Set Apart Storytellers | Helping Emerging Writers Tell Better Screenplays

Alissa Chavez | Pen & Vine Stories
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TV & Film

Set Apart Storytellers is a screenwriting podcast for those emerging into the entertainment space who want to learn how to write meaningful scripts with excellence. Here, you’ll learn both the practical side of screenwriting from story structure, character development, theme, and storytelling principles while navigating creative roadblocks, faith, and the challenges of a creative calling. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay, developing a TV show pilot, or learning how to take your story from concept to a finished script, this podcast will help you craft stronger stories and steward the screenplays that God has placed on your heart. 🌿 Connect with Pen & Vine Stories Instagram: @penandvinestories www.penandvinestories.com

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 26: Can Christians Write Dark Stories? A Biblical Guide for Christian Storytellers

    Can Christians tell dark stories without compromising their faith? Is it possible to write about brokenness, trauma, grief, or sin without glorifying darkness? If you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, storyteller, or Christian creative wrestling with how to approach difficult subject matter from a biblical perspective, this episode is for you. Many Christian storytellers fear that writing about dark topics means they’re compromising their faith. But what if the real question isn’t whether darkness exists in your story - but how your story responds to it? In this episode, we explore how Kingdom storytellers can honestly portray the brokenness of the world while pointing people toward the hope, healing, and redemption found in Christ. We discuss: The difference between portraying darkness and glorifying it Why Scripture doesn’t shy away from stories of brokenness How Jesus modeled stepping into dark places with truth, compassion, and redemption Why your motivation for telling difficult stories matters How to write from a Kingdom perspective without sanitizing the human experience Whether you’re writing a screenplay, film, novel, or television series, this conversation will encourage you to tell honest stories that reveal the reality of darkness while reminding people that the light of Christ has already overcome it. Because Kingdom storytelling isn’t about avoiding brokenness - it’s about bringing hope into it.   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. Sep 8

    Episode 25: 7 Screenwriting Tips to Make Your Screenplay More Professional

    A great screenplay is more than a properly formatted document - it’s a story where every choice feels intentional, every scene has purpose, and every element works together to create an engaging experience for the audience. But understanding what makes a screenplay feel professional can be difficult when you’re still developing your craft. Many writers have strong ideas and meaningful stories to tell, but they struggle to understand what separates a script that simply exists on the page from one that feels polished and purposeful. If you’re a Christian screenwriter or creative looking to grow in your storytelling craft, this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore the key elements that can help strengthen your screenplay and elevate your writing. You’ll learn how professional writers approach character development, storytelling choices, conflict, dialogue, and audience experience to create stories that connect. We cover: • How to create a stronger foundation for your screenplay through intentional storytelling choices • Why character depth, purposeful scenes, and meaningful conflict are essential to compelling scripts • How to strengthen your dialogue, pacing, visual storytelling, and connection with your audience Whether you’re writing your first screenplay or revising a project you’ve been working on for years, these principles will help you evaluate your script with a deeper understanding of the craft. Because a professional screenplay isn’t created by accident. It’s built through intentional choices, thoughtful revision, and a commitment to becoming a stronger storyteller. 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

  3. Sep 2

    Episode 24: 5 Questions Every Screenwriter Should Answer Before Writing a Screenplay

    Every great screenplay begins with a strong foundation. Before worrying about structure, formatting, or writing pages, screenwriters need to understand the deeper purpose behind the story they are trying to tell. Without clarity around the heart of your screenplay, it can become easy to lose direction, create disconnected characters, or struggle to know what belongs in your story. If you’re a Christian screenwriter or creative wanting to write stories with purpose and impact, this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore five essential questions that can help you gain clarity around your screenplay before you begin writing. These questions will help you better understand your story’s purpose, strengthen your characters, and uncover the deeper elements that make a screenplay emotionally compelling. We cover: • How to discover why your story matters and what you’re truly trying to communicate • How to build stronger character arcs by understanding transformation, wants, and needs • How to create a clearer vision for your screenplay and the experience you want your audience to have Whether you’re developing a new screenplay or feeling stuck in the early stages of a current project, these questions will help you slow down, gain perspective, and approach your writing with greater intentionality. Because the strongest stories aren’t just written. They’re built with 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

  4. Aug 25

    Episode 23: How to Finish a Screenplay - Why Writers Get Stuck and How to Keep Going

    Starting a screenplay is exciting. You have the idea, the vision, and the passion to bring the story to life. But somewhere along the way, the momentum fades. The story becomes harder to write, problems start appearing, and the screenplay that once felt full of potential ends up sitting unfinished on your computer. For many writers, the challenge isn’t a lack of creativity or talent. It’s learning how to navigate the difficult parts of the writing process that come after inspiration fades. If you’re a Christian screenwriter or creative struggling to finish the stories God has placed on your heart, this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore why so many writers abandon their screenplays and how you can develop the perseverance, foundation, and confidence needed to bring your stories to completion. We cover: • Why inspiration alone isn’t enough to finish a screenplay and how commitment to the craft changes your writing process • How building a stronger story foundation before writing can help you avoid getting stuck later • Why revision, problem-solving, and perseverance are essential parts of becoming a stronger storyteller Whether you’re halfway through a screenplay, stuck in the messy middle, or have an unfinished script waiting for you to return to it, this episode will encourage you to keep going and approach your writing journey with greater purpose. Because unfinished doesn’t mean failed. Sometimes it means the story is still being developed. 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. Grab your FREE resource here → https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEnruWAeE4Ir8ZWUKHXvFyX6T8JYfFpDF00tSxVpsSSP-0kA/viewform?usp=dialog 10 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Write Your Screenplay Learn more about Pen & Vine Stories: www.penandvinestories.com Connect with me on Instagram: @penandvinestories

  5. Aug 18

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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About

Set Apart Storytellers is a screenwriting podcast for those emerging into the entertainment space who want to learn how to write meaningful scripts with excellence. Here, you’ll learn both the practical side of screenwriting from story structure, character development, theme, and storytelling principles while navigating creative roadblocks, faith, and the challenges of a creative calling. Whether you’re writing your first screenplay, developing a TV show pilot, or learning how to take your story from concept to a finished script, this podcast will help you craft stronger stories and steward the screenplays that God has placed on your heart. 🌿 Connect with Pen & Vine Stories Instagram: @penandvinestories www.penandvinestories.com

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