Feb 1
21.05: The Same But Different
Today, our hosts dig into how stories can feel fresh without losing what readers love. They explore the idea of “same but different” across genres, sequels, and series—looking at how small shifts in structure, context, tone, or theme can create meaningful novelty. Drawing on exam ... Show More
25m 20s
Jan 25
21.04: Deconstructing the Hero's Journey
Our hosts take on the Hero’s Journey—where it came from, why it endures, and why it can make writers uneasy. They break it down as a tool (and not a rule), exploring how pattern recognition works in storytelling without turning structure into a formula. Along the way, they discus ... Show More
25m 46s
Jun 2025
A Scandal in Bohemia - Part Five
THE GREAT GAME - we had everything set for the seizing of that drive, the chastening of Irene Adler and - most importantly - a victory for Sherlock Holmes against his latest opponent. The fire would reveal all, we would be able to see deep into her person, into her desires and sc ... Show More
28m 19s
Jun 2025
A Scandal in Bohemia - Part Four
THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING - Irene, Sherlock and I finally had our chance to drop the disguises and speak, albeit in this holy place. It was clear she planned something, quite what destructive scale would unfold escaped even my imagination. We needed a plan and it was devised, ina ... Show More
29m 58s
Apr 2025
Charles Augustus Milverton - Part Two
THIEVES IN THE NIGHT - Milverton had to be stopped and Sherlock had just the plan. Unfortunately that plan involved me. And a woman called Agatha. You'll see what I mean. Part 2 of 3 This episode contains swearing, sexual references, references to coercive behaviour, dark sexual ... Show More
35 m
We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Charlie Jane Anders, the author of the book we’ve focused on for our last four episodes (All the Birds in the Sky). We talked with Anders about POV, tone, and how she played around with humor —partly by occasionally using an omniscient POV! Anders also explained how to incorporate humor and whimsy, and what it fee ... Show More