Set Apart Storytellers | Screenwriting for Christian Creatives

Alissa Chavez | Pen & Vine Stories

Set Apart Storytellers is a screenwriting podcast for Christian screenwriters, filmmakers, and storytellers who want to write meaningful stories with excellence. Learn practical screenwriting techniques - story structure, character development, theme, and storytelling principles while navigating creative roadblocks, faith, calling, and the challenges of a creative vocation. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay, developing a TV pilot, or building a career in film, this podcast will help you craft stronger stories and steward the stories God has placed on your heart. 🌿 Connect with Pen & Vine Stories Instagram: @penandvinestories www.penandvinestories.com

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 22: Can Christians Want Success? How to Pursue a Screenwriting Career Without Losing Your Identity

    Is it wrong to want success as a Christian creative? Can you pursue a successful screenwriting or film career without compromising your faith? If you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, storyteller, or Christian creative wrestling with ambition, purpose, and what biblical success really looks like, this episode is for you. Many believers struggle with the tension between wanting to honor God and desiring influence, recognition, or career growth. But is ambition actually the problem - or is it our motivation behind it? In this episode, we unpack what godly ambition looks like and how to pursue success without allowing it to become your identity. We discuss: The difference between godly ambition and worldly ambition Why success is a tool - not your purpose How to pursue excellence while keeping your identity rooted in Christ What Solomon’s life teaches us about success, surrender, and stewardship Why God measures faithfulness differently than the world measures success Whether you’re pursuing screenwriting, filmmaking, or another creative calling, this conversation will encourage you to steward your gifts well, trust God with the outcome, and pursue your calling with confidence. Because kingdom success isn’t measured by fame, awards, or recognition - it’s measured by faithfulness. Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 21: How to Stay Faithful as a Christian Screenwriter in a Competitive Film Industry

    Do you feel like the film industry is pressuring you to compromise your faith, values, or the stories God has called you to create? As Christian creatives, it can be difficult to pursue a career in entertainment while staying obedient to God’s voice. If you’re a Christian screenwriter, filmmaker, or storyteller navigating the tension between faith and the film industry, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: • How to stay rooted in God’s Word while creating • Why wise community matters for Christian creatives • How to surrender opportunities and career decisions to God Because success isn’t just about the doors that open. It’s about remaining faithful to the One who called you. Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  3. Aug 5

    Episode 20: Why Christian Screenwriters Struggle in Hollywood - Rejection, Calling & Trusting God’s Plan

    Do you feel like the film industry is against you? Have rejection, closed doors, and a lack of opportunities made you question whether your faith, values, or the stories you want to tell are the reason you’re struggling? If you’re a Christian creative trying to navigate the film industry, this episode is for you. In this episode, we unpack whether the industry is truly working against you—or if you’re experiencing the normal challenges of building a career in film. We cover: • How to discern the difference between opposition and industry challenges • Why rejection doesn’t always mean you’re on the wrong path • How to keep pursuing your calling without letting discouragement take over If you’re a Christian screenwriter, filmmaker, or creative feeling discouraged by the competitive nature of the industry, this conversation will help you find clarity and perspective. Because not every closed door is rejection. Sometimes it’s refinement. Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 19: Stop Making Yourself Small as a Writer | How to Overcome Fear and Write With Confidence

    Are fear, comparison, or people-pleasing causing you to shrink your voice as a writer? Do you feel like you’re holding back creatively because you’re afraid of being seen, criticized, or misunderstood? If you’re a screenwriter, storyteller, or Christian creative struggling with self-doubt, creative fear, or insecurity, this episode is for you. Too many writers minimize their voice and play small - not because they lack talent, but because fear convinces them to stay safe. In this episode, we unpack why writers limit themselves creatively and how to stop shrinking the stories God has placed inside you. We explore 3 major reasons writers make themselves small: Fear of vulnerability - why taking creative risks feels so scary Comparison - how measuring yourself against other writers silences your voice People-pleasing - why writing for approval weakens your storytelling You’ll learn how to overcome fear, build creative confidence, and write with greater boldness, clarity, and conviction. If you’ve been struggling with creative insecurity, comparison, or fear of criticism, this conversation will help you step into the voice and calling God has given you. Because you were never meant to shrink your story to make other people comfortable. You were called to faithfully steward the voice God placed inside you.   Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  5. Jul 21

    Episode 18: How to Map Out Your Screenwriting Path With God | Finding Direction After Your Script Is Finished

    What do you do after you finish your screenplay? How do you actually build a screenwriting career path with clarity, strategy, and purpose? If you’re a screenwriter, storyteller, or Christian creative wondering what comes next after writing your script, this episode is for you. One of the biggest questions writers face isn’t just how to write - it’s how to move forward once the script is finished. In this episode, we unpack how to map out your screenwriting path with the Holy Spirit so you’re not writing aimlessly, but with intentionality, growth, and direction. We break down 3 key phases of the screenwriting journey: Growth -  building your writing skills, learning story structure, and receiving feedback Strategy - understanding what your writing is for and discerning the purpose of each script Industry Direction - exploring contests, film festivals, networking, and what to do with your screenplay after it’s finished Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, independent filmmaker, or faith-driven storyteller, this conversation will help you understand how to grow your craft, build a long-term screenwriting roadmap, and discern where God is leading your stories. Because not every script is meant to be released - but every script written with Him has purpose.   Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 17: Why Feedback Feels So Personal as a Writer (How to Handle Criticism Without Losing Confidence)

    Why does one note on your script feel heavier than ten compliments? Why does feedback sometimes feel less like critique and more like rejection? If you’re a screenwriter, storyteller, or Christian creative who struggles with receiving feedback, criticism, or script notes without taking them personally, this episode is for you. The truth is, feedback often feels painful because it doesn’t just challenge our work - it can trigger insecurity, fear, and identity wounds we may already be carrying. In this episode, we unpack why feedback feels so personal as a writer and how to receive critique with greater confidence, discernment, and emotional resilience. We cover: Why constructive feedback is essential for writing growth  How to separate your identity from your creative work Why script notes can trigger fear and insecurity How to discern helpful feedback from harmful criticism How to receive feedback with confidence, grace, and wisdom If you’ve ever felt defensive, discouraged, or deeply wounded after receiving script feedback, this conversation will help you approach critique in a healthier way. Because feedback is not failure - it’s refinement. And when you stop attaching your identity to your writing, criticism stops becoming something that breaks you and starts becoming something that strengthens your craft.   Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  7. Jul 7

    Episode 16: How to Become a Consistent Writer as a Christian Creative | 3 Habits That Help You Finish Your Script

    If you’re a Christian screenwriter, storyteller, or creative who battles procrastination, inconsistency, creative burnout, or self-doubt, this episode is for you. The truth is, most writers don’t struggle because they lack talent - they struggle because they lack consistency. In this episode, we unpack how to become a more consistent writer - not by relying on motivation or inspiration, but by developing biblical stewardship, sustainable writing habits, and rhythms that help you actually finish what God has called you to create. We explore 3 practical shifts that can transform your writing process: How viewing your script as stewardship changes your discipline Why writing should become part of your daily time with God How realistic deadlines can help you build lasting writing consistency If you’ve been struggling with writer’s block, procrastination, unfinished screenplays, or feeling stuck in your creative calling, this episode will help you build a writing rhythm that works for your real life. Because consistency isn’t built through intensity - it’s built through faithfulness. Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 15: Is Film School Worth It? The Truth Every Aspiring Filmmaker Should Know

    Do you actually need film school to become a filmmaker, screenwriter, or work in the film industry? It’s one of the most debated questions in filmmaking - and the answer isn’t as simple as people make it seem. In this episode, we unpack the real pros and cons of film school, including the financial cost, networking opportunities, educational value, and whether the self-taught path might actually be a better fit for your creative journey. We cover: What film school teaches about screenwriting, directing, producing, and filmmaking The real cost of film school and whether the investment pays off Film school vs self-taught learning through books, online courses, and YouTube Why networking and industry relationships may be the biggest advantage of film school How to discern which path best fits your creative calling Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, screenwriter, or Christian creative trying to decide your next step, this episode will help you think critically about your options and move forward with greater clarity. Because there’s no single path into the film industry. Some creatives thrive in structured learning environments. Others grow faster through hands-on experience and self-education. The goal isn’t choosing the “perfect” path - it’s discerning the path that best supports your growth, calling, and season.   Ready to take your story further? Book a Story: Unlocked Session today at: www.penandvinestories.com/appointments Let’s turn your story idea into something clear, compelling, and ready to write. Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

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About

Set Apart Storytellers is a screenwriting podcast for Christian screenwriters, filmmakers, and storytellers who want to write meaningful stories with excellence. Learn practical screenwriting techniques - story structure, character development, theme, and storytelling principles while navigating creative roadblocks, faith, calling, and the challenges of a creative vocation. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay, developing a TV pilot, or building a career in film, this podcast will help you craft stronger stories and steward the stories God has placed on your heart. 🌿 Connect with Pen & Vine Stories Instagram: @penandvinestories www.penandvinestories.com

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