In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter podcast, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with author Douglas A. Burton to discuss his groundbreaking book, The Heroine’s Labyrinth. Douglas offers a fresh perspective on story structure, presenting an alternative to the traditional hero’s journey tailored for heroine-centric stories.They explore how the heroine’s labyrinth differs from classic storytelling frameworks, dive into examples from popular media like Westworld and The Truman Show, and discuss its relevance for modern writers. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for screenwriters and storytellers looking for new approaches to crafting compelling narratives.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The key differences between the heroine’s labyrinth and the hero’s journey.
How the labyrinth structure offers new storytelling possibilities.
Examples of the labyrinth model in popular films and TV shows.
How to apply the heroine’s labyrinth to your own writing projects.
Why alternative story structures are essential for creative freedom.

Key Moments:

[00:38] Introduction to Douglas A. Burton and The Heroine’s Labyrinth.
[02:00] Why the heroine’s labyrinth was created and how it evolved.
[06:00] Comparing labyrinthine storytelling to traditional structures.
[11:00] Examples of labyrinth storytelling in Westworld, Pan’s Labyrinth, and more.
[20:00] Advice for writers seeking alternative story structures.

About the Guest:
Douglas A. Burton is an author and storyteller whose passion for narrative structure led him to develop the heroine’s labyrinth, a unique framework for heroine-centric stories. His book offers practical examples and tools for writers to break free from traditional storytelling molds.

About the Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author, and the host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast. He has written films that have aired on network television and streaming platforms. His book, The Guide for Every Screenwriter, has been praised by industry icons like Christopher Vogler and Viki King for its practical and inspirational approach to the craft. Geoffrey’s passion for storytelling and teaching has made him a trusted mentor in the screenwriting community.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

The Heroine’s Labyrinth by Douglas A. Burton: [Link to purchase]
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

Connect with Douglas A. Burton:

Website: douglasaburton.com
Instagram: @dougburtonwriter

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

Website: https://thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod

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Ep 251 - Exploring The Heroine’s Labyrinth with Douglas A. Burton