Archive - Story Deep Dive

Episode 25: Mystery, Romance, and Suspense in Cold and Deadly

…a behind-the-scenes look at how to craft tension, plant clues, and fuse romance with mystery for a story that keeps readers hooked from start to…

Jun 22 •

Rachel Arsenault

and

1:24:43

Episode 24: Character Arcs, Emotional Wounds, and Subtle Conflict in Cold and Deadly

…a masterclass in writing layered characters, emotional wounds, and subtle conflict that deepens every scene.

Jun 15 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:21:22

Episode 23: Romantic Structure, Pacing, and Slow Burn Execution in Cold and Deadly

…a breakdown of how to build longing, emotional tension, and deeply satisfying romance—without rushing the payoff or losing momentum.

Jun 8 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:19:00

Episode 22: Genre Mashups, Reader Promises, and Slow Burn Romance in Cold and Deadly

…a deep dive into how to blend genres, build emotional tension, and deliver a story that hooks readers.

Jun 1 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:12:36

May 2025

Episode 21: Love, Legacy, and Liberation: Storytelling Lessons from Indigo

...a masterclass in weaving emotional depth, historical context, and character-driven stakes into stories that resonate across time and genre.

May 25 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:09:27

Episode 20: Crafting Memorable Characters with Layers of Love in Indigo

...a deep dive into how emotional wounds, social context, and character contrast can elevate your storytelling and leave a lasting impact on readers…

May 18 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:12:39

Episode 19: Setting, Stakes, and Slow Burn Romance in Indigo

...a deep dive into how Beverly Jenkins uses historical context, layered conflict, and emotional pacing to help you build immersive worlds and…

May 11 •

Rachel Arsenault

and

1:14:24

Episode 18: Tropes, History, and Emotional Stakes in Indigo

…an exploration of how Beverly Jenkins weaves timeless tropes, complex characters, and historical depth into a masterclass in emotionally resonant…

May 4 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:07:35

April 2025

Episode 17: Editor’s Take on Pacing, Stakes, and Genre Mastery in The Whistleblower

...a deep dive into how to balance plot complexity, character clarity, and emotional resonance—no matter your genre.

Apr 27 •

Rachel Arsenault

and

1:24:37

Episode 16: Unlikable or Unforgettable? Crafting Gil Peck in The Whistleblower

...a masterclass in turning flawed leads into compelling characters readers can’t look away from.

Apr 20 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:24:35

Episode 15: Mastering Crime Story Arcs with The Whistleblower

…an inside look at investigative scenes, layered storytelling, and building a plot that keeps the pressure on.

Apr 13 •

and

Rachel Arsenault

1:20:24

Episode 14: Secrets, Scandals, and Structure in The Whistleblower

…a masterclass in building layered plots, high-stakes tension, and emotionally resonant character arcs—no matter your genre.

Apr 6 •

Rachel Arsenault

and

1:00:38

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