Community Highlights: Meet Zena Dell Lowe of The Storyteller’s Mission LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zena Dell Lowe

Hi Zena Dell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a storyteller. Growing up in the country in Montana, I spent my childhood immersed in books, movies, and my own imagination, crafting stories in my head while exploring the great outdoors. My grandparents owned a cattle ranch, and visits there only reinforced my love for adventure and larger-than-life stories. That passion for storytelling never left me, and it ultimately led me to pursue a career in writing.

I earned a BA in English from CSUN and later an MA in Apologetics from Biola University, which deepened my understanding of narrative, philosophy, and the power of stories to shape culture. Over the years, I worked as a screenwriter, script consultant, and professor, honing my craft while helping others develop theirs. I’ve written for film, television, and stage, and my work has won awards at various festivals.

Recognizing a gap in how storytelling was being taught—particularly in Hollywood—I founded The Storyteller’s Mission, an online platform dedicated to helping writers master the art of storytelling with clarity and purpose. I also launched The Storyteller’s Mission Podcast, where I share insights on writing, creativity, and industry challenges. Through my classes, consulting, and speaking engagements, I’ve been able to guide countless writers in developing compelling stories that resonate.

Now, I continue to write, teach, and coach, constantly pushing myself to refine my storytelling skills while equipping others to do the same. My journey has been anything but conventional, but every twist and turn has reinforced my belief that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to influence the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. Like most creatives, I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles—both external and internal.

On a practical level, making a living as a writer is tough. The entertainment industry is notoriously unpredictable. Breaking in—let alone sustaining a career—requires persistence, adaptability, and a thick skin. I’ve had projects that seemed promising fall apart, scripts optioned but never made, and plenty of doors slammed in my face. Learning to navigate rejection without losing heart has been a lifelong challenge.

But some of the biggest struggles have been internal. The self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, the constant battle between perfectionism and actually finishing a project—it’s all part of the creative journey. There have been times when I questioned whether I had what it takes or wondered if I should just walk away from storytelling altogether.

And then, of course, life happens. Personal setbacks, financial stress, and unexpected detours can make it tempting to give up. But every challenge has ultimately shaped me into the writer, teacher, and entrepreneur I am today. I’ve learned to embrace the struggle, to keep showing up, and to trust that perseverance pays off.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Storyteller’s Mission LLC?
At The Storyteller’s Mission, we help writers master the art of storytelling so they can create compelling, commercially viable stories that resonate with audiences. Our focus is on high-level storytelling techniques—cutting through the noise of traditional writing advice to provide clear, actionable strategies that actually work.

We specialize in advanced screenwriting and storytelling instruction, offering online courses, coaching, consulting, and resources that help writers elevate their craft. I also host The Storyteller’s Mission Podcast, where I break down story principles, debunk common myths, and provide practical guidance for writers at all levels.

What sets The Storyteller’s Mission apart is our approach. Too often, writing instruction focuses on rigid formulas or vague theories that don’t actually help writers get their stories to the finish line. I take a different approach—one that combines deep storytelling principles with a practical, no-nonsense method that empowers writers to bring their stories to life. Whether it’s through my flagship course, Hollywood Story Structure Made Easy, or my one-of-a-kind training program for screenwriters, Formatting as an Artform, my goal is to provide the kind of guidance that writers wish they’d found sooner.

If you’re a writer who’s serious about storytelling, The Storyteller’s Mission is here to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence you need to tell stories that matter.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor—or even just the right connections—can be challenging, especially in creative industries like writing and filmmaking. But if there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s this: Be intentional and provide value before you ask for something in return.

Too often, people approach networking with a “What can this person do for me?” mindset. Instead, I’ve found that the best relationships—whether with mentors, colleagues, or collaborators—are built on mutual respect, genuine connection, and a shared passion for storytelling.

If you’re looking for a mentor, start by identifying people whose work you respect and learning from them however you can. Engage with their content, support their work, and if the opportunity arises, connect with them authentically—without an agenda. And if you’re trying to build a network, focus on serving others first.

At the end of the day, relationships in this industry are built on trust and generosity. When you invest in others, you’ll find that the right people will be more than willing to invest in you.

Pricing:

• Pricing varies depending on the course or service, and I offer a range of options to fit different needs. To see current pricing and explore what The Storyteller’s Mission has to offer, visit https://www.thestorytellersmission.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thestorytellersmission.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellersmission
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellersmission
• Twitter: https://x.com/STMCommand
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thestorytellersmission8256/videos