The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

Zena Dell Lowe
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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.

  1. Writers: Are You Telling the Truth — Or Writing Propaganda?

    FEB 12

    Writers: Are You Telling the Truth — Or Writing Propaganda?

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting Propaganda isn’t just lying. Some of the most persuasive propaganda in history has been factually accurate. The difference lies in framing — in beginning with a verdict and arranging reality to serve it. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, we explore the critical difference between witnessing reality and advocating a conclusion. For writers, novelists, and storytellers, this distinction is not political — it’s craft. You’ll learn: The difference between a witness and an advocateHow propaganda forms through preloaded moral certaintyThe craft warning signs your story may be manipulating instead of revealingWhy flattening characters weakens moral credibilityThe responsibility of storytellers in a culture where trust is collapsingStory doesn’t just entertain. It forms moral imagination. The question is not whether you have convictions. The question is whether your story trusts reality — or tries to control the outcome. 📚 About The Storyteller’s Mission The Storyteller’s Mission helps writers craft stories grounded in truth, meaning, and moral clarity — stories that shape culture rather than merely reflect it. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send a text Support the show

    16 min
  2. Writers: Your Character’s Wound Isn’t the Flaw — The Lie Is

    FEB 5

    Writers: Your Character’s Wound Isn’t the Flaw — The Lie Is

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena explores a foundational principle of character development: why a character’s wound isn’t their flaw — the lie they believe is. This episode is especially for writers, storytellers, and worldview-driven creatives working with trauma, redemption, and transformation arcs. In great storytelling, a character’s problem isn’t just what happened to them. It’s the lie they believe because of it. And that distinction — between wound and lie — often determines whether a story actually moves forward or stays emotionally stuck. In this episode, we explore: Why wounds hurt, but lies imprisonHow false beliefs shape character behavior, identity, and plotWhy acknowledging trauma is not the same thing as redemptionWhat great stories like Good Will Hunting, Frozen, Jane Eyre, and The Lord of the Rings get right about character transformationHow confronting the lie — not just naming the wound — creates real narrative changeThis is essential viewing for: Fiction writersScreenwritersStorytellersFaith-adjacent creativesWriters working with trauma, flaws, and redemption arcsIf you want to write characters who don’t just suffer — but transform — this episode will help you clarify the difference between what happened and what it meant. 📚 About The Storyteller’s Mission The Storyteller’s Mission helps writers craft stories grounded in truth, meaning, and moral clarity — stories that shape culture rather than merely reflect it. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    14 min
  3. Stories Are the New Authority

    JAN 29

    Stories Are the New Authority

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting Stories shape how we understand truth, authority, morality, and reality itself. In this Season 6 premiere of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explores why storytelling has become one of the most powerful forces shaping modern culture—and why that power carries enormous responsibility for writers and storytellers. We are living in a cultural moment where trust in institutions and expert knowledge has fractured. As authority collapses, narrative fills the vacuum. Story becomes the new source of meaning, identity, and belief. This episode examines the deeper epistemological crisis underneath modern culture and what it means for storytelling, writing craft, and moral responsibility. This episode explores: How storytelling shapes truth, authority, and belief systemsWhy narrative authority replaces institutional trustThe relationship between story, culture, and moral imaginationHow writers influence worldview through narrativeWhy storytelling becomes more powerful—and more dangerous—when truth loses its refereesThe ethical responsibility of storytellers in shaping realityIf you’re a writer, filmmaker, screenwriter, or storyteller who believes stories don’t just entertain—but form culture, shape belief, and influence justice—this season will change how you think about your craft. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    16 min
  4. Your Character Doesn’t Need to Change (Writers, Read This)

    JAN 22

    Your Character Doesn’t Need to Change (Writers, Read This)

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting What if your character doesn’t need to change—at all? Many writers misunderstand character arc and accidentally weaken their stories by forcing transformation where it doesn’t belong. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains why some of the most iconic protagonists succeed precisely because they don’t change—and how digging in can be a far more powerful form of growth. This episode explores: The difference between changing characters and steadfast charactersWhy “digging in” can strengthen a hero instead of flattening themHow weakness, not selfishness, creates redeemable protagonistsWhy forced character change often feels false on the page or screenHow this principle applies to both heroes and villainsWhether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or series, this episode will help you rethink character arc, avoid common storytelling traps, and write protagonists that feel authentic, grounded, and compelling. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    8 min
  5. Why Humor Makes Serious Stories More Powerful

    JAN 15

    Why Humor Makes Serious Stories More Powerful

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting What makes the stakes in a story truly matter? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains how to raise the stakes in your story without relying on gimmicks, artificial tension, or repetitive plot devices. This episode explores why high stakes are always tied to character, relationship, and consequence—and how meaningful escalation creates pressure that drives transformation. From moral weight to relational cost to progressively harder choices, this conversation reframes how writers should think about stakes at every level of storytelling. Whether you’re working on a novel, screenplay, or short story, this episode provides a practical and timeless approach to making your story resonate more deeply with an audience. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    7 min
  6. How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story (Without Gimmicks)

    JAN 8

    How to Raise the Stakes in Your Story (Without Gimmicks)

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting What makes the stakes in a story truly matter? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains how to raise the stakes in your story without relying on gimmicks, artificial tension, or repetitive plot devices. This episode explores why high stakes are always tied to character, relationship, and consequence—and how meaningful escalation creates pressure that drives transformation. From moral weight to relational cost to progressively harder choices, this conversation reframes how writers should think about stakes at every level of storytelling. Whether you’re working on a novel, screenplay, or short story, this episode provides a practical and timeless approach to making your story resonate more deeply with an audience. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    15 min
  7. Want Your Novel Adapted? Do THIS First.

    JAN 1

    Want Your Novel Adapted? Do THIS First.

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting What does Hollywood actually look for when adapting a novel into a film or series? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe explains why so many writers misunderstand the adaptation process—and how those misunderstandings can derail opportunities before they ever begin. From publishing credibility to audience validation to financial risk, this episode pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made behind the scenes. Whether you’re an author exploring adaptation for the first time or a seasoned writer considering next steps, this episode clarifies what must come first—and what mistakes to avoid—before pursuing film or television adaptation. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    7 min
  8. Hemingway Had No Rules—Why You Don’t Either

    12/18/2025

    Hemingway Had No Rules—Why You Don’t Either

    Free Video Tutorial for Screenwriting Writers are constantly told there’s a right way to structure chapters, paragraphs, and point of view—but is that actually true? In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe explores why great storytelling isn’t about following formulas and why clarity always matters more than cleverness. This episode is for writers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure whether their stylistic choices are working, and want permission to trust the story they’re telling. Watch this episode on YouTube  Sign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories. The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement. Support the Show! Contact us for anything else! Send us a text Support the show

    4 min
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4.9
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

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.

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