Story Architecture vs Data Journalism

Story Architecture

By Haowjy (Creative Writing)

Plan novels and story arcs using proven narrative structure — from saga to scene.

Data Journalism

By James Anditis (Journalism)

Turn datasets into stories with cleaning, analysis, and visualization workflows.

Story Architecture

• Structures stories at multiple nested scales — saga, arc, chapter, and scene
• Teaches causation over sequence so events drive each other instead of just following
• Tracks setup and payoff across long-form fiction to ensure promises are kept
• Balances tension and release so readers stay engaged without numbness
• Identifies arc components like hooks, midpoint shifts, crises, and resolutions

Data Journalism

• Cleans messy datasets by standardizing formats, handling missing values, and flagging duplicates
• Guides you through the full data journalism process from hypothesis to publication
• Provides templates for methodology documentation and story structure
• Connects you to major public data sources like Census Bureau, BLS, FDA, and state portals
• Handles common data problems like inconsistent dates, outliers, and similar names

Reach for Story Architecture when…

• You're outlining a novel or series and need to map the big-picture structure
• Your draft feels saggy or aimless and you need to diagnose pacing issues
• You're juggling multiple arcs and want to ensure each one escalates properly
• You need to test whether a scene or chapter is earning its place in the story

Reach for Data Journalism when…

• You're building a story from public datasets and need to verify your findings
• You have messy data with inconsistent formatting and missing values
• You need to explain your methodology clearly to readers
• You're looking for reliable data sources for research or reporting