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EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you aware of the worldview you're promoting in your writing? Do you write just for yourself and not to influence or affect change? Join Zena in this episode as she breaks down the importance of ethics for writers regardless of why you write, or even what genre. She'll help you see the impact your stories have, whether intended or not, and bring awareness to the power of the narrative, whether fiction or non-fiction.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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICESupport the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Have you ever found yourself weaving your own story into your WIP? Or even considered writing an autobiography? In this episode, Zena tracks through some pitfalls and how to avoid them when writing your own experiences into your story. Come away understanding the importance of empathy for your antagonist and how to keep your main character active in the retelling. If you have a story to tell—because who doesn't—but don't know where to start, check out this link and let us know if you'd be interested in an online course for writing autobiographical stories.www.thestorytellersmission.com/write-my-story 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICESupport the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Obstacles to your character's main objective and how they deal with them are what drive your story. If you don't have obstacles, you won't have a story. This week, Zena breaks down the three types of obstacles in story to help you add intrigue, connect with your audience, and reveal true character. Come away with a better understanding of what they are and some of the pitfalls to avoid. 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICESupport the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Negotiations between characters help to raise the stakes in your scenes, but how else can you use this technique in your story? Learn how to use this technique to help reveal true character and objectives in ways that have maximum impact with your audience. You'll learn how these revelations can be taken to extremes once they are realized in order to facilitate an emotional connection between your characters and your audience. Join Zena this week for great writing tips and a comical real-life experience demonstrating how extremes can be revealing, entertaining, and engaging for your audience.  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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICESupport the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – In this SPECIAL EPISODE, Zena is interviewed by one of her students at Covenant College, with questions ranging from writing as a calling to the role of ADHD for her as a creative, and so much more. Mind you, this isn't just about Zena and her background, although we love learning more about her daily. This interview includes thought-provoking topics about writing and story through culture, human nature, and faith. Enjoy!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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you looking to maximize the dramatic potential in your scenes between two or more characters? Do you want to take your conflicts between those characters to new heights? Listen to this week's episode as Zena gives you three clever ways to heighten those power struggles by using catalysts that are not the actual antagonizers. Come away with a new grasp on how to use the subtext of a conflict to make for more organic and engaging storytelling.  You don't want to miss it. 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing-related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – "Your story just doesn't grab me." Do you ever get that feedback? Want to fix it with one easy-to-remember tip? This week, Zena dives deeper into the negotiations between characters and their objectives. She'll help you understand how to make sure your audience/reader is engaged and fully caught up in your story. 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Do you ever wonder if you can improve your interpersonal communication so much that it would impact your writing? Would you still be able to write good conflict if you knew and practiced good communication skills and habits? This episode sees Zena unpack why this might be a concern and also addresses why this actually might make your writing of story conflict more interesting and fun.  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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – What if we stopped trying to fix things, not only in our personal lives, but in our stories too? What does that even look like? How do you not fix something in your story? This week Zena will shed light on how to do just that with a maximum impact on not only your character, but your audience's ability to connect with them and your story. It's one of those all-encompassing episodes that reaches out to the whole artist, craft and conscience.  UP NEXT - Is becoming a healthier artist as a whole going to impact your ability to reach the same depths of "unhealthy" in your characters? 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – You know that uncomfortable feeling when you know someone is hurting and you feel kind of awkward because you don't know what to say, but you want to help them somehow, just to fix it for them? Well, this week, Zena breaks down why that initial urge for us to want to fix the problem, while well-intentioned, might actually be less supportive than the alternative. She'll introduce ideas and experiences that might just change the way you respond to your own suffering and that of others as well.   UP NEXT - How all of this actually applies to story. And what you can do to utilize this in your stories to maximize the full potential and the arc of your character and their journeys.  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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Are you setting boundaries in your personal life? Boundaries can be helpful and healthy, but they can also be a tool utilized to manipulate, whether we do it knowingly or not. This week, join Zena as she guides you through some of the confusion surrounding boundaries in popular culture today and how you can go about deciphering which boundaries are healthy and which are leading you down a more destructive path. Five key indicators unpacked in this episode—Boundaries made:1. With hard-nosed lines with a spirit of unkindness.2. With no discussion when the boundary is set and a refusal to engage in legitimate dialogue.3. Solely for the purpose of self-protection, with no regard for the other's POV.4. Based only on the boundary setter's preferences, where the other is considered "less than".5. With demands placed on others masked as self-care, but in reality as a need to control or have power over the other.And what does all this self-improvement have to do with writing? A lot! The better we know ourselves and human psychology, the better we can tell the truth through our stories. These are the very fundamentals of storytelling that are not talked about enough.  UP NEXT - But alas! We will get deep, deep into craft. Zena is laying the foundations, starting at the bottom, getting back to the basics. So many times, we can get caught up in what is the next rung on the ladder and we forget about all the others that got us there. See the value of these fundamentals as we work our way to craft, building up to be the best artists we can be in 2023.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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – It can be a struggle to get off Karpman's triangle, it can be a struggle to take personal responsibility even if you're not on the triangle. It takes courage and strength. But by embracing the idea of being radically honest, without being brutal, we can truly change the world for the better. Not only can these concepts give you freedom in your personal relationships, but your writing and your characters will have more depth and be full of truth. Join Zena as she lays the foundation for personal growth as well as artistry and craft. UP NEXT -  Protest literature, plans of attack, and radical action...all of this, then we'll start the deep dive into CRAFT!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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Zena's back this week with a hard hitter. Do you own your stuff? I mean, do you take personal responsibility for your actions, feelings, etc.? Zena takes us on a journey this week down the road of recovery. Whether or not you're in abusive cycle, you'll still gain an abundance in the way of personal growth with this episode. Because the truth is, we can all use a little help in taking ownership, in taking personal responsibility. And when we do—when we all do—what a world this will be.  UP NEXT -  Protest literature, plans of attack, and radical action...all of this, then we'll start the deep dive into CRAFT!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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Do you feel intimidated by societal expectations to accept mainstream narrative as truth? Or even by our fellow Christians for standing against the grain? Are you tired of the dumbing down of Christian art and ready to make a stand for more sophistication? Give this week's episode a listen and come away feeling bold, assertive and empowered to go forth with a willingness to offend for the sake of kindness and truth.  UP NEXT -  Protest literature, being bold in our personal lives as storytellers, plans of attack, and radical action...all of this before the new year when we'll start the deep dive into CRAFT! 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – They're here! The final three on Zena's list of seven new evaluative criteria for writers and consumers alike. Challenging what has come to be known as a "good Christian story", Zena argues for us to stop thinking about what a good story should lack and start thinking about what a great story should provide. Follow these seven guidelines to find freedom to write about any subject matter with a clear conscience.  UP NEXT -  Zena starts laying down some foundational principles for writers to adopt as we prepare for the new year. 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – There is freedom in boundaries. Sounds counterintuitive, I know. But just listen as Zena explains how to find ultimate freedom in your writing by following these creative guidelines. Here come two more foundational principles from Zena's list of Seven Keys to Unlocking Great Stories.  UP NEXT - Next week Zena will continue to unpack this list with more key ingredients to great stories for Christian writers, producers, publishers and consumers.  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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION – I know what you're thinking. Can Zena get through 7 evaluative criteria in one 20 minute episode? The answer is no. No, she can't. And that is a great thing! Zena gives weight where it is due by breaking down the first two criteria that are essential to provide the framework for great stories. She thoroughly explores them individually and as integral parts of one another. The practical examples of how story can go wrong and how that wrong can be righted aide in the understanding and applicability of these first two essential principles. And then she leaves us hanging...UP NEXT - Stay tuned for next week where Zena will dive deeper into this phenomenal list of 7 Keys to Unlock Great Stories for Christian Writers, Producers, Publishers, and Consumers.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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

EPISODE DESCRIPTION –  Zena takes us on another exciting ride as she unveils three more reasons Christians are afraid to write content geared towards adults, dealing with the struggles and issues that we face that may not be entirely family friendly when reflecting the truth of humanity. Zena brings biblical references and real world experiences into this week's session to bolster her arguments and maybe even light a fire or two. Read the article Zena mentions from The Collision, check that out here. UP NEXT - Zena presents 7 new evaluative criteria for what makes a great story. You won't want to miss it! 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!  HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

Support the Show on Paypal@Missionranchfilms! EPISODE DESCRIPTION – Welcome to Season 3. Thanks for joining us.True to form, Zena breaks right into the meat of why society needs more R-rated stories written by Christians right now. The truth is not always "family friendly". The Bible certainly isn't. While the title and subject matter might seem scary at first to many, this episode is sure to get you thinking about WHY it elicits that reaction and how to see beyond your fear. UP NEXT - Next week, Zena will dive right back in to wrap up the second half of her presentation on this particular topic. Don't miss it!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.   HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES - The Storyteller’s Mission online platform offers one-on-one COACHING, SCRIPT and MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES, and ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING. Send us an email at info@thestorytellersmission.com, or if you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing on a future episode, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!Support the show

https://www.siakaforassembly.com/. In this special episode being published just in time for the upcoming elections, Zena interviews candidate Siaka Massaquoi, who's running for District Assembly #43 here in the LA area. Meeting Siaka gave Zena much needed hope and encouragement given today's political climate, where things look grim to say the least. Having even one candidate you can believe in and support suddenly makes it feel possible to overcome the darkness that threatens us. And Siaka is a candidate who is ready to enter the fight. Zena wanted to introduce Siaka to any listeners who live in the LA area who might actually be able to vote for him, but who might not even know he exists.  She also wanted to do something to honor the rallying cry of Christians, Conservatives and Republicans everywhere. We must vote. We must vote. We must vote. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. Now is the time for us to turn this ship around... Before it's too late. #vote2022 #siakaforassembly For more information about Siaka, go to: https://www.siakaforassembly.com/Support the show