Posts tagged character arcs
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)
#304 – Staying Present as a Writer: Learning by Living and Wisdom from Anne Lamott (Free-Writing Session)

Welcome to episode 304 of the Spun Today podcast, where we dive deep into the creative life—its challenges, joys, and moments of breakthrough. In this free writing session, Tony Ortiz shares his latest writing stats, practical tips for writers, and an honest look into the ways presence and mindful living can fuel the creative process. This episode explores inspiration from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, actionable advice on tackling writer’s block, and the value of noticing the world like a child. Tony Ortiz also introduces a bite-sized writing tool for overcoming stuck points, breaks down actionable writing tips from social media, and spotlights a personal freewriting piece about embracing life’s constant transitions. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, this episode is packed with creative motivation, strategies for productivity, and reminders to keep writing—one bird, one story, and one moment at a time.

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Tony Ortizwriter’s block, living with presence, inspiration for writers, creative process, free writing, writing statistics, consistency in writing, writing routines, book marketing, Amazon ads, ChatGPT for writers, Claude AI, self-publishing, A+ Content on Amazon, writing tools, Tome writing app, self-guided writing courses, discovery writing, outlining vs discovery writing, character arcs, plot development, reading for writing improvement, writing tips, School of Plot, short story practice, writing for yourself, thick skin for writers, vulnerability in writing, criticism in writing, presence in storytelling, capturing memories through writingComment
Bonus: Five Actionable Writing Lessons from Shrinking Season Two (Companion to Ep. 300)
Bonus: Five Actionable Writing Lessons from Shrinking Season Two (Companion to Ep. 300)

Welcome back to Spun Today! In this bonus episode, Tony Ortiz explores what writers can learn from Season 2 of "Shrinking." Through a breakdown of five actionable takeaways, you'll discover how to craft flawed, believable characters, turn emotional growth into concrete action, and write conflicts where both sides feel justified. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just getting started, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to fuel your creative process—reminding you that the best writing comes from digging deep into the real, messy parts of being human.

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Tony OrtizShrinking Season 2, character development, writing takeaways, storytelling craft, trauma in fiction, emotional growth, character flaws, protagonist mistakes, conflict in writing, perspective versus perspective, character arcs, transformation, writing prompts, companion guide, actionable tips, motivation for writers, inspiration, creativity, bonus episode, creative process, character confrontation, moral complexity, emotional action, learning from TV shows, applying lessons, writing better characters, writing resources, writing guides, unpacking stories, creative storytellingComment
#299 – Finding Creative Gold: Writing Advice Inspired by Shrinking and Tires
#299 – Finding Creative Gold: Writing Advice Inspired by Shrinking and Tires

Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast! In this milestone 299th episode, host Tony Ortiz dives deep into the creative engines behind two unconventional, standout shows: "Shrinking" on Apple TV+ and "Tires" on Netflix. Through a writer’s lens, Tony unpacks what makes these series resonate—not just as entertainment, but as studies in authentic storytelling, sharp dialogue, and the beautiful messiness of life.

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Tony Ortizwriting takeaways, creativity, proof of concept, authenticity, Shrinking Season 1, Tires Netflix series, grief, comedy writing, flawed authority figures, mutual healing, messy relationships, professional boundaries, unorthodox therapy methods, emotional perspectives, self-medicating, character growth, tone balancing, humor in narrative, supporting characters, workplace comedy, team dynamics, independent creation, reluctant protagonist, character arcs, dialogue, banter, creative lessons, inspiration, motivation, writing prompts, creative resetComment
Bonus: Five Essential Writing Lessons from HBO's Succession (Companion to Ep. 243)
Bonus: Five Essential Writing Lessons from HBO's Succession (Companion to Ep. 243)

In this special bonus episode, we’re exploring the brilliant—and often brutal—writing lessons behind HBO’s Succession. Host Tony Ortiz digs deep into the series’ power struggles, betrayals, and psychological dysfunction, offering five key takeaways that can sharpen your storytelling craft.

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Tony OrtizHBO, writing techniques, storytelling, creativity, character development, unlikable characters, empathy, psychological dysfunction, power struggles, betrayals, dialogue, subtext, Logan Roy, Kendall Roy, internal conflict, authority, tension, Tom and Greg, secondary characters, moral cost, system critique, character arcs, negotiation, leverage, outsider perspective, creative process, companion guide, Spun Today Podcast, inspirationComment
Bonus: Five Writing Lessons from Gotham’s Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)
Bonus: Five Writing Lessons from Gotham’s Underworld (Companion to Ep. 278)

In this special bonus episode, we return to the shadowy corners of Gotham to unpack The Penguin — the gritty, character-driven follow-up to The Batman.

Colin Farrell’s Oswald Cobblepot is a study in power, loyalty, and moral decay — and in this breakdown, I explore five key writing lessons from the series

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Tony Ortiz#ThePenguin #WritingPodcast #Storytelling #Screenwriting, writing tips, writing insights, writing tips from the penguin, the penguin series writing tips, writing tips from the penguin series, spun today, spun today podcast, HBO The Penguin, modern crime storytelling, psychological edge, writing takeaways, character transformation, slow corruption, illusion of power, Gotham, setting as character, reflective setting, dialogue, subtext, veiled threats, character arcs, moral ambiguity, legacy, validation, ambition, manipulation, character motivation, anti-hero, creative process, storytelling craft, companion guide, inspiration for writers, emotional debt, loss in storytelling, blurred moral boundaries, creativity fueling, podcast bonus episodeComment