The World Builder's Secret Weapon
"Write what you know." It's a classic piece of advice for a reason. There’s a certain power that comes from a story or article written by someone who is a genuine expert on the subject. That passion for the topic shines through in the details, making for a truly polished and informative final product.
While I have immense respect for authors and journalists who conduct immense research to write about what they don't know, there’s equal value in using your own experience to build a compelling narrative. For me, that experience comes from a previous career where I used a tool called a link chart, not just for organization, but for telling a story. These complex visual maps of subjects, locations, and media were a core part of my work, and I still love the process of building them.
You may be asking, what does a link chart have to do with storytelling? The truth is, many writers and journalists already use a version of this technique, often called a "mind map," to construct their universes and organize their narratives.
This method of visual organization is a game-changer for new and experienced writers alike. Whether you're a sci-fi author building a new galaxy, a comic book writer visualizing a character's relationships, or a journalist connecting a series of events, a link chart gives you a dynamic map of your own universe. It allows you to see the connections between people, places, and things, making it easier to explore and navigate your world. The ability to move pieces around and see what makes sense or what doesn't is an invaluable part of the creative process.
In my own writing, I'm currently using this technique for a sci-fi story called The Sentinel. I use a platform called Obsidian because it's free, open-source, and has a robust link chart component. I start with a blank canvas and begin adding nodes for my characters, places, and objects. I then use color-coded lines and boxes to connect them, with each color representing a different type of connection—a personal relationship, a business deal, a family tie, and so on. This allows me to see my world in a visual, intuitive way. The real benefit is seeing the chart evolve. As my story progresses, I go back to update the chart, and seeing my world expand and change is concrete proof that my writing is moving forward.
The good news is you don’t need expensive or complex software to get started. You can use a pen and paper, a whiteboard, or even a digital art program. However, if you want something a bit more intuitive, some great options for storytelling include, but are certainly not limited too:
A free, open-source platform with a powerful link chart function.-
An affordable tool designed specifically for fiction writers, offering a canvas for story organization.
A great choice for investigative journalists, as it can pull in open-source information to help build your chart.
This is the kind of artistic immersion that helps a story come to life. If you're a comic book writer who struggles with art, try this method instead of a traditional storyboard. If you’re a journalist, trade in your sticky notes for a dynamic visual map. If you're an author, give this a shot for your plot and character arcs. The possibilities are endless, and you might just discover the missing piece you need to bring your universe to life.
I’d love to hear more about what fellow creatives use to organize their stories, articles, comics, etc. Leave a comment, or get involved in the chat to share what works best for you!