May 10
21.19: Getting Everything Connected
Today, our hosts discuss how to make every part of your story feel connected through causal chains, thematic resonance, and reader pattern recognition. We take the idea that each action in a story should lead naturally to the next and pair it with how readers instinctively search ... Show More
24m 21s
May 3
21.18: Deconstructing the Three Act Structure
Today, we are joined by Margaret Dunlap as we dive into the three-act structure. This traditional framework—setup, confrontation, and resolution—is a tool to use rather than a formula to follow. We break down each act, exploring the defining questions, try/fail cycles, and emotio ... Show More
31m 22s
Apr 26
21.17: The Up and Down Escalators
Today we zoom out from moment-to-moment tension and look at how escalation and de-escalation shape a story at the structural level—how raising stakes, lowering pressure, and shifting focus can control pacing, reader emotion, and narrative momentum. Our hosts explore what happens ... Show More
28m 16s
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
