1. When Characters Take the Reigns: The Power of Organic Storytelling with writer/director Mark W. Travis Maccabee and Marccella 51:10

In this episode, we delve into the art of creating well-rounded characters that can captivate any audience, whether it’s through writing, film, or theater. Mark W. Travis, a seasoned author and director, shares his insights on bringing characters to life and why it’s important to let them drive the story.

Join us as we explore the three phases of writing that can help develop realistic and relatable characters that will resonate with readers or viewers. Discover the techniques that Mark uses to help writers and actors connect with their characters on a deeper level and how to overcome the obstacles that can get in the way.

Learn how to use the roles of characters to create conflict and explore real-life examples of how this can bring a story to life. If you’re a writer or actor looking to create compelling and unforgettable characters, then this is the episode for you. Tune in to Beyond the Pen and unlock the secrets to crafting dynamic characters that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Maccabee is a husband of 19 yrs, father of two boys, Army vet, voice actor, writer, and podcast co-host of Beyond the Pen. Growing up in the theater and working as a voice actor, script analysis has been a critical skill he's been perfecting over the years. This skill has allowed him to look past what the author wants you to see and discover the truth between the words and the printed paper. Every story is unique, and so are the authors.

Marccella, a self-proclaimed bookworm, is an advocate for authors and their unique voices. Since learning to read at aged 6, Marccella could be found in the library with her nose in a good book. As an avid reader, Marccella recognized that there was untapped potential in the author community and was decidedly committed to creating valuable spaces to have conversations with writers of all genres. As a result, Marccella united with Maccabee (her brother from another mother) to further her vision of expanding the reach of authors and their audience.