s full name when confessing their love? In this short Petty Peeve episode, I rant about this storytelling trope and why it gr...
Reddit Story Question: Bringing a Ghost Back to Life in a Fantasy Story
What happens when a man falls in love with a ghost and wants her to become part of his life—permanently? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode explores ways to b...
Petty Peeve: Why Are "Strong Female Characters" So Rude?
In this Petty Peeve episode, I’m letting off steam about the frustrating trope of equating strong female characters with being unnecessarily rude or abrasive—and the w...
Reddit Story Question: How to Extend Scenes and Build Longer Chapters
Feeling like your scenes are too short or your chapters are rushing by? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode dives into practical strategies for extending scene...
Creating a Retro Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Story from Scratch with Storymatic
What happens when you combine Storymatic prompts, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, and a love for retro sci-fi cyberpunk? In this episode, we build a thrilling story from sc...
Reddit Story Question: Why Would Aliens Start a War Over Earth?
Inspired by a Reddit story question, this episode explores the motivations behind an alien surprise attack in a space opera setting. What could be so rare and valuable...
Story Question--Beyond Lovecraft: Crafting Unique Eldritch Monsters for a Space Opera
Eldritch monsters are a staple of sci-fi and horror, but how do you create one that feels fresh, engaging, and suited to a space opera? In this episode, we tackle a Re...
Reddit Question: The Chocomancer: Sweet Magic, Sour Conflicts
What happens when a chocolatier wields magic? Meet the Chocomancer, a candy-conjuring magician who escaped a gilded prison working for a king. In this episode, we div...
Immortal but Miserable: Finding Happiness in Eternal Life
Immortality might sound like a gift, but for one character, it’s a never-ending nightmare. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of creating meaningful character gr...