Welcome to Story Deep Dive! In this episode, Dana and Rachel dive into the unforgettable characters of Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. Whether you're a writer, reader, or storyteller, you’ll gain valuable insights on crafting emotionally resonant characters, using contrast and context to shape identity, and revealing deep character wounds through subtle, character-driven conflict. You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube! Estimate Timestamps 0:00 – Shoulder Shimmies & Shenanigans Rachel opens the show with a surprise shoulder dance, and Dana shares behind-the-scenes updates from her live AI writing sessions in the Danja Tales Writers community. They explore how writing out loud, talking to GPT, and embracing collaboration has transformed Dana’s creative process. 13:55 – Writing with AI, Coaching, and Creative Process Dana and Rachel compare their teaching experiences—Dana’s live plotting and character development with AI, and Rachel’s step-by-step coaching of newer writers through four-act story structure. They reflect on how AI and outlining reduce revision time and deepen story clarity before the first draft is even written. 28:12 – Discovery Through Plot Rachel explains how helping clients develop scenes act by act uncovers pacing issues and world-building gaps early. Dana highlights the benefit of viewing a plot as a “pencil sketch,” allowing flexibility in drafting while maintaining narrative focus. They emphasize that learning your writing process takes trial, error, and reflection. 39:40 – Character Contrast and Shared Mission Dana and Rachel shift to Indigo, spotlighting how Hester Wyatt and Galen Vachon are shaped by their historical context. Despite vastly different experiences of race, gender, and class, their shared mission in the abolitionist cause levels the playing field—and creates the conditions for transformative love. 51:26 – Wounds and Self-Perception on the Page They explore how Hester’s belief that she is “no great beauty” is reinforced through her environment, particularly in a painfully public moment with a friend. Galen’s fierce defense reveals not just his love but his ability to see her essence. Rachel explains how conflict—even subtle—can spotlight character wounds more powerfully than narration alone. 1:05:40 – Opposites, Sameness, and Emotional Change Dana digs into the “opposites attract” dynamic between Galen and Hester, while also noting the unseen similarities that bind them. She unpacks how their class, cultural backgrounds, and romantic hesitations build tension, deepen emotional stakes, and make the payoff satisfying for readers. 1:21:00 – Character Context and Power Dynamics The hosts examine how Beverly Jenkins uses historical and social context to give texture to every character’s decisions. Galen’s wealth and power contrast with his emotional wounds. Hester’s quiet strength contrasts with how the world sees her. These forces collide in a love story driven by trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect. 1:34:50 – Layers, Community, and Essence They explore how every scene—including community dynamics—layers meaning into the character arcs. Galen and Hester don’t just fall in love—they transform. Dana highlights Michael Hauge’s idea of “essence,” and how true romance allows characters to become their fullest selves. 1:44:20 – Craft Takeaways and Final Thoughts Dana and Rachel close by encouraging writers to embrace their creative process, understand what works for them, and let plot and character shape each other in tandem. Writing, like love, is discovery. And when it’s done well, both the writer and the reader walk away changed. Book Selection About Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan's Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn't hesitate…even after she is told about the price on his head. The man in question is the great conductor known as the "Black Daniel" a vital member of the North's Underground railroad network. But Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him. When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester's cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the South. However, as he heals he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt. Her innocence fills him like a breath of fresh air and he is determined to make this gorgeous and intelligent woman his own… Yet…there are traitors to be discovered, slave catchers to be evaded and Hester's heart to be won before she and Galen can find the freedom that only true love can bring. Where to Find the Book Indigo by Beverly Jenkins is available in several formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website. Next Episode: In the next episode, Dana and Rachel will wrap up their Indigo series by sharing practical writing takeaways. They’ll break down how to apply lessons from Jenkins’ character craft, structure, and emotional layering into your own stories. Be sure to tune in! Join the Conversation: Like what you heard? Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts! Follow Story Deep Dive on your favorite platforms and connect with Dana and Rachel to keep the discussion going! Connect with Rachel and Dana at www.storydeepdive.com to keep the discussion going! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storydeepdive.substack.com
