In City Of (S1 E1 of Angel), the Powers That Be reach out to Angel, who is struggling to fight evil without becoming evil himself. Along with the recap of City Of, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) themes of connection, friendship, and staying in the fight; (2) revisiting characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and meeting new ones; (3) how City Of expands and alters the Buffyverse; and (4) where the episode falls on a scale of 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.l...
Jul 07, 2025•47 min
In the Last 5 Buffy Episodes Ever Caleb is introduced and Faith comes to Sunnydale. These episodes wrap up Buffy the Vampire Slayer the series, but do they form their own separate story arc, too? Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well the major plot turns in Dirty Girls, Empty Places, Touched, End of Days, and Chosen work to bring the series to a close; (2) what events start and finish the 5-episode story arc; and (3) why the writers may have made the choic...
May 26, 2025
In Chosen (S7 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, her friends, and the potentials bring the series to a close and engage in one final battle with The First. Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of winding up a seven-season story; (2) deep character development that makes the finale gripping; (3) inconsistency that undermines some of the finale’s impact; (4) whether the scythe’s magic is too convenient; and (5) writing a happy ending while ensur...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In End of Days (S7 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy King-Arthurs the scythe from a rock, the gang tries to save wounded potentials, and Buffy faces Caleb again. Along with the recap of End of Days, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) choosing which characters to highlight at the end; (2) indirect dialogue and actions that resolve character arcs; (3) whether Willow’s magic, Caleb’s strength, and another new character are consistent with Buffy's history; (4) the perils of new story questio...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In Touched (S7 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Faith takes over as the leader, Spike reaches out to Buffy, and disaster looms. Along with the recap of Touched, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the mayor and Giles as foils for one another; (2) the way The First evolves as a season antagonist; (3) Faith’s emotions, doubts, and growth shown through action and dialogue; (4) recurring episode themes; and (5) why some unanswered questions drive a story and others distract from it. Get more conte...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In Empty Places (S7 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Faith takes the potentials on a night out and everyone pushes back against Buffy’s plan to attack Caleb again. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why an antagonist doesn't need to be a villain; (2) strong foreshadowing early in the story; (3) why Faith and Buffy's history affects how Buffy sees the conflicts and her choices; (4) what role grief plays in the final confrontation; and (5) what Empty Places says about leade...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In Dirty Girls, S7 E18, Faith arrives in Sunnydale and Buffy takes an army of potentials to battle a super-powered misogynistic preacher. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to keep it fun when characters need to exchange information viewers already know; (2) foreshadowing a tragic climax; (3) how story structure affects pace; and (4) what Buffy's choices and Caleb's character say about the episode themes. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How...
Mar 17, 2025
In Orpheus, Buffy/Angel crossover S4 E15, Angelus and Faith battle it out and Willow comes to L.A. to try to restore Angel’s soul. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Seemingly separate storylines that converge into one gripping plot; (2) how to use multiple characters as the antagonist and a group as a protagonist; (3) whether Willow is a different character on Angel than she is in Buffy Season 7; and (4) how dramatic irony adds tension and keeps the audience engaged. Get...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In Release, Angel crossover S4 E14, Faith and Angelus battle, Fred has a crisis, and Cordelia implores Connor to keep their secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how the writers draw on backstory from both Buffy and Angel; (2) true vs. false conflict; (3) many storylines – but is there a main plot? and (4) cliffhanger or gamechanger and when it matters. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by be...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In Salvage (Angel crossover S4 E13), Angelus meets The Beast (a powerful demon terrorizing L.A.) and Wesley persuades to Faith break out of prison. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) showing internal conflict (Wesley’s) through imagined dialogue; (2) who the protagonist is in a group with the same goal and two leaders (Wesley and Faith); (3) the challenges and pluses of a conflict engine character (Connor); and (4) subplots that resolve issues or raise stakes in the main ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min
This podcast episode covers the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Buffy episodes ever, plus some Honorable Mentions. See if you agree. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year! Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/worksheets Looking for a winter read? Try The Charming Man, where lawyer/private in...
Dec 30, 2024•32 min
In Lies My Parents Told Me (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S7 E17), Robin Wood aims to kill Spike and Giles is in on the plan. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: interweaving three plots – Robin v. Spike, Giles v. Buffy, Spike v. himself; whether Giles’s choices fit his character; how William becomes Spike; point of view and protagonists; and a (hopefully) unintended episode theme. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To Firs...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr
In Storyteller (S7 E16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Andrew annoys everyone by videotaping them and is forced to reckon with his past. Along with the recap of Storyteller, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whose story is it - Buffy's or Andrew's? (2) whether Buffy's and Andrew's goals conflict; (3) what happens when writers fall in love with a character (Andrew); (4) how characterization relates to humor; and (5) flashbacks that tell their own story and move the main plot. Get more content, i...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min
In Get It Done (S7 E15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy risks it all to learn the origin of the First Slayer while Robin Wood learns a whole about Sunnydale – and Spike. Along with the recap of Get It Done, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what links Andrew, Willow, Anya, and Spike; (2) how each character's story arc explores the nature of power; (3) building small steps to why Buffy, Spike, and Willow make the major choices they do; and (4) reasons to love Dawn and hate Kennedy. Last Epi...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In First Date (S7 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy and Xander embark on romantic encounters (or are about to be hijacked by demonic forces) and The First tries to re-recruit Andrew. Along with the recap of First Date, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why humor that feels true to a character works best; (2) plot turns that force Buffy, Xander, and Giles to grow and change; and (3) how this somewhat lighthearted episode sets up the rest of the season and the end of the series. Last Epis...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Grief in the Buffyverse asks how grief affects the characters we love in Buffy the Vampire Slayer from Season 1 on. With Tyffany D. Neiheiser, Author of Not Dead Enough. Topics include: (1) what motivates Buffy's choice to face death (and the Master) in Season 1; (2) what Willow needs from her friends when facing loss; (3) why Buffy withdraws and tries to go it alone; and (4) how the need to deal with their grief affects the Potentials, Willow, and Xander in S7 Empty Places. Last Episode: The Ki...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 14 min
In The Killer In Me (S7 E13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles might be The First, Spike's chip goes wonky, and Willow changes into her worst enemy. Along with the recap of The Killer In Me, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) weaving plots and subplots together; (2) why some twists frustrate the audience; (3) juggling recurring character relationships (like Buffy & Willow's) with new story arcs (the potentials); and (4) managing too many characters in a story. Last Episode: Potential Next...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In Potential (S7 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy trains potential slayers and Willow’s spell to find a new one takes a surprising turn. Along with the recap of Potential, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) building to a surprising yet inevitable twist; (2) revealing inner conflict – here, Buffy’s about Spike – through dialogue and action; (3) small moments that convey Dawn’s emotional journey; (4) changes to Buffy, Xander, and Dawn over the seasons; and (5) how questions about wh...
Sep 23, 2024
In Showtime (S7 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), more potential Slayers arrive in Sunnydale and Buffy fights the Turok Han, this time with an audience. Along with the recap of Showtime, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) weaving foreshadowing into your story; (2) just-in-time world building; and (3) how the character relationships gradually evolve in believable ways. Last Episode: Bring On The Night Next Episode: Potential Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plo...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In Bring On The Night (S7 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles returns to Sunnydale with potential vampire slayers and Buffy fights an ubervamp. Along with the recap of Bring On The Night, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) making new characters’ choices believable; (2) why goals matter (and what happens when they’re not clear); (3) Buffy and friends treat Andrew badly – what does that say about them? and (4) when open story questions frustrate the audience. Last Episode: Never Leave Me Nex...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In Never Leave Me (S7 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy interrogates Spike, Xander and Anya play good cop/bad cop with Andrew, and Principal Wood acts strangely. Along with the recap of Never Leave Me, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of using a group as protagonist; (2) setting the rules in a supernatural story; (3) filling in a lack of plot developments with fun and humor; and (4) building to a key revelation. Last Episode: Sleeper Next Episode: Bring On The Night Get m...
Aug 12, 2024•59 min
In Sleeper (S7 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy struggles to sort out whether, how, and why Spike is killing again and Giles is in peril. Along with the recap of Sleeper, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) fluid plot turns that keep the pace fast; (2) foreshadowing future rifts among Buffy and her friends; (3) segues that link scenes; (4) actions and dialogue that can be read multiple ways, creating believable conflict. Last Episode: Pride, Prejudice and Buffy (Bonus) Next Episode: Never...
Jul 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 7
This bonus episode of Buffy and the Art of Story features host Lisa M. Lilly and audiobook narrator and voice actor Shiromi Arserio. The two met due to their shared love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Today they talk about their recent new release, a special edition audiobook of Pride and Prejudice. The conversation includes: (1) the strong female characters in Pride and Prejudice; (2) what new writers can learn from the Jane Austen classic; (3) why the book has endured for centuries; (4) where Pr...
Jun 10, 2024
In Conversations with Dead People (S7 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, Willow and Dawn talk with the dead (or the undead) — maybe — and Spike’s story takes an ominous turn. With special guest Steven Youngkin, host of the Angel retrospective podcast Wolfram & Cast. Along with the recap of Conversations with Dead People, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) connecting seemingly unconnected vignettes; (2) character arcs and themes; (3) pop culture references; and (4) behind-the-scenes tr...
May 27, 2024
In Him (S7 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn falls in love - or falls under a love spell - and Buffy refuses to take her seriously until it’s almost too late. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) always making things worse for the protagonist (Dawn); (2) is Buffy under a spell or acting out of character? Or both? and (3) hints of a theme that may be there or coming soon. Last Episode: Selfless Next Episode: Conversations With Dead People Get more content while supportin...
May 13, 2024•1 hr
In Selfless (S7 E5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya returns to her demon life with a vengeance, forcing Buffy to make a terrible choice. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why choice is key in the Buffyverse; (2) flashbacks at their best; (3) character motives and exposition revealed through gripping conflict; and (4) how the themes of Selfless affect Anya's story. Last Episode: Help Next Episode: Him Get more content while supporting the podcast by becoming a patron Ne...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In Help (S7 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a Sunnydale High student insists she will die in a few days though she doesn't know why and Buffy strives to save her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Surprising the viewer while playing fair with a second — and third — ending; (2) foreshadowing or overshadowing plot turns and Season 7 themes; (3) callbacks or rehashes? and (4) what makes an opening scene compelling. Last Episode: Same Time Same Place Next Episode: Selfless ...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In Same Time Same Place (S7 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow returns to Sunnydale, a victim is flayed, and no one can find anyone else. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how coincidence affects story; (2) why the doubled scenes are so engaging; (3) what happens when rules--for demons or spells--are unclear; (4) pacing problem or thematic choice? and (5) many, many metaphors. Last Episode: Beneath You Next Episode: Help New Audiobooks How To Write A Novel, Grades 6...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In Beneath You (S7 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a giant worm demon terrorizes Sunnydale and Buffy learns Spike’s secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well “from beneath you it devours” works in this episode; (2) the oddness of Spike with a soul; (3) repetitive exposition that slows the pace; and (4) well-constructed exposition that adds fun. Last Episode: Lessons Next Episode: Same Time Same Place Latest Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part ...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In Lessons (S7 E1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to prepare Dawn for high school and to fight vampires, zombie ghosts attack, and Spike returns. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) does Lessons work better as a season pilot than an episode? (2) challenges of the “I’m just evil” antagonist; (3) episode v. season themes; and (4) whether we buy the way Buffy and friends have grown and changed since last season. Last Episode: Blind Date (Wolfram & Cast) Next Epi...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min
