Buffy and the Art of Story

In Hero (S1 E9 of Angel), Angel and Doyle strive to save a helpless demon clan from a storm trooper-like army of pure blood demons. Along with the recap of Hero, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) using flashbacks to tell their own story; (2) character growth for Doyle and Cordelia; (3) themes of atonement and sacrifice; (4) misdirects and foreshadowing; and (5) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Try out Lisa M. Lilly’s Q.C. Davis mysteries/crime novels with a free novella: https://LisaLilly.com/no-good-plays/  Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Che

In I Will Remember You (S1 E8 of Angel), Buffy arrives in Los Angeles in time to help Angel hunt a demon–with earth shattering consequences for them both. Along with the recap of I Will Remember You, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) major plot turns for Angel’s story and Buffy’s subplot; (2) how the episode changes when seen from Angel’s point-of-view, not Buffy’s; (3) the way Angel’s motives affect the story’s themes; and (5) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Try out Lisa M. Lilly’s Q.C. Davis crime novels in this ebook box set: https://lisalilly.com/q-c-davis-mysteries-1-3-box-set/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In Bachelor Party (S1 E7 of Angel), Doyle’s estranged wife asks him for a divorce and Angel investigates her new fiancé. Along with the recap of Bachelor Party, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) a subtle main plot we might not notice because of all the action; (2) themes of self-acceptance and identity; (3) character growth for Doyle; (4) a bit of shaky world building; and (5) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Check out the online self-study court How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft at https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly/shop Get more content (including access How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft), by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly  Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Get The One-Year Novelist in ebook, audiobook, or workbook formats at https://lisalilly.com/one-year-novelist-week-week-guide-writing-novel-one-year/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In Sense & Sensitivity (S1 E6 of Angel), Angel goes undercover to help Kate and sensitivity training causes chaos at the police precinct, putting lives in danger. Along with the recap of Sense & Sensitivity, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) how to subtly foreshadow later conflicts; (2) is sensitivity training the main plot? (3) whether Kate is the protagonist; (4) troubling themes that make the episode less engaging; and (5) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In Rm w/a Vu (S1 E5 of Angel), Cordelia gets a rent-controlled apartment with just a few tiny problems – including a homicidal ghost. Along with the recap of Rm w/a Vu, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) what makes horror work? (2) action and setting that mirror character conflicts; (3) strong growth for Cordie, subtle growth for Doyle, tranquility for Angel; (4) seeing the Buffyverse and Buffy from Cordelia’s point of view; and (5) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets Sale: Get the first 3 Q.C. Davis mysteries for 99 cents from 8/30-9/5/2025 (reg. $9.99): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FFBY47K 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  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In I Fall To Pieces (S1 E4 of Angel), Angel Investigations aids a woman being stalked by a surgeon who seems to know–and see–everything about her. Along with the recap of I Fall To Pieces, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) a strong subplot but blurred major plot turns; (2) themes that establish the moral center of the series; (3) why the unclear rules distract from the story; (4) how Angel’s actions and past fit the detective and noir genres; and (5) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Check out free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In In The Dark (S1 E3 of Angel), Spike comes to L.A. in search of a gem that makes vampires unkillable. Along with the recap of In The Dark, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) Angel’s mission, promises kept, and vampire philosophy; (2) whether Spike ever learns or Angel is addicted to brooding; (3) revisiting choice in the Buffyverse; and (4) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Find more Buffy podcasts at https://www.millionpodcasts.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-podcasts/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

In Lonely Hearts (S1 E2 of Angel), Angel must meet new people when he, Cordelia, and Doyle hunt for a serial killer that finds victims in the singles bar scene. Along with the recap of Lonely Hearts, this podcast episode focuses on:  (1) themes of trust, secret-keeping, and connection; (2) how the writers introduce many new characters while keeping the story clear; (3) the way Lonely Hearts fits into the Buffyverse; and (4) the episode rating from 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Find more Buffy podcasts at https://www.millionpodcasts.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-podcasts/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ Get 16% Off Ritual Zero Proof (enter the code BUFFYSTORY at checkout): https://www.ritualzeroproof.com/discount/BUFFYSTORY About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

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.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Read the Buffy and the Art of Story books: https://lisalilly.com/buffy/ Find more Buffy podcasts at https://www.millionpodcasts.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-podcasts/ Listen to the Buffy podcast episodes starting from the beginning: https://lisalilly.com/buffy-story-hellmouth/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes the Writing As A Second Career books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly.  Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/

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 choices they did. Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheets 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  Check Out Lisa M. Lilly’s Q.C. Davis mystery series by getting a free novella: https://lisalilly.com/no-good-plays/ About Lisa M. Lilly In addition to hosting the Buffy and the Art of Story podcast, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com. Get free books by Lisa M. Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/free/