
Story Grid Writing Podcast
Helping you become a better writer.
Join Shawn Coyne, author of Story Grid and a top editor for 30+ years, and Tim Grahl, struggling writer, as they discuss the ins and outs of what makes a story great.
More at www.StoryGrid.com.
Latest episodes

Aug 25, 2017 • 49min
Helping Others Become Better Writers
The hosts discuss progress and improvements in the second draft of a story, including adding complications and fleshing out characters. They also talk about balancing information and engagement in storytelling. Tips are shared on encouraging and working with amateur writers, emphasizing starting from a position of not knowing much about writing and studying masterworks to improve skills.

Aug 17, 2017 • 58min
Specificity for Non-Fiction Storytelling
What does it mean to apply specificity to a non-fiction story? It's a tough thing, especially if you're of the literal persuasion.
Click here to download Shawn's notes on Tim's Introduction.

Aug 3, 2017 • 57min
The Craft of Non-fiction
Shawn uses the second draft of Tim's introduction to focus in on the craft of writing great non-fiction.
Tim's second draft of the Introduction.
Tim's additional notes on the theme and structure.

Jul 27, 2017 • 1h 9min
Non-fiction Conventions and Obligatory Scenes
Discover the differences between how-to and big idea books in non-fiction writing and the importance of a compelling core message. Learn about the concept of perennial sellers and explore the use of persuasion techniques such as ethos, logos, and pathos. Delve into the role of shame in hindering creativity and the significance of rewriting.

Jul 21, 2017 • 1h 3min
Editing Non-Fiction
Now that Tim has finished the first draft of his non-fiction book, Shawn starts working with him through editing.

Jul 13, 2017 • 38min
Planning the 2nd Draft
After a couple months working through the Story Grid tools on Tim's first draft, he's ready to start writing the 2nd draft.

Jul 6, 2017 • 32min
Creating a Story Grid - Part 2
Tim and Shawn continuing building out the Story Grid Graph to evaluate the first draft.
See Tim's Story Grid Spreadsheet here.

Jun 29, 2017 • 60min
Creating a Story Grid - Part 1
The next step in editing Tim's first draft is to create a Story Grid Graph.
See Tim's Story Grid Spreadsheet here.

Jun 22, 2017 • 59min
The Hero's Journey - Moments
Shawn and Tim continue discussing the Hero's Journey as a tool to evaluate the first draft.
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
Short version of Vogler's book.

Jun 15, 2017 • 53min
The Hero's Journey - Archetypes
Shawn and Tim dive into the Hero's Journey as a tool to evaluate the first draft.
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
Short version of Vogler's book.
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