
Stories That Change Us
Where great storytelling meets craft. Four writer-friends dive into the most iconic fiction of the last century—not just to admire it, but to dissect it. We uncover what makes these stories unforgettable: sharp characters, masterful plots, and the social undercurrents that give them staying power. The result? A lively, intergenerational conversation that sparks insights for writers at every stage. Whether you're dreaming of your debut or leveling up your next bestseller, this is your place to learn how great stories are made.
Podcasting since 2023 • 14 episodes
Stories That Change Us
Latest Episodes
Episode 14: Seduction, Suspense, and Structure: Writing Lessons from Dracula
Dark, seductive, and terrifyingly atmospheric—Bram Stoker’s Dracula isn’t just a gothic horror classic; it’s a masterclass in mood, suspense, and novel structure. In this episode, we analyze Dracula, exploring how Stoker uses ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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37:37

Episode 13: Revenge, Riches, and Reader Hooks: The Bestseller Blueprint of The Count of Monte Cristo
Epic, vengeful, and intoxicatingly rich—Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo is a masterclass in storytelling. With sprawling narrative scope, intricate foreshadowing, and characters as vivid as the Parisian underworld itself, D...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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35:19

Episode 12: Ten Little Hooks: How “And Then There Were None” Builds Unputdownable Suspense
Haunting, suspenseful, and devilishly clever—Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None remains one of the most chilling mysteries ever written. With masterful use of red herrings, precise pacing, and an eerie atmosphere of isolation, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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34:13

Episode 11: Survival and Structure: What The Hunger Games Teaches Us About Writing Modern Bestsellers
Few YA novels manage to weave modern issues so flawlessly into a story that equally engages children and adults, but The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins stands out for that very reason. Collins masterful use of subtle subtext, world building th...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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34:25

Episode 10: The Godfather: Mastering Mood, Mystery, and Market Power
Provocative, gory, and oddly breathtaking are just a few ways to describe Mario Puzo's critically acclaimed crime novel, The Godfather. Intimate in his portrayal of family love, horrifying in the graphic description of violence and urban warfar...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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37:07
