Scudder Storycraft is a freelance writing and editing company based in North Texas and operated by journalist and educator Charlie Scudder.
Let me tell you a story.
My journalism has been published in newspapers like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, USA TODAY, the Tampa Bay Times and The Dallas Morning News, and by magazines like Texas Monthly, Garden & Gun and SAVEUR.
I’m obsessed with wild true stories. Whether it’s a compelling criminal justice narrative, a totally Texas tale, or a great culture story that changes how you see the world around us, I’m in. I have a specialty in narrative enterprise — my favorite stories hit that sweet spot of compelling character-based writing with investigative, watchdog reporting as the backbone.
If you’re a writer who is looking for feedback on a draft from a fresh pair of eyes, I have affordable rates for pre-publication review. Let me help you turn that “good enough” draft into a great clip.
Ghostwriting is a great option for those who want to share their story but don’t know where to start.
If you’re a content producer in sales or marketing and are looking to improve the words on whatever screen your customers find them, I can provide feedback, focus your message and get to the heart of the story you want to share with your customers.
Other services
Beer stuff
Behind every good beer is a great story. I’ve been a homebrewer for more than a decade, am a BJCP certified beer judge, and I know how to tell your customers why your beer is the best around. From blogs and newsletters to social media content and press releases, I know how to get your brewery’s story in front of hopheads.
Obituaries
Remember your loved one with a personalized memorial story that reflects their life. I’ll interview family and friends who knew the deceased best, and work with you to make sure every detail is right. Perfect for memorial websites and funeral programs.
THE UNFORGOTTEN: UNNATURAL CAUSES
Now streaming, a nine-part true crime podcast that tells the story of how one of Texas’ most prolific serial killers targeted older Americans through the cracks of a broken system.
Read some of my favorite clips.
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How a veteran coach learned to stop yelling and start collaborating
Back home, Randy Jackson would often push teenage players with punishment like long-distance running or extra up-down drills. He learned that he could not be as harsh with his adult German players — and that he hadn’t needed to be so firm during all those years in Texas, either. Read more in The New York Times.
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Authorities say a Hood County man was killed by a cougar. Texas wildlife experts say it's impossible
From its earliest moments, an investigation by The Dallas Morning News has found, the examination into Whiteley’s death was riddled with false assumptions and errors that forensics and wildlife experts say left too many unanswered questions. Read more in The Dallas Morning News.
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A Texas Mutt Takes His Owner for a Ride
Driving toward Dallas, I began to write his obituary in my head. There he was, in the rearview mirror, starting to notice the landmarks that point the way to the vet’s office. He laid back his ears. He hid his paws. He probably thought it was another nail trim, his least favorite kind of outing. I worried it would be much worse. Read more in Garden & Gun.
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Hoping for the ‘real deal’ but harboring doubts, boy delivers Christmas wish list to Santa
Shoppers meandered through NorthPark Center. Some carried big red Macy’s bags that proclaimed, in bold white script, “Believe.” But Casen Hagans, 11, wasn’t sure he should. Read more in The Dallas Morning News.
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Guardians: A two-part true-crime series
Today, at least 13 families in North Texas are coping with the shock of learning that their loved ones’ seemingly peaceful deaths were anything but. No one recognized evil when it visited — not the families, not the cops, and not the posh senior living homes where grandmothers stopped showing up for water aerobics. Read more in The Dallas Morning News.
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After Allen shooting, volunteer group helps grieving family identify body
With the family thousands of miles away, trying their best to stay connected, Ashok Kolla is the intermediary. He stands in to serve as a de facto relative, trying to get whatever information he can back to the family in India. Read more in The Guardian.