Meet the Doctor
Patrick McCord has a PhD in Cognitive Narratology from the University of Georgia. His PhD dissertation (University of Georgia) was among the first to unify cognitive psychology, the neurology of semiotics, and Philosophy of Mind as a theory base for literary and creative studies.
As a professor, he further refined his thinking as a system to empower writers. Instead of confusing formulas or the scattered “intuitive” instruction favored by traditional workshops and editorial approaches, the WYF system is based on the innate human proclivities, the underpinnings of cognitive research and science. WYF offers a fresh approach to analysis, inspiration, and ideally, productivity.
Editorially, among other projects, Patrick edited Bill Dedman’s NYTimes bestseller, Empty Mansions; revised early drafts of Mark Fallon’s controversial expose Unjustifiable Means, and workshopped Oliver Radclyffe’s brilliant memoir, Frighten the Horses.
Patrick worked in acquisitions both on Broadway and in Hollywood before pursuing his PhD. With one-time student Mark Greene, Patrick has collaborated on a feature length adaptation of Greene’s comic novel, Lobster Wars, which is represented by Talenti Management.
His screenwriting students have completed ten scripts in the past year. Student Chris Craymer’s film, Gifts of the Heart, developed in workshop, has won multiple awards and is available on Disney TV Europe.
Contact Via Email:
pmccord9@gmail.com
Holly Aladin, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur
"Patrick has a brilliant mind for storytelling—he can take apart a script or a scene and reveal all the hidden gears that make it tick. And his approach goes far beyond examining/refining the immediate text—it’s always a deep dive into the history of ideas. He brings an incredible breadth of knowledge to the table, drawing from psychology, philosophy, history, and literature and his insights have a way of making your work feel richer and more connected to something bigger."
Michel Deschodt, Novelist, Sommelier, Economist
"Patrick knows his stuff. With every class, I get a better understanding of things that were foreign to me when I started - building a story arc, imbuing my characters with conflict and intention, using details to support themes. I enjoy writing more because I understand it better. Patrick was instrumental in giving me the confidence to start my new novel."
Adam Green, Screenwriter, Finance
"Patrick is a master of both identifying script problems and delivering his assessment in a way that empowers us writers to discover the solutions ourselves."