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The Story Blender

The Story Blender
Storytelling
Character Development
Writing
Comedy
Folklore
Horror
Writing Process
Publishing Industry
Suspense
Cultural Identity
The Second Son
Moral Dilemmas
Cultural Appropriation
Folktales
Community Engagement
The Usual Silence
Screenwriting
Crime Fiction
At the Island's Edge
Hollywood

WHERE GREAT STORYTELLERS SHARE THE SECRETS TO GREAT STORYTELLING. Hosted by Steven James.

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Artwork for The Story Blender

Latest Episodes

Martial arts expert and author Carla Hoch joins me to talk about writing fight scenes that actually work. How do you write a knife fight scene? What do you need to remember? What would (or should) your character do? Is it better to fight on the groun... more

This week on The Story Blender, I’m joined by screenwriter and storytelling consultant Zena Dell Lowe for a provocative conversation about writing redemptive stories that aren’t agenda-driven, why consequences matter and how they reveal character, th... more

In a special Father’s Day episode, author and essayist Mark Phillips joins me to talk about telling personal stories, writing memoirs, and how much truth lives in the “true” stories we tell. We also chat about his book MY FATHER’S CABIN, which explor... more

This week, screenwriter and novelist Gregory Poirier joins me to discuss how to create characters that readers and viewers are immediately drawn to, identify with, and care about. We explore the differences between writing a novel and writing a scree... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Zena Dell Lowe
Screenwriter, storytelling consultant, podcaster
The Storytellers Mission
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 27: Zena Dell Lowe
Mark Phillips
Author of My Father's Cabin
Author, My Father's Cabin
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 26: Mark Phillips
Gregory Poirier
Screenwriter, director, and producer; author of A Thousand Cuts
Author, Screenwriter
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 25: Gregory Poirier
T. J. Payne
Author of Intercepts, The Venue, In My Father's Basement
Author
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 24: T.J. Payne
Bethany Jett
Literary agent and marketing expert discussing pitching, publishing, and the industry
Literary Agency (Bethany Jett)
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 23: Bethany Jett
Carol Snow
Novelist writing for teens and adults, upcoming thriller The Girl On The Beach
Author
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 22: Carol Snow
Tori Eldridge
Author and performer known for Lily Wong ninja thrillers and Hawai'i Rage
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 21: Tori Eldridge
Josh Mancuso
Award-winning actor, comedian, filmmaker known for sports-centered comedy videos
Independent creator
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 19: Josh Mancuso
Cleo Ballard
Author (This Is A Lie)
Author, pen name Cleo Ballard
Episode: Season 10 - Episode 18: Cleo Ballard

Host

Steven James
Host of The Story Blender

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 54 ratings
  • Mark greaney episode

    Despite my crazy user name, I am a real person. 😬. Loved the episode with Mark Greaney. I learned a lot. This podcast is fantastic for writers and readers. Thanks for hosting it SJ.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    !! jnknsjsnrjne d
    United States2 years ago
  • An absolute inspiration

    I go away from each episode so inspired.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FBis1203
    Singapore3 years ago
  • Valuable insights!

    This show is brilliant! I highly recommend to listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Claribelleee
    Philippines4 years ago
  • You’ll love this author to author behind-the-scenes!

    Steven James is a world-class entertainer yet his magic as an interviewer is allowing his guests to shine. I love the authenticity in these author to author talks, five stars high!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Goodbye Orchid, a novel
    United States6 years ago
  • Great interviews with great authors

    I especially enjoyed the Orson Scott Card interview. Every time he apologized with, “I’ve been rambling too much, but can I keep going?” I was glad Steven James chuckled and said “Of course!” Exactly how I felt. Thanks, Steven, for letting us hang out with you and many other wonderful writers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clark L. Zeuss
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging host who lets guests shine and shares insightful commentary.
Guests offer diverse perspectives across genres and publishing paths.
Practical, actionable advice for writers at any stage.
Thoughtful author-to-author conversations that really pull back the curtain on craft.

Top Books Podcasts

The Book Club
The Book ClubGoalhanger
Selected Shorts
Selected ShortsSymphony Space
Myths and Legends
Myths and LegendsJason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
The Book Review
The Book ReviewThe New York Times
Sherlock Holmes Bedtime Stories
Sherlock Holmes Bedtime StoriesSherlock Holmes Bedtime Pod

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Season 10 - Episode 26: Mark Phillips
Q: So how would you explain plot to someone who isn't a writer, and is there a difference between plot and story?
Plot is the thread that makes a reader want to turn the page, a forward thrust that keeps the reader engaged by weaving a coherent path through events, even in nonfiction, while story includes the deeper meaning and themes that give those events lasting significance.
Season 10 - Episode 25: Gregory Poirier
Q: How important is it to have a rigid structure when writing a screenplay versus a novel?
Structure is essential, but its rigidity differs by format. In film, structure guides economy and pacing, while in a novel there is more room to explore tangents and backstories, as long as they feed the central theme.
Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter
Q: So you have a new book, A Spell For Saints And Sinners. What drew you to this story in particular?
The story follows Ingrid, a Savannah-based psychic who inherits her grandmother's business and a crumbling townhouse, drawing her into a wealthy family's secrets and a dangerous form of magic grounded in ritual and tradition, which she must navigate without losing herself.
Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter
Q: So how important is location in your story setting, and how do you create that atmosphere?
Location is as important as character and plot; the Southern setting with its humidity, weather, vegetation, food, music, religion, and history becomes a three-legged stool together with character and plot, guiding tone and shaping how readers feel the world.
Season 10 - Episode 17: Emily Carpenter
Q: So people talk about Gothic. Let's just start with that. Like, what does that even mean? What is a Gothic story?
Gothic is vibes-driven—big crumbling mansions, possibly haunted settings, a dark and stormy atmosphere, a heroine who questions what's real, and a focus on buried secrets and psychological tension, especially through the perspective of women trying to trust their own perceptions amid danger.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Story Blender

What is The Story Blender about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, craft-first interview show where seasoned writers, agents, and educators share practical insights on storytelling, publishing, and building a writing career. Episodes often center on character development, point of view, genre expectations, and real-world processes like pitching to agents, navigating market realities, and balancing craft with audience needs. Listeners get actionable tips—from loglines and submissions to constructing immersive worlds and authentic dialogue—plus behind-the-scenes anecdotes from successful authors and industry professionals. The format tends to feature author-to-author conversations and expert guidance, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers, editors, and agents seeking deeper understandi... more

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How many episodes of The Story Blender are there?

The Story Blender launched 7 years ago and published 333 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Story Blender?

Recent guests on The Story Blender include:

1. Zena Dell Lowe
2. Mark Phillips
3. Gregory Poirier
4. T. J. Payne
5. Bethany Jett
6. Carol Snow
7. Tori Eldridge
8. Josh Mancuso

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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