I saw this podcast briefly advertised while scrolling Facebook this morning and I had to jump on and gush about it. It’s called “Buffy and the Art of Story” by Lisa Lilly. The first episode available on Spotify is already well into season 2 of the show but I’m already loving it and I’m going to try and see if more is available on iTunes. Season 1 of the podcast is also a book that I am SO going to buy! Just added it to my ever growing list of craft books I need in my library.
What is this podcast about? It combines story analysis and improving writing by using Buffy the Vampire Slayer as an example! Lisa goes in depth in each episode pointing out story beats and character arc along with plenty of gushing about the amazingness that is this series. (Well, mostly. Even a major fan like me can admit that there are some skipable episodes that just seem like filler or I just don’t like at all for whatever reason- Looking at you, Ted. *shudder*) The most recent episode is getting into season 3 and looks like it has a weekly release on Mondays. Woo! So, I could easily keep up with this one… I think. I listen to a lot of podcasts. But, there are very few that make me go “I must watch on release date.” Mostly, I let a backlog gather and then binge.
I’m only a couple episodes in but I would highly recommend it if you love writing and Buffy. It makes me want to go back and watch the series again because I’m remembering so much as Lisa goes through the various story beats and details. Particularly during the first episode I listened to which analyzes “Passion” from season 2. I’m not going to give anything away except to say oh, the knife twisting! Joss Whedon and his writers are masters at it. I kind of love and hate them for it at the same time.
I can’t wait to continue listening to this some more.