EPISODE 23: Mastering Story Graphing with Brad R. Cook: Visualizing Story Arcs for Better Writing

Send us a textIn this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, Nikki Jacobsmeyer, and author Brad R. Cook discuss the technique of story graphing with author Brad R. Cook. Brad shares his diverse background in writing—from playwriting and corporate writing to his role as a co-publisher and acquisitions editor. He explains how he transitioned to becoming a full-time writer. The conversation delves into the method of story graphing, a visual tool to map out the emotional and plot arcs of a story for better pacing and structure. Brad highlights how graphing can reveal the key moments in a narrative and identify 'flat' sections that may require revision. He also discusses the applicability of story graphing for different genres and even non-fiction. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for both emerging and seasoned writers looking to enhance their storytelling craft.00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers00:11 Meet Brad R. Cook01:10 Brad's Journey from Playwriting to Publishing05:22 The Influence of History on Brad's Writing10:20 Brad's Publishing Approach and Short Stories14:35 Introduction to Story Graphing24:10 Introduction to the Workshop Page24:20 Exploring Character and Plot Graphs24:51 Analyzing Story Points and Emotional Arcs25:34 The Importance of Peaks and Valleys26:39 Graphing Techniques and Tools28:28 Real-Life Applications of Story Graphs35:37 Using Graphs for Non-Fiction and Mysteries38:54 Practical Advice for Story Graphing45:37 Conclusion and Where to Find Morehttps://www.bradrcook.com/workshops This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com