Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

#1 Plot Problem for Writers

2012-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am often asked what the #1 problem writers have with plot. My answer varies, depending on the most recent plot consultation or plot workshop I've just done.

Today I say as I have before, the #1 plot problem writers struggle with is the climax and resolution.

So much time and thought and writing goes into developing a compelling protagonist with a mysterious back story, deciding where is the exact right beginning of the story, how to make the action exciting and the book concept big, the details just right, the dialogue snappy, the setting exotic, the crisis disastrous.

I rarely (and I mean rarely) find a writer who has thoroughly thought out the climax and written the end quarter of the story as many times or more than the beginning.

Sure, writers bog down in the middle and thus the climax seems incredibly far away -- nearly out of reach. By the time a writer limps her way to the climax, the story is lucky to have an ending at all, much less an ending that is meaningful and different and leaves the reader satisfied and wanting more.

The end of a romance novel, even if it is for a teen, especially if it is for a teen, is so much more than... they lived happily ever after. You have been so careful not to use cliched phrases, metaphors, settings and have worked to make every element uniquely your own. Why settle for a cliched ending?

When a character rises in triumph at the climax. What does she look like, act like? In the resolution, what does the world look like now that she is new and different and transformed and has shared the gift she came to share?

Everyone is looking for answers. Stories offer a new vision to replace the old, especially now that so much of the old world order falls apart.

Take an ending you're sure has no value and turn it on its ear. See the ending from a different angle or perspective. Write that.

Strive to give the reader something new and fresh and miraculous...

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms in the above blog post:

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

For additional tips and information about the Universal Story and plotting a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Is Plot Destroying the World?

2012-01-19T18:25:00.001-08:00

Benjamen Walker interviewed me today about plot for his radio show. (I'll share the interview link when I receive it from Benjamen.)

On his playlist and archives list for his show's Too Much Information page on the internet, he states that "in a world where everyone shares the truth 140 characters at a time, telling tales might be the most honest thing to do."

I love that.

During the interview, he goes on to say that he believes plot is destroying the world. Those may not have been his exact words. Next time I'm interviewed (and I hope I am interviewed again and often. I love radio interviews. Truth is, I loved Benjamen's passion and enthusiasm), I'll take notes to share here with you.

I think his dire belief in the evils of plot centers around those dramatic-action driven movies and books that are devoid of character emotional development and meaning are destroying the world. I agree with him.

Stories have the potential to change the reader. That potential is lost when the emotional truth that comes only through the character is left out. It's like showing violence without showing the effects of violence on the true human experience.

Yes, straight dramatic action stories sell well (I address this in the first comment during the day I spent on Red Jungle Writers blog -- shared by 8 smart and sassy crime writers -- hosted by Hallie Ephron who very generously interviewed me about my new book and shared her readers with me.

During my interview with Benjamen, I shared with him my fervent belief that plot is much more than dramatic action alone and that anyone who abuses plot misses a valuable opportunity to reach readers through feeling characters shown in a meaningful way.

I'm eager and curious to listen to his show and learn what he did with all the words we generated during our time together....

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms in the above blog post:

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

Benefits of a Plot Planner

2012-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

With a sheet of banner paper unfurled in front of me, I begin asking questions of a writer with a very successful first book who needs help with her second. Her problem? Not uncommon ~ years and years of working on the first book, layer upon layer, input, changes, rewrites, drafts and drafts, enough to make a writer wonder:

"How did I do it? And how will I ever be able to do it again? Only faster this time?"

Ideas rolling around in her head begin to tumble out.

Characters emerge, flaws and all. Setting is established. Some of the middle of the middle "new world" ideas provide stimulus for scenes. Anatgonists appear. The Crisis comes into view. The Climax is a bit murkier but enough of a promise to get her started.

By the end of a couple of hours, the Plot Planner reveals a linear sequencing of scenes for the writer to write and, with luck, end the Beginning with a bang. Even enough to trot into the MIddle and perhaps to finish a rough, rough first draft, providing she does not fall prey to the monsterous going-back-to-the-beginning syndrome.

The Plot Planner provides form and structure enough to tame chaos and bring meaning to all the ideas rolling around in a writer's head. I'll be curious to learn how far she gets with what we were able to do in a couple of hours.

To learn step-by-step how to build a Plot Planner for your own novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Also available as a Kindle and Nook edition).

For an idea of what you'll find in the book:

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter One: Sitting Down to Write

Part I: The Outline of the Plot: Starting Is Half the Battle
Chapter Two: The Universal Story
Chapter Three: The Basics of Plotting
Chapter Four: Developing Themes

Part II: Create the Characters and Setting: Who’s Part of This World and Why?
Chapter Five: Who Inhabits the Plot?
Chapter Six: Who Opposes the Protagonist?
Chapter Seven: The Devil’s in the Details

Part II : The Journey
Chapter Eight: Opening the Door
Chapter Nine: The Middle of the Journey
Chapter Ten: Transformation
Chapter Eleven: The Climax
Chapter Twelve Denouement: The End and a New Beginning
Chapter Thirteen: Some Parting Advice
Chapter Fourteen: Some Final Thoughts

P.S. Send me a photo of the Plot Planner you create so I can share it with other writers. (To see a couple of working Plot Planners, go to my Twitter page.)

Cautionary Tale: You're Eventually Going to Have to Write the Climax

2012-01-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

I've consulted several times with a writer of a successful non-fiction book by a major publisher and who also has written off-and-on for a few years a young adult historical novel. From time-to-time we spend a couple of hours together working out the overall plot.

After spending quality time writing the Beginning of her winning story, she wins attention in literary contests and the interest of editors.

Each time she receives feedback about the Beginning of her story, she goes back into the beginning, moves scenes around, further develops the protagonist's backstory and perfects the thematic details. Periodically, she calls for another plot consultations. Although she wishes only to concentrate on the earlier sections of the story, nonetheless, I gently probe for the Climax of her story. Her ideas are vague, at best.

Editors begin asking for more than the Beginning of the story. Again I hear from her. We concentrate on the Middle, while keeping the End and especially the Climax in sight at all times. Still, she resists, unable to get herself there.

She is asked for the entire manuscript by an editor and scrambles to finish the story. When she reaches the Climax she writes it like she dealt with it in the consultations -- vague. I hear from her again.

Again, although she calls expressly to talk about the End of her story, we rarely touch on the Climax. Instead, she dances around the story, coming up with all sorts of ideas for new subplots or to switch up a subplot already written.

I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to be on the other end of the phone with someone who is so near to the prize and yet be completely unable to focus on the necessary steps to get there. If we were together in person, I'd... what? Grab her by the shoulders and shake her? Force her to stare at the Climax on the Plot Planner until her eyes cleared?

No answers.

She's so near. Her story is so ready for and deserving of the crowning glory -- the Climax.

Lesson?

Beginning hook readers.

Endings attract fans... (and editors...)

(***Click on the highlighted plot concepts for novel, memoir and screenplay examples and further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information about the Universal Story and plotting a novel, memoir or screenplay.)

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms in the above blog post:

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

4th Annual Plot Writing Month ~~ Day Thirty-one

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks the final day of the 4th Annual International Plot Writing Month also known as PostNaNoPlotPerfection aka PlotWriMo for writers intent on crafting a story that is pleasing to the reader and perhaps on finding a bit of enlightenment along the way.

Thank you for visiting and following along. I'm pleased to hear the information has helped so many of you prepare for your next rewrite and that you're confident and ready to begin writing in the new year.

Tonight after all the festivities of saying goodbye to '11 and greeting '12, before you fall asleep, see yourself tomorrow going through each step of the writing ritual you imagined for yourself during yesterday's assignments. Really see yourself writing, for even longer than the time you scheduled. Ask the "powers that be" to help support your efforts in the morning and to show you in ways that only the great beyond is able to that you have been heard...

If you fell behind on the re"vision" of the overall plot arc of your novel, memoir, screenplay or simply wish to follow along with the International Plot Writing Month anytime of the year you wish, click HERE.

If you wish to deepen your understanding of the Universal Story and learn how it assists you in writing a novel, memoir, screenplay, click HERE.

If you wish to deepen your plot at the scene level, click HERE.

Continue to visit here for inspiration as I unwind from plot consultations and comment on the problems writers confront in their process and offer tips to keep going.

My intention is and always has been to help support writers to keep at the business of writing.

May all your dreams come true next year...

(***Click on the highlighted plot concepts for novel, memoir and screenplay examples and further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information about the Universal Story and plotting a novel, memoir or screenplay.)

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms we use throughout December:

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

4th Annual Plot Writing Month ~~ Day Thirty

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

4th Annual International Plot Writing Month and 2011 are nearly spent.

6 Steps to complete today:

1) If you don't have one already, create a space devoted for your writing.

2) Organize your space. Purge and cleanse the space of everything but your manuscript and notes.

3) Hang your Plot Planner for easy viewing where you do your daily writing.

4) Create your writing schedule for the new year. Take out the 2012 calendar you bought.

Think long and hard about your daily life and obligations, and your personal best and most productive times of the day. Decide how many days a week you are willing to devote to your writing. Add an extra day to that.

Now mark on your calendar the days and time you will devote to your writing. If you have to, wake up an hour early or stay up an hour later than you are used to.

By scheduling in your writing time, you'll be more apt to stick to the schedule. Plus, when friends or family or work request/demand your time, you'll more easily be able to tell them the truth:
I have a pre-arranged appointment at that time. We'll have to come up with another time.

Without the pre-scheduled time, chances are much greater that you'll put yourself and your writing last, which invariably means you'll not get to it.

Don't despair if you find that honoring yourself and your writing time difficult at first. With practice, however, you'll find yourself joyfully committed to your writing time. An added bonus is that when the muse finds you consistently showing up, creativity will more readily be available to you. The habit itself creates miracles and mysteries.

5) Create a writing ritual for yourself. For instance, every morning at 4:30AM before I begin writing, I make myself a cup of green tea and drink a glass of water. From having done the same ritual everyday for so many years, my body knows immediately what I am up to and responds in kind.

6) If you're going to write during family time, consider creating some sort of signal so your family members know you're working and honor your time by not interrupting. Isabel Allende lights a candle and as long as the candle burns her family knows not to bother her. A dear friend hangs a sign indicating her "office hours" that day. So long as it's hanging on her writing studio door, her husband knows not to enter. The more seriously you take your writing time, the more seriously your family and friends will honor your writing time, too.

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

4th Annual Plot Writing Month ~~ Day Twenty~nine

2011-12-28T19:15:00.003-08:00

We are in the final days of the 4th Annual International Plot Writing Month.

Today:

Cause and Effect

Using the master Plot Planner you created, now draw a line from one scene to the next when the scenes are linked by cause and effect. In other words, if the action in one scene causes the action in the next scene, draw a line to connect the two of them. Continue this way through every scene.

Where one scene does not cause the action in the next, do not connect the two scenes with a line. Leave the space between those two scenes blank.

Next, reread the hard copy of your manuscript.

Unlike earlier when I had you read your story all the way through in one sitting as a reader or as a member of the audience, this time, I want you to reread your story as many times as you need to until you have answered all the questions raised in each step throughout this re-vision process.

Don't get bogged down in criticism of your writing. Read all the way through just like you wrote it all the way through, one layer at a time.

Concentrate first on the foundation. Take notes directly on your manuscript about any any plot and structure issue that cropped up in any of the prior steps that you plan to address in the next draft you write.

Mark what works.

Insert PostIt notes on the Plot Planner about what needs rewriting. Make your notes detailed enough so when you reach them in your rewrite you remember what you were thinking.

Mark out with a big black X any and all words, paragraphs, and chapters you plan to delete in the next rewrite. Write ideas you wish to add or create in the next go round.

Keep your Plot Planner in front of you as you work your way through your manuscript.

Not until the plot and structure are completely in place do you turn your focus to dialogue, description, tone, authentic details in scene, character motivation, word choices.

In every draft you write, insert what you can about theme. By the last draft, the theme will have revealed itself and appears throughout your story.

1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

2011 PlotWriMo ~~ Think Different

2011-11-30T12:11:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow begins International Plot Writing Month and you are joyfully invited! Visit the Plot Whisperer blog here everyday beginning Thursday the 1st and throughout December.

PlotWriMo, also affectionally known as PostNaNoPlotPerfection, came about three years thanks to friend and short story writer Mary Eastham who had successfully completed NaNoWriMo and was left with -- what do I do now?

Every December for the past three years the Plot Whisperer blog has been dedicated to answering that question for NaNoWriMo writers everywhere.

This year is a bit different.

Feedback from writers about the The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master has inspired me to dedicate 2011 PlotWriMo to women writers everywhere resurrecting her dreams. Seems the book not only guides writers through creating a compelling plot for novels, memoirs and screenplays, the Plot Whisperer book also acts as a catalyst to women who have stopped writing though never forgotten the dream.

I am passionate about women's voices coming to the fore. Our left-brained, logical and linear world of today deserves the balance that can only come when paired equally with a right-brained, holistic and intuitive approach. Women hold that key.

While going through the steps during PlotWriMo, remember that most of the major works that have influenced your thinking have come primarily from a patriarchal point of view about women and our roles and expectations. Therefore, dig deep. Think different.

All this likely sounds like challenging work to the very writers I hope to inspire. Many women writers find plot and structure counter-intuitive... until seen through the Universal Story.

I get ahead of myself here.

All that for December...

See you tomorrow!

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms we'll be using throughout December:

1) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

PlotWriMo: A Gift a Day throughout December

2011-11-28T11:59:00.001-08:00

I learned about a family oversight from my niece Shreve Stockton, founder and author of The Daily Coyote. My 91-year-old mother never had her own advent calendar. When I was a kid, she cut and decorated advent boards for my three siblings and me and hung tiny gifts from hooks, one for each day until Christmas. When my sisters grew up and had their own families, they made and decorated advent boards for their children every year but never one for my mom... until this year. The delight in her voice is like a warm hug as she describes the gifts dangling in front of her and tempting her these last couple of days before the big day -- December 1st and start of the fun.

Imagine this blog during December as an advent board I cut and decorated just for you and ladened with an everyday shiny new gift taking you deeper into your story and yourself.

No peeking until the big day -- December 1st and PlotWriMo begins.

To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms we'll be using throughout December:

1) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

3 Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. A directory the book examples and plot elements discussed is to the left of this post.

Monday Morning Plot Book Group -- the Climax Scene

2011-11-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

How do you do endings? Do you put forth effort all the way to the very end? Do you give up before you reach the end? Do you throw something together just to have an end? Do you push yourself even harder to finish with a flourish? Do you stay in the moment of writing your story all the way to the end?

The countdown to the end of NaNoWriMo has started. Soon you'll have to remember your life before nanowrimo but for now, you've still got time to write a lot more words. Every word nearer you write to the end, the better off you'll be next month when we start in on PlotWriMo.

Because of PlotWriMo, there will be no Monday Morning Plot Book Group during December. We will reconvene in January. (NOTE: I did say in today's video that we'd likely make The Secret Garden the January selection. Read the POST for an explanation why we are NOT using The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett... what fails as a climax scene, and why I gave a novel I remember as a favorite when I was a kid a 1-star out of a possible 5 on Goodreads)

November's book selection for Monday Morning Plot Book Group for Writers is

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

The Alchemist has sold more than 65 million copies in 150 countries and been translated into 60 languages. I use Coelho's story to demonstrate some of the plot techniques from the Universal Story he used so effectively that his novel continues after nearly 30 years as an international bestselling phenomenon.

I chose Coelho's novel because his story inspires me and had a direct impact on The Plot Whisperer book. Watch how he creates the Climax of his novel.

For more support about the Climax scene:
1) Check out Chapter 11 of:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

The Beginning of the End

Thematic Significance

Develop the Scene Sequence to Climax

How to Write the Climax

Resolution

For more tips about how to use plot and the Universal Story in your novel, memoir or screenplay, read: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

See the Crisis for What it is and Keep Writing

2011-11-21T08:20:00.001-08:00

I'm trying something new today -- embedding the new video in the Plot Book Group Series in this blog post. It's a first for me. We'll see how it works.

(P.S. -- A big reason I'm talking about the Crisis today is because it's that time in November for Nanowrimo writers to be writing the Crisis.

In order to have a solid beginning, middle and end by November's end, write the Crisis today and tomorrow...)

For more support about the Crisis and highest point in the entire story so far:

1) Check out Chapter 10 of: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Available as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

How to Write a Crisis scene

Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?

visit:

Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

When the Climax Fails, the Reader Suffers

2011-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

In preparing for a plot talk for children's writers and the SCBWI San Francisco/South region last Saturday, I analyzed one of my favorite books from my childhood -- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

As I read and plotted out the scenes in the Beginning of the story, I was delighted to see all the effective foreshadowing (in 2 instances she shows Mary, the 10-year old protagonist, playing in dirt and attempting to plant cut flowers which foreshadows the passion she develops for the secret garden. She also foreshadows the presence of another child in the house with the sound of crying three times before Mary actually discovers the cause of the distressing sound.).

In the middle, relationships abound which is thematically rich in that Mary has never had a true and loving relationship with others and in order to become who she is meant to be, she must heal this divide. Each relationship becomes a subplot in the middle which is exactly where subplots belong.

Also in the middle, whenever the story seems to slow down or her circumstances become too ideal, there are plenty of plot twists thrown in which makes for an exciting read.

However... and this is an enormous however, the End of the story made me want to fling the book across the room and declare that the book is no longer a favorite of mine.

The energy of the story rises to a climax and thus, stays true to the needs of the Universal Story BUT is not at all satisfying in that the reader is committed to Mary's story and yet, as soon as she helps Colin -- the only son of the lord of the manor -- heal and become whole, she moves into the shadows never to be heard from again. The last 1/4 of the book becomes all about Colin.

This is not so surprising, when one considers that the book was published in 1911 (women's right to vote doesn't happen until 1920) and girls didn't have many options. Still... there is absolutely no climax OR resolution for Mary's plot line and thus, no resolution for all the young girls who love(d) this book.

In analyzing this book, I consider the impact the story must have had on me as a young girl. Though I read the book in the 50s or early 60s, my generation continued to have limited options -- nurse, teacher, secretary, mother...

Now, a young girl's options are limitless. She can be a leader, an artist, a visionary, an entrepreneur.

Please, when considering your story, reach, think different, stretch when it comes to writing the Climax of your story. Write lots of endings, push yourself to think outside the box, and then pick the one that feels thematically the strongest version.

Your protagonist's actions at the climax inspire the reader to think big and different and grow and evolve. Give the ending the time it needs and deserves to deliver the greatest impact.

For more support about the Climax and ending of your story:

1) Check out Chapter 11 & 12 of: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Also available as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

How to Create a Climax
The Climax using in Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

For more about the Universal Story and writing the end of a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. (a directory of the Plot Book Group with specific stories as examples is to the left of this post. Scroll down a bit to find it)

For more tips about how to use plot and the Universal Story in your novel, memoir or screenplay, visit:

Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Check-point for NaNoWriMo Writers -- Recommitment Scene

2011-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

In life and in stories, every moment is an opportunity to commit to moving forward. To continue to put one word after another deeper and deeper into the great unknown takes courage. To persevere when the primary plot gets tangled in subplots and plot twists and your story appears lost signifies a commitment that transcends logic and demonstrates a belief in the magic and mystery and miracle of the pull of the Universal Story.

You have found the courage to not only begin writing but to continue. Now, comes the time for both you and your protagonist to state and commit to her/your goal(s) at the halfway point of the Universal Story. When you/she does, you/she feels the energy in your/her life rise in significance. This energetic surge is a warning to the reader.

Wake up.

Be alert.

A crisis is coming.

Powerful antagonists leap in, and she/you quickly find her/yourself under siege, pummeled by forces intent on preventing her/your success. The energy of the story fills with more conflict, tension, suspense, and/or curiosity in every scene.

You have discovered that the energy of the Universal Story does not cease at thresholds. Instead, the energy of your story, of your life, of your world heightens. You have also discovered that the longer you dally at any barrier, the longer it takes to achieve your dreams.

Thrust yourself forward.
Send the protagonist on her way.
You are not alone.
The Universal Story will assist you

Excerpts from the above come from The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master.

For more support about the 2nd Energetic Marker and Recommitment scene for both you as a

writer and for your protagonist:

1) Check out Chapter 8 of: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Also available as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

Plotting the Recommitment Scene
Recommitment Scene in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

For more about writing the Middle of your novel, memoir, screenplay:

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post.

For more tips about how to use plot and the Universal Story in your novel, memoir or screenplay, visit:

Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Plot for Pantsers

2011-11-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Question via Twitter:
@plotwhisperer So what's the best way to plot as you write for those of us who are pantsers but need to meet deadlines? :) @JillKentAuthor Jillian Kent

Answer via Blogger:
Your query is a bit like hearing two non-harmonious sounds clash together -- Plot and Pansters.

1) Every story, whether written by a plotter or a pantser, must fulfill basic needs demanded by a reader -- something must happen (dramatic action plot) to someone (character emotional plot) in a meaningful way (thematic plot) = PLOT -- the noun. Thus, whether you plan it out ahead of time or write to discover as you go, your ultimate goal is to fulfill these basic requirement.

My first suggestion requires discipline so I am reluctant to use it. Somewhere along the line in history, discipline went from having at its core disciple to being a form of punishment. "You will be disciplined for breaking the rules."

So instead, why not apply the word ritual to what I suggest. Create for yourself a sacred ritual.

One time a day, everyday, preferably at the same time and place every session, write.

Another time of day, everyday, preferably at the same time and place every session study plot.

If you're a pantser, you'll like balk at lots of what you read both for how the information is presented and for the information itself. Lots of it will feel confusing and jarring, counter-intuitive.

Search for doors you're drawn to open when it comes to the new plot ideas. Explore the concepts. Look for them in your favorite books. Determine what authors you admire do to create in you admiration for their writing. The more you understand basic plot and structure based on the Universal Story, the more inclined you may become to plot -- the verb.

The more you understand the Universal Story, the less blind you fly. You're able to anticipate where your writing is taking you and take an active role in coaxing what comes into a pleasing form for the reader.

(Disclosure: the following is a shameful act of taking advantage of the sincere query above)
I wrote The Plot Whisperer book for women just like you, Jillian. Lots of my very best friends and family are right-brain, big picture creative, female pantser. Women who fly by the seat of their pants as they are constantly attempting to bring to material form the whimsy their imaginations whisper. I wrote the book for them and for you...

For more support about plot:

***I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book AND

and a Scene Tracker Kit.

To enter, simply comment on each of fourteen blogs that took part in the mega-blog book tour

and listed on the Master Schedule. As one writer says of the experience: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes." (when you have accomplished this feat, send me an email with your snail mail address and I'll ship your plot tools)

Secondary Characters Support Protagonist's Emotional Development

2011-11-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

Secondary characters create depth in a novel, memoir, screenplay when they tie-into and support the development of the primary character (better understood as the protagonist's character emotional development).

A writer develops a secondary character based on patients he worked with in a previous day job. He has terrific authentic details, having spent so much time with one particular patient with special needs. The character (who is the protagonist's brother) is of great emotional importance to the protagonist. (The writer is writing what has long been espoused as a good practice for writers ~~ write what you know.)

The writer's front story (dramatic action plot) centers around drugs and money laundering and shady operations, guns and prison and betrayal. His writing strength appears to be developing dramatic action. When asked who his audience is, the writer has not yet considered such. The front story is high-stakes, exciting intrigue, which often resonates with male readers. Yet the protagonist is a woman. She is a "ballsy" woman to be sure, confident and fearless.

When asked how much of his story he wants to involve the other two plot lines ~~ character emotional development (which, at this point, is little, if at all, developed) and thematic significance, again he had no answers. Same reaction in response to whether he plans to include a romantic secondary plot line in his story.

I did not present these questions to baffle him or slow him down. I presented these questions to support him in broadening his scope of what he is doing both in his story and in his life as a writer...

He introduced and developed the secondary character in order to bring heart to the protagonist's character and thus, develop her character emotional development plot. Yet, because he is writing what he knows about patients with special needs, he concentrated on describing the secondary character's behavior without tying those elements directly to the protagonist or give the reader a sense of the impact those behaviors have on the protagonist and even more importantly, how those behaviors influenced the protagonist's backstory development.

Because the secondary character having special needs does not play into the dramatic action plot (in other words, such afflictions are not necessary for the development of the primary plot), I suggest that rather than devote so much time to the development of the secondary character, use his afflictions to deepen the readers understanding and appreciation of the protagonist instead. Her backstory wound of being ignored by her parents in favor of attending to the brother's special needs, bleeds into her everyday life in undercover as she is betrayed by not only the bad guys but the good guys, too.

For more support about the role of Secondary Characters in novels, memoirs, and screenplays:
1) Check out Chapter 6 of:The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

Secondary Plots and Subplots
Antagonists in the Middle

***I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book AND

and a Scene Tracker Kit.

To enter, simply comment on each of fourteen blogs that took part in the mega-blog book tour

Monday Morning Plot Book Group -- End of the Beginning Scene

2011-11-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

If you are participating in NaNoWriMo, this blog post is of special interest to you because it falls on the day you need to be writing the End of the Beginning scene in your story to stay on schedule and complete your entire novel, memoir, screenplay by the last day of November. (To learn how to pre-plot your writing time and ensure you end the month of November with a solid beginning, middle and end to your story. To read more...)

November's book selection for Monday Morning Plot Book Group for Writers is

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

I chose Coelho's novel because his story inspires me and had a direct impact on The Plot Whisperer book.

Last week -- 1G you are asked to: Insert on your story's Plot Planner a post-it note that represents the Climax of your story.

This week -- 1H, you are asked to: Insert on your story's Plot Planner a post-it note that represents the End of the Beginning scene of your story.

For more support about the End of the Beginning scene:
1) Check out Chapter 8 of:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

2) Watch:

Plotting the Beginning
Energy Anatomy of Stories

***I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book AND

and a Scene Tracker Kit.

To enter, simply comment on each of fourteen blogs that took part in the mega-blog book tour

and listed on the Master Schedule. As one writer says of the experience: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes."

Plot the Beginning of Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

2011-11-04T13:08:00.001-07:00

Take a moment to assess where you are in writing your story now that you're 4 days into NaNoWriMo.

To ensure that you stay on track and write a solid beginning, middle and end by the end of November, stand back from your writing for a minute and consider the following.

Tuesday marks the day you and your protagonist enter the exotic world.

Begin opening up to the idea of pulling the beginning together so you're sure to be writing the End of the Beginning scene on Monday.

For support:

Plotting the Beginning
Energy Anatomy of Stories
Plot the Dramatic Plot
Plot the Character Emotional Development Plot
The Three Major Plotlines

***I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master AND

and Scene Tracker Kit (which includes Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple).

To win, simply comment on each of fourteen blogs that took part in the mega-blog book tour

listed on the Master Schedule. As one writer says of the experience: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes."

Plot Book Group for Writers

2011-11-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last month's book selection for the Monday's Plot Book Group for Writers is Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. (I'm a bit behind due to the mega-blog tour and release of The Plot Whisperer book. My apologies for the delay.)

Last week - 1F- you were asked to:

- Determine the 4 Energetic Markers for your story.

This week - 1G you are asked to:

- Insert on your story's Plot Planner a post-it note that represents the Climax of your story.

For more support about the Climax, check out Chapter 11 of:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (Now also sold as a Kindle edition)

Next week's book selection is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

***I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book AND

and a Scene Tracker Kit.

To enter, simply comment on each of fourteen blogs that took part in the mega-blog book tour

and listed on the Master Schedule. As one writer says of the experience: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes."

Day Ten: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

In celebration of the final day in the two-week blog tour and the successful release of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master, I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book.

To enter, simply comment on each of the three following blogs AND for the book and a Scene Tracker Kit, leave a comment at every single blog on the tour and listed on the Master Schedule below. As one writer says: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes." Drawing happens next week. Time to be determined. Check back for details...

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at 3 blogs:

*Friday, October 28th
Uma Krishnaswami
I met Uma years ago during a plot consultation. That she teaches writing in the MFA/Writing for Children and YA program of Vermont College of Fine Arts and came to me for plot help thrilled me -- both that she came from such a prestigious literary school and that she came from such a prestigious literary school.

When a new picture book of hers came out, I was honored to host a stop on her blog tour for: Out of the Way! Out of the Way! Hers was only the second blog tour I had had first-hand experience with. The first experience had left an unpleasant feeling when I found out that the piece I had posted on my blog was a generic one she had posted elsewhere.

I wanted to write something about plot, being the plot whisperer and all, but... I couldn't find a plot. I challenged myself and in the process saw deeper into the true energy of the Universal Story. To read my review of her book,

click here.

In her interview with me about the Plot Whisperer book, she once again challenges me about plot...

Linda Joy Myers (President, National Association of Memoir Writers) at Memories and Memoirs
Linda and I met each other years ago through Teresa LeYung Ryan. Linda has always been passionate about teaching wounded people how to use memoir writing as a healing tool. As the women she works with begin to heal, they also get serious about their writing. Linda would lead a procession of car from the San Francisco bay area to my home in Los Gatos bearing the yummiest and gooey-est and still warm chocolate muffins.

Linda always swept in with a spirit of discovery. Because she did, everyone else did, too. Because of Linda's warm and real and accepting embrace, the depth to which we could move into plot and the Universal Story revealed yet another layer.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi  at Inky Girl
I smile as I write this and, at the same time, I am speechless...

Truly, I am speechless...

Go see for yourself the most incredible, amazing, generous, loving, incredible... did I already say that? I could say it 1000 times more and still not convey the depth of my gratitude to Debbie. What a talent...

*********
Comment to win:
1) Uma Krishnaswami
2) Linda Joy Myers (President, National Association of Memoir Writers) at Memories and Memoirs
3) Debbie Ridpath Ohi  at Inky Girl
**********

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit the Monday Plot Book Group series (A directory to this 2nd plot series is to the left of this post and scroll down a bit) and visit the first Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. (A directory of all the steps to the 1st plot series is to the right of this post.)
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (for up-to-the-minute news on plot events, giveaways and inspiration)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Day Nine: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-27T08:03:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured:

*Thursday, October 27th
Vivian Lee Mahoney at Consider yourself warned: I write books about rebels (NOTE: just my sort of writer!!)

Interview about the Universal Story. Vivian asks me common mistakes writers make. My answer may surprise you. She covers theme and also asks, just how much tension is too much tension? Lastly, she asks me about my favorite subject -- the Universal Story, not from a writing point of view but what the Universal Story teaches each of us as human beings...

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Eight: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-26T06:17:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at 2 blogs:

*Wednesday, October 26th
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now: Ramblings from a Fledgling Novelist about Reading, Writing and Life in a Small Town
Plot Interview

AND

Charissa Weaks at A Day in the Life of An Author
Interview with a book giveaway and a free Amazon $15 gift card!

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Seven: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

*Tuesday, October 25th
Lia Keyes
Lia very kindly asked me to write about how the book helps writers preparing for NaNoWriMo.

Learn to pre-plot your story from the Plot Whisperer book.
TODAY on Lia's blog learn how to pre-plot your writing time to ensure you end the month of November with a solid beginning, middle and end to your story. To read more...

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Six: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

Week Two

*Monday, October 24th
Shreve Stockton at Honey Rock Dawn
As the author of the best-selling memoir, The Daily Coyote, and my very favorite author of all time Shreve shares first-hand experience with my plot techniques and a secret...

****She is offering a free book giveaway.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Book Launch Party

2011-10-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last week, after seeing The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master blog touroff to a great start, I introduced the new book to a packed house at my local bookstore: Capitola Book Cafe. One estimate had it at 150 people (truly humbling) two of whom were young girls with their mothers.

As some of you know, my dream is to stand toe-to-toe with the big boys who current reign supreme in the plot world. I want to represent plot from a woman's pov and balance the discussion...

I was thrilled when I was writing the book and my editor never even blinked when I used "she" as the generic reference rather than "he" throughout the book.

I lovingly and predominately showcase women's fiction and women writers.

That two young girls may read the book while they are still young makes me dreamy and giddy at the same time. Dreamy about the stories those girls will write and giddy about our future as more and more young girls and women find and write their truths. Not the truths we were brought up to believe but our own individual true and creative selves as women and mothers and daughters and wives and sisters and friends.

One of the greatest thrills of the book talk -- besides the 150 people who attended (thank you! I hope soon to have pictures to share) -- came hours after the actual event. Way past midnight, the house quiet and the moon (visions and dreams) bright, I check in on the blog tour and then sweep through the social media and stumble upon a list of tweets where @plotwhisperer is mentioned several times by the same person with the same Twitter icon for each tweet in the sequence.

A woman and writer in the audience tweeted about the event in real time. I had the chance to review the night through her list of tweets.

I don't know but something tickles me about that -- live, social commentary.

This has been an amazing week.

Thank you for coming along on the whistle stop book tour. At least 4, perhaps 5? books were given away last week. I'm hoping for as many or more in this next week beginning on Monday and running everyday through Friday.

I hope to announce a surprise blogger on Monday who will compliment Shreve's stop and share with you my two favorite writers of all time.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Five: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-21T06:03:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

AND

Deana Barnhart at Deana Barnhart
Deana asks me questions about why I wrote the book and gives me the opportunity to address the part of the book I am most passionate about along with advice to writers, old and new.

She is offering a book giveaway

****She is offering a free book giveaway.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Four: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-20T08:17:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

*Thursday, October 20th
Mary Baader Kaley at Not an Editor
Mary asks me questions about plot and the Universal Story as they specifically pertain to writers and critiques.

****She is offering a free book giveaway.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Three: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

*Wednesday, October 19th
Becky Levine at Moving Forward on the Writing Path

Becky is the author of The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide.
We both share a love of writing and exploring the elements of a good story. Having known me for years, Becky gives a long-view of the Plot Whisperer book.

****She is offering a two free books giveaway.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day Two: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

*Tuesday, October 18th
Teresa LeYung Ryan at Love Made of Heart
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is a writing career coach, manuscript consultant and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW.

Teresa and I have been friends for years, long before her first novel, Love Made of Heart, and my first plot book.
Hers is a more personal impression of energetic markers and thematic significance.

****She is offering a free book giveaway.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Day One: 2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-17T04:55:00.001-07:00

Today The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is featured at:

Janet Fox at Through the Wardrobe
Guest post on revision techniques for writers wanting to use the structure and spirit of Nanowrimo for a major rewrite. Before you jump into Nano and begin writing, first follow the tips I provide on Janet's blog about how to re"vision" your story.

Master Schedule of the 2-week blog tour for the Plot Whisperer book.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2-Week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Book Tour for the New Plot Whisperer Book

2011-10-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the two-week blog tour to welcome the successful release of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master, I am giving away 4 free autographed copies of the book.

To enter, simply comment on each of the fourteen following blogs that hosted a stop along the tour. As one writer says of the experience: "I feel like I just took in a 2 hour writing workshop in a few minutes."

Winners are chosen randomly and awarded The Plot Whisperer book AND a Scene Tracker Kit.

Master Schedule

The following writers are participating in the 2-week NaNoWriMo-themed Blog Plot Book Tour The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Blog Plot Book Tour Master Schedule
Week One
*Monday, October 17th
Janet Fox at Through the Wardrobe
Guest post on revision techniques for writers wanting to use the structure and spirit of Nanowrimo for a major rewrite. First, follow the tips I provide on how to re"vision" your story.

*Tuesday, October 18th
Teresa LeYung Ryan at Love Made of Heart
Author and writing coach, Teresa and I have been friends for years. Hers is a more personal impression of energetic markers and thematic significance.

*Wednesday, October 19th
Becky Levine at Moving Forward on the Writing Path
Becky is similar to me in her love of writing and exploration into the elements of a good story. Having known me for years, Becky gives a long-view of the Plot Whisperer book.

*Thursday, October 20th
Mary Baader Kaley at Not an Editor
Mary asks me questions about plot and the Universal Story as they specifically pertain to writers and critiques.

*Friday, October 21st
Kelly Klepfer of Novel Rocket
In asking me to write about what can be learned from the Universal Story, Kelly opened the door for me to write about my passion. Wisdom of the Universal Story allows for effortless writing during Nanowrimo and leads to a more fulfilling life.

Deana Barnhart at Deana Barnhart
Deana asks me questions about why I wrote the book and gives me the opportunity to address the part of the book I am most passionate about along with advice to writers, old and new.

Week Two

*Monday, October 24th
Shreve Stockton at Honey Rock Dawn
As the author of the best-selling memoir, The Daily Coyote, Shreve shares first-hand experience with my plot techniques.

*Tuesday, October 25th
Lia Keyes
I write about how the book helps writers prepare for NaNoWriMo. No amount of pre-plotting can get you to the prize on the last day of November. A smart writing strategy can...

*Wednesday, October 26th
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now: Ramblings from a Fledgling Novelist about Reading, Writing and Life in a Small Town
In our interview together, Sherrie takes me back to how I became the Plot Whisperer and why I started the YouTube Plot Series -- for free.

Charissa Weaks at A Day in the Life of An Author
Charissa read The Plot Whisperer book before our interview together. She commented on how the book affected her and reveals why I wrote this book for her and all the other writers who start out writing by the "seat of her pants". Charissa asks me specific questions based on the book.

*Thursday, October 27th
Vivian Lee Mahoney
In our interview together, Vivian celebrates The Plot Whisperer book and the sense of empowerment the book offers. I had the sense her questions were personal (thus, universal) and my answers were important to her.

Interview about the Universal Story

*Friday, October 28th
Uma Krishnaswami
I met Uma years ago during a plot consultation. That she teaches writing in the MFA/Writing for Children and YA program of Vermont College of Fine Arts and came to me for plot help thrilled me -- both that she came from such a prestigious literary school and that she came from such a prestigious literary school.

In her interview with me about the Plot Whisperer book, she challenges me about plot...

Debbie Ridpath Ohi  at Inky Girl
I smile as I write this and, at the same time, I am speechless...

Truly, I am speechless...

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit the Monday Plot Book Group series (A directory to this 2nd plot series is to the left of this post and scroll down a bit) and visit the first Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. (A directory of all the steps to the 1st plot series is to the right of this post.)
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Pre-NaNoWriMo Plot Key Scenes

2011-10-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today's Monday Plot Book Group (click to watch the video) covers four key scenes or, in the Universal Story, Energetic Markers that are found in every novel, memoir, screenplay.

As early as possible, attempt to identify these four energetic markers and then allow the rest of the story fall into place around these key scenes.

The energetic markers are:
End of the Beginning Scene
The Halfway Point Scene
The Crisis
The Climax

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit the Monday Plot Book Group series (A directory to this 2nd plot series is to the left of this post and scroll down a bit) and visit the first Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. (A directory of all the steps to the 1st plot series is to the right of this post.)
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Pre-NaNoWriMo Character Considerations

2011-10-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

As you decide whether you're going to dive into NaNoWriMo again this year and find yourself mulling over story and character ideas, keep the following in mind.

An opening line or scene or conflict or dilemma may catch your fancy but rather than linger there for very long, take the inspiration you're given and stretch the ideas all the way to the climax of the story.

In other words, constantly ask yourself what the climax scene may look like. In so doing, consider the traits the protagonist will need to have in order to prevail at the climax.

Such a search opens possibilities for the traits she will be missing at the beginning of the story, the flaw she'll have to overcome to be triumphant in the end and what traits she now has at the beginning that are going to interfere with her forward progress toward her goal.

This exercise will serve you well during the first week of November, which represents the beginning writing portion of the entire project and the time you'll want to incorporate the traits she embodies at the beginning to foreshadow the journey she'll have to undertake.

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit the Monday Plot Book Group series (A directory to this 2nd plot series is to the left of this post and scroll down a bit) and visit the first Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. (A directory of all the steps to the 1st plot series is to the right of this post.)
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Pre-plot for NaNoWriMo

2011-10-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today's Monday Plot Book Group (click to watch the video) covers thematic significance or the deeper meaning of your story.

It's never too early or too late to begin asking yourself:

What does my story means to say?

Or, if you plan on writing a story during November for NaNoWriMo, what sorts of themes do you find bubbling to the surface?

For step-by-step guidance into pre-plotting your novel, memoir, screenplay, refer to:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit all the other Monday Plot Book Group in the series (A directory to this 2nd plot series is to the left of this post and scroll down a bit) and visit the first Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?on YouTube. (A directory of all the steps to the 1st plot series is to the right of this post.)
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Universal Story and the Mythic Journey

2011-09-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Mythic Journey Joseph Campbell so passionately explored and shared with the rest of us and Christopher Vogler so brilliantly captures by in his book Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers is part of the Universal Story.

The Universal Story is the heartbeat of the universe. It's in the undercurrent of every breath you take, every story you tell yourself, and all the stories you write. The Universal Story represents the story of one man changing and evolving as part of the bigger story of all of nature and world around us undergoing constant change and evolution.

An understanding of the Universal Story helps you arrange a story or when, having written, you find yourself mired and lost or simply curious about where you are and where you are headed or, at least, the general direction in which you are moving.

Character transformation in a story mirrors the Universal Story of rebirth. Rebirth contributes to the evolution of us all and delights those who harbor a secret belief in miracles. A character reunited with a long lost part of herself speaks to the possibilities in our own lives. Our inner intelligence whispers of the timelessness of birth, growth, death, and rebirth.

Stand away from all the words of your story and reconnect with the core or heart of the story itself. Examine the themes and the deeper meaning of the story. In viewing your stories minus the words, you can see a story worth the time and attention it is going to take to get it right

As your story evolves, you'll be evolving, too...

For more about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post.

For more tips about how to use plot and the Universal Story in your novel, memoir or screenplay, read: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Plot Help for Weary Writers

2011-09-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've encountered another example of something I've wondered about for years.

Rarely do I read a writer’s work before a plot consultation, other than the Character Emotional Development Profile for the main character(s) and the Thematic Significance Statement for the project. So, I can't prove this impression. But, I wonder if the writers who start out really verbal and attempt to tell me everything at once, write that way, too.

In other words, is the first 1/2 hour of settling down into the plot consultation process mirrored in as many pages for the writer to settle into the rhythm of their own writing? I don't know the answer; it's just something I wonder about.

Every writer is different but it’s not unusual for these same verbal writers to balk over my organized approach. I wait patiently as they dart back and forth, interjecting tidbits here and there. I sense their fear that structure surely constricts and will destroy the magic and mystery of the creative process itself. I listen to each of their words carefully as I steadily and gently corral their scenes and ideas into the Universal Story form. But, I can’t help wondering. Does this same sort of frenetic activity also show up in their writing?

Perhaps at the root of this are writers who, in surrendering completely to the whims of the muse, are uncertain as to what the project is really about. Getting to the point can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what the point is. Determining your characters’ goals and your own personal writing goals helps.

Relinquishing a Bit of Backstory

2011-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

A writer hears it from me when we do a plot consultation -- the mother needs to die at the 1/4 mark / the end of the beginning. Flash forward several years (I mean several, like four or five or six), she hears it again from her critique group. Then she starts reading The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master and unravels that old plot planner I created years before and affixes it to her wall. There it is again, at the one quarter mark -- the mother must die.

Hers is a novel based on a true story.

The writer reads on in The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master and comes to understand that she never did what she knew needed to be done for the good of her story because of a back story wound the writer carried lodged in her own heart.

In real life she had not been there when her own mother died. The writer has carried guilt and remorse in her heart ever since. Suddenly she gets it. Why she never killed the mother in the story. She believes she is, on some level in real life, already responsible for the dastardly deed.

For the good of the story and for the good of her life, she needed to revise her belief system. She needed to transform.

The writer has the tendency to catastrofize (imagine final events of dramatic action around her in real life as tragedies) about life in general, OCD or posttraumatic stress if you will, from all of her imaginings and family stress. After reading the book, rather than beat herself up for the time she's lost, she seems a bit dazed and happily confused.

Of course she also recently started taking mood enhancing prescription drugs but as I was saying...

What was I saying?

Oh... I remember this old alcoholic who used to always say during our consultations, no psychology. It was over the telephone but I always imagined him pointing his finger at me as he spit out the words.

But how can you not? Writing, especially when you lose your way is so deeply wrapped up in our own personal lives.

And, anyway, is it psychology really? I see it more through the Universal Story.

Okay. My dream. I'm putting it out there.

I see people reading to the very end of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master. Yes, I see you a better writer because of all the plot and writerly stuff in the book. I also see the Universal Story making you more at peace and able to do that which is necessary for both the good of the story and also for yourself.

This writer's story improves as does her life when she finally puts the mother in the story to rest...

Keep the Climax in Mind

2011-09-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Three plot consultations with three separate writers, all with similar strengths and the same weakness. Each story has well thought out scenes that draw the reader into the Beginning 1/4 of the project. Each one develops character emotional development through dramatic action in the Middle 1/2. In other words, for these three writers, three quarters of their projects work, at least on a structural plot level.

At the end, these same three projects falter with little or no real Climax to top off the entire work. In each case, the protagonist is reawakened by the Crisis. They are shown struggling to take full ownership of their newly discovered consciousness. This is all good.

What starts as a twinge, in the quick build-up to the Climax, the protagonist more and more recognizes quite painfully each time her actions and speech do not align with her new understanding of herself and the world around her.

Trouble is, in none of the cases does the character show herself fully healing this schism at the Climax.

One writer wrote the Climax as the grandmother in the story dying. In this young adult novel, the protagonist is, necessarily, a young adult person and not the grandmother. The answer presented itself. In the Grandmother dying, the Climax takes on a deeper relevance as the protagonist of this young adult novel is given the opportunity to assist her grandmother's spiritual departure. Such an action demonstrates mastery at the thematic level. That death is looming sends the conflict, tension and suspense higher and the energy of the Universal Story soaring. The clock ticks. The sense of everything coalescing in the final minutes builds.

The Beginning sets up the scene of highest intensity in the story so far ~ the end of the Beginning. This scene shows the shift or reversal outside the character that sends her into the heart of the story world.

The middle sets up the scene of the highest intensity in the story so far ~ the Crisis. This scene shows the character’s consciousness of the shift or reversal inside her.

The End sets up the crowning glory of the entire story ~ the Climax. This scene shows the character fully united with her new self-knowledge, new understanding of the world, new sense of responsibility through her actions and her words.

The Climax is the crowning glory of the entire book. Once you write that most important scene all the other pieces begin to fall into place.

For more support, read Chapter 11 of:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Plot Book Group for Writers

2011-09-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Each Monday, we upload the latest session of the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? Plot Book Group for Writers. This month's book selection is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson.

We chose Helen Simonson's debut novel and New York Times best-seller, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand to demonstrate some of the plot techniques she used so effectively that the story won a coveted New York Times Book Review.

Last week - 1A - you were asked to:

- Determine the basic structure of your story

This week - 1B - you are asked to:

- Begin a Plot Planner for your story with the protagonist's character emotional change from the beginning to the end of the story

For more support, check out Chapter 3 of:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Book Blurb

2011-09-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is for writers, readers and seekers, artists and creative people of all types.

Martha Alderson is known as the Plot Whisperer for the plot help she offers writers worldwide. The more writers she works with and the more novels, memoirs and screenplays she analyzes, the more convinced she is that every scene in every book and every moment in every life is part of a Universal Story that flows through our imaginations and in the reality that surrounds us.

The transformative energy in stories is available to everyone. After using Martha’s ideas, you begin to understand yourself better. You’ll see your writing and the work you do in a brighter light. The way you interact with your writing and with the world around you shifts.

Open up a new dimension of life you never before imagined.

Click to buy the book:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

Universal Story -- Test Your Story

2011-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

The next Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? Plot Book Group for Writers has officially begun!

Every Monday we upload a new video with a brief plot discussion, using a new novel, memoir or screenplay selection each month -- this month is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson.

At the end of each session, you are assigned a task to apply to your own novel, memoir, screenplay. These exercises are designed to give you the opportunity to deepen your relationship to your story's plot and structure, character development and thematic significance.

Click to view the first in the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? Plot Book Group for Writers

For added support regarding each week's plot discussion, you are invited to view a specific video(s) in the 1st Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?

and to follow along in The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

For more tips about how to use plot and the Universal Story in your novel, memoir or screenplay, read: The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
and visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook (we hope you "like" it)
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

Happy plotting,

Martha Alderson

AKA The Plot Whisperer

Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?

2011-09-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

A writer I work with grapples with a problem I often see. She loves her story SO much and thinks the plot is so cool that she is afraid she is going to ruin it by writing it. Her fear, at the least, slows down her progress toward her goal. At the most, her fear prevents her from reaching her goal.

Throughout a story and throughout your life, the energy of the Universal Story rises and falls.

Antagonists, because their role is to prevent or delay the protagonist (and you) from successfully reaching her goal, always cause the energy to rise.

Imagine a story (and your life) as a conflict between energies of light and dark. The energy shifts back and forth between the protagonist and the antagonists. The antagonists represent darkness as they strive to keep the protagonist as she currently exists. The protagonist represents the light in the struggle to evolve. Change is never easy, and a protagonist bound in the darkness of her backstory and locked in repetitive patterns dictated by her flaw will necessarily struggle. When the protagonist pushes toward her desire, she directs the energy. Internal and external forces (antagonists) push against her.

A protagonist who wants something enough to take action against all the antagonists within and without creates a story and a dramatic life.

Learn to see the antagonists as reflections of who you are now in your journey. Rather than despairing and feeling victimized, explore the meaning of the antagonists in your life. Such an exploration leads to transformation.

To read more:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. Available now for pre-order!

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visitPlot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Evolution of a Book -- Part Four: Plotting a Book Launch

2011-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

A book launch is like a wedding, a birthday, a coming out party, a graduation. Two people present themselves as individuals and ceremoniously become a couple. We throw a party to celebrate the day we are born. Before family and friends, we introduce a child into adulthood. A book launch signifies the movement away from the private and ordinary world to the communal and part of the whole. It is a moment best marked with a party.

The wildest book launch on record for me is the party for Holly Payne's, The Sound of Blue: a Novel.

At Fort Mason in San Francisco, we bought books from stacks lining the wall and entered an enormous high ceiling room vibrating with music and packed with people. Her publisher sprang for the party with the drummer from the Grateful Dead and his band, and lights and cake.

My aunt reviews the classic Capitola launch party she gave for her last book To Make a House Complete as she plans one for her current book Walking For Our Lives coming out in September. A garden party spills into the street, balloons flying, cheeses from a local dairy and strawberries from local fields.

Back in 2005, I launched Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple at Capitola Book Cafe. My stomach still flips remembering all the people crammed between the book shelves and perched on tabletops. Now that it's time to launch The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master into the world, no question about it, Capitola Book Cafe is the perfect launch location for party.

The decision makes real to me that soon the book truly will be available to writers. I'm eternally grateful that Adams Media fast tracked the book to have it available on book shelves by October 15th. Having to wait any longer would do me in...

You are cordially invited to The Plot Whisperer book launch party

Tuesday, October 18th

7:30PM

Capitola Book Cafe

Capitola, California

Further details are unfolding. There will definitely be food, though I'm not sure what. I'll talk about plot, perhaps more specifically pre-plot for writers interested in taking part in NaNo November? I'm not sure. I do know I want to include readers, too, and seekers. I'd like to bring all the aspects of the book to light: the Universal Story for writers, readers and seekers. Needs work.

Stay tuned for book launch surprises and prizes to come...

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. Available now for pre-order!

Evolution of a Book -- Part Three: Working with an Editor

2011-08-20T05:30:00.001-07:00

I like to think of them as potter people. People who look like us but are more eccentric, often with a flair of whimsy. They magically appear, complete a task effortlessly and disappear -- the exact right person at the exact right time.

Peter Archer is a bit of a potter person to me. He also exemplifies to me an East Coast intellectual. Granted, my impressions are just that... I have never met the man. He was the editor assigned me for The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master. I admire him greatly.

By the time I met Peter, via email and phone, Cathy and I had begun shooting the final steps of the Plot Series -- Step 22: How Do I Plot the Beginning of the End of a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay .

(As I write this post, I am struck by how the timing of the vlog steps fall into place according the principles of the Universal Story. At the time, if I was consciousness of that at all, it was buried beneath the task at hand -- writing a book worthy of publication.)

Thanks to Peter, the rough draft of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master turned into an amazing book.

I started the vlog with literary examples of novels, memoirs and screenplays to "show" the concepts covered. Where the vlog leaves off, the Plot Whisperer book expands to even more examples to guide you through the process of writing the story inside of you from beginning to end. Examples come from picture books, middle grade and young adult and adult fiction, mysteries, romance, literary, screenplays, memoirs and more. Visual aides are included throughout the book to help ground the more abstract concepts.

Beneath the surface of both the vlog and the book is the element I am most passionate about -- The Universal Story and how it affects not only stories but our lives, too. Knowledge of the Universal Story allows you to push aside all the words of your story to see the bigger picture both structurally and thematically. In the same was, the Universal Story allows you to stand back from the drama of your own life to see the bigger picture.

The what-I-like-to-call "spiritual guide parts" didn't fully emerge in the Plot Series vlog until Step 21: Developing the Threshold Scene after the Crisis in the Middle but they landed throughout the entire first draft of the book.

Even before I met my agent Jill Corcoran, an editor from my favorite West Coast publisher was reading a proposal for a book I called: The Spiritual Guide for Writers. Though he thought the concept right and me the perfect person to write it, I had not been able to successfully bring the ethereal concepts and fragments of dreams, the half-baked ideas and the inspiration beating in my heart down to earth.

Peter Archer helped me do that in The Plot Whisperer book.

Plot Whispers are specific plot tips and exercises to improve your plotting skills by integrating the concepts into your own individualized story. The Writer's Way is advice about how to expand your writing life.

Peter is outrageously intelligent and in my imagination embodies the East Coast. He lives near Martha's Vineyard or the Hamptons or some other iconic locale. He is a writer and a scholar and may or may not be in real life anything like I imagine him to be. Granted, the East Coast and West Coast are sisters in that we always vote the same. Other than that, I imagine East Coast people as more conservative and straighter than those of us on the West Coast. All that to say, I don't even know where Peter was born -- he could just as easily be from the West Coast but I love imaging him as the iconic gatekeeper of traditional publishing.

He brought out the best in the book and what I like to think of as the best me -- much like Step 16: Rediscovered Skills and Knowledge in the Middle.

The greatest gift Peter gave me was "getting" the spiritual ideas I had tried to articulate in the earlier proposal and failed. He not only "got" them, he allowed them to flourish. Not a full bloom because the concepts are still growing but the promise is there. It's the part of the The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master that I am most anxious to share and what makes waiting for the release date thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

Thanks to Jill and Paula and Peter, the book is complete and eagerly awaiting its debut. I could not have done any of it if not for each of you who read this blog and ask for plot consultations and attend plot workshops and buy my plot books and videos and visit the plot vlog and who continue day in and day out to pursue your dream of publication.

What a ride. The gift of jumping in there, sticking out your neck and sticking to it is standing back and watching magic happen.

Thank you.

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. Available now for pre-order!

Backstory versus Front Story

2011-08-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Watch your delivery of backstory ~ the story of what, in the past, made the character who they are today (in story time).

Writers want to cram everything right up front.

"I know all their history, why would I want to withhold it from the reader?"
"I wrote it that way."
"It's the good part."

Writers spend lots of time imagining and writing every little detail about a character's past, be it for a child or an adult. So, of course, writers would want to tell everything right away. Perhaps, in the process, even show off a bit how clever they are. Until, one understands how curiosity works.

Not telling everything makes the reader curious. Curiosity draws the reader deeper into the story world. The reader wants to fill in the "who," "what," "how" (the "where" and "when" have already been clearly established right up front to ground the reader). They keep reading. This is good.

Tell the reader only what they need to know to inform that particular scene. This is especially true in the Beginning (1/4 mark). During the first quarter of the project, the character can have a memory. But, for a full-blown flashback, where you take the reader back in time in scene, wait until the Middle.

(PLOT TIP: If you're absolutely sure you absolutely have to include the flashback, try using one when you're bogged down in the middle of the middle.)

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay.

Visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Order The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

2 Major Story Settings

2011-08-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Stories generally have at least two major settings.

A story is about a character transformed over time in a meaningful way by the dramatic action. In order to make this character transformation more dramatic, writers convey who the character is within the safety of a world that is familiar to her or at least not as threatening as the next world or setting she is thrust into. The reader meets the protagonist in her usual environment and defines the beginning quarter of the story.

The heart of the story begins the moment the protagonist leaves her ordinary world. Upon entering the middle of the story world, the protagonist is confronted with the second setting: a new and exotic world. The more unusual the new world is in its surroundings, mind-set, and demands upon the protagonist, the more unusual are her experiences, explorations, endurance, and quest for survival.

The exotic world itself creates tension, conflict, and suspense merely by its unfamiliarity to the protagonist; thus, it produces a sense of overarching tension. As well, in the new world, the old rules with which the protagonist is familiar and the beliefs she grew up with no longer apply.

As in real life, in stories when one door closes another opens. The protagonist enters a new world, be it a new physical place or a new psychological state. This new world offers the opportunity to evolve and be transformed.

Writers experience this exotic new world when they move from dabbling and talking about their story to actually writing everyday.

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay.

Visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Order The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

A Writer Hits a Brick Wall

2011-08-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

One day our writing flows. The next day we open the exact same manuscript and freeze.

A writer under contract has an advantage in this situation over a writer who is not under contract is that the writer who is being paid to write the book cannot surrender to the doubt. She must find a way to push forward or lose the money, her dreams, the contract.

Take for instance a writer who has two wildly successful novels out with a third on its way and a three-book deal awaiting his attention. Usually a robust writer, on his third book, nothing seems to be working. Even after input from his agent, each time he opens the manuscript, he freezes.

He knows the history and timeline inside and out. He knows the protagonist inside and out, the same character he spent time with in the previous two books. He knows the dramatic action front story goal and has written the story from beginning to end. Something is missing.

Two things come out in the plot consultation:
1) The protagonist is too passive and does not transform
2) A femme fatale is a minor secondary character

A passive protagonist usually translates on the page to mean the character has no passion.

To get the protagonist moving pair him with an equal or better antagonist. Who better than the femme fatale? Readers love relationships. Relationships involve emotion. Chemistry, energy, excitement, passion all come alive through people interacting in real and meaningful ways for a higher good, something the characters and the readers believe in.

The writer finishes the consultation relieved to have plan though he believes there is so much work left to reshape the manuscript. Me? I believe that when he introduces the femme fatale earlier, he'll likely find everything the story needs is all right there. The story is ready to wrap itself around the relationship. The relationship forces the protagonist into action, will make him stumble and fall from grace, and ultimately be transformed.

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Order The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

The Evolution a Book -- Part Two: Finding an Agent

2011-08-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Back in the dark ages, someone I admired advised holding out for an agent who is wild about your work. Not just someone who likes your story or someone who is impressed because of your platform or track-record but choose her because she is enthusiastic about you and your work.

In Part One: the Vlog, I write about meeting my agent Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency. Jill's enthusiasm radiates from her in the words she speaks and the pitches she writes. The day I met her at a weekend writers retreat lasted until after dark. A month or so later, I was lucky enough to hang out with her for nearly a week during one of my plot retreat in the redwoods. I found her to be even more knowledgeable and energetic and generous than the 1st time I met her. I love her heart and how much she loves books and writing and poetry and authors and what I teach.

In response to pitching mainstream, national publishers for the second edition of Blockbuster Plots Pure and Simple, Jill immediately received two offers. The choice was not a difficult one to make. The acquisition editor of Adams Media came back not with an offer for the 2nd edition to BBP but instead with a request for a book based on this blog. Now that wisp of inspiration is The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

All this was happening as Cathy and I continued filming our vlogs. By Step 12: How Do I Plot the Middle of a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay, the The Plot Whisperer book was visioned by Paula Munier and I was hooked.

By Step 22: How Do I Plot the Beginning of the End of a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay, thanks to the powerhouse team of Jill and the founder of the agency Ronnie Herman, the contract was finalized and thanks to a patient and supportive husband, the manuscript turned in.

Part Three: Working with an Editor

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Order The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

The Evolution a Book -- Part One: Creating a Vlog

2011-08-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks I get from writers for the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? is an added gift.

I did the vlog (which I later learned means a video blog) on a lark with my friend Cathy Cress , fiction writer and expert on the aging family and sibling warfare. My vlogs are on plot for writers. Cathy's vlogs Mom Loves You Best - Forgiveness are on sibling reconciliation and forgiveness which grew out of her own life, her writing and her lifelong work. While I filmed her, I was struck how writers could benefit from the juicy and touching and horrific sibling stories she relates for creating more realistic familial back-stories and antagonists in stories and also for tips on how to heal your own personal sibling back-story.

I brought up the idea of creating vlogs. Sight unseen, no explanations needed, Cathy was in. Cathy's latest book: Mom Loves You Best - Forgiveness was just released. The month before I had met my soon-to-be agent at a writers retreat where I was teaching plot and she was teaching about voice and being her -- a high-energy light. Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency loves my plot teaching. I love everything about her.

Cathy and I both created a youtube channel, bought a flip camera and started filming mostly because we wanted to share our passions.

Cathy's and my spontaneity and rookie filming is evidenced in the first video -- Step One: How Do I Plot the Dramatic Action Plot. If either Cathy or I had heard LingLing (the dog barking) we would have stopped filming and opened the gate. I heard nothing, not even the sound of my own voice or what I was saying. We followed outlines on giant Post-It Notes -- Cathy's amazingly plotted out. Mine more by the seat of your pants.

The series evolved from our own gardens to using cool local landmarks as backdrops on Step Five: How Do I Plot the Three Major Plot-lines in a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay.

Another rookie mistake revealed itself in Step Ten: How Do I Plot the Beginning of a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay.

where it appears a man is mooning the camera. I was oblivious. Obviously, Cathy was too.

By Step Eleven: How Do I Plot Turning Points in a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay. the Santa Cruz Traveling Mystery Tour was born.

Cathy and I laughed our way through the steps, while my brand new (to me) amazing agent Jill pitched mainstream, national publishers for the second edition of Blockbuster Plots Pure and Simple.

Part Two: The vision for a Plot Whisperer book materializes...

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Order The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

PlotWriMo ~~ DECEMBER: INTERNATIONAL PLOT WRITING MONTH

2011-07-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers hosts the International Plot Writing Month, also known as PlotWriMo or as my friend and short story writer Mary Eastham dubs the month of December, PostNaNoPlot Perfection.

PlotWriMo initially came about to help writers who take part in NaNoWriMo and find at the end of November they are left with a whole lot of words that do not always add up to much.

PlotWriMo annually spans the entire month of December for writers who have a draft of a novel, memoir, screenplay and are wondering, now what?

This is a chance to revision and redefine the plot arch of your project before actually rewriting the manuscript. (This also works for writers without a first draft. Whether you merely have an idea for a story, a few chapters or scenes, just tweak the assignments to make them work for wherever you are in the process.)

Writers follow the blog from all over the world everyday every December for plot tips and tricks and inspiration beginning Dec. 1st to shape their words into a compelling story.

No writing is required. Instead, you'll step back and consider the overall structure and plot of your story, push aside the words and analyze the characters and dramatic action and thematic significance you have written to craft the project into a coherent piece worthy of publication. . Brainstorm for an effortless draft two in the new year.

Have an idea for a novel?

A draft of your screenplay?

Think you've finished the final draft of your memoir?

Wondering, now what?

Everyday, a manageable new assignment tailor-made for the busiest month of the year.

Day-by-day, scene-by-scene, step-by-step tips and tricks and inspiration beginning Dec. 1st.

No writing required.

Craft a draft of your work into a novel, memoir, screenplay in a month’s time.

Who: Anyone who has written a draft of a novel, memoir, or screenplay and is now ready to craft the project into a coherent piece worthy of publication.

Why: The first draft of any writing project is considered the generative phase. The muse is often responsible for much of the generative phase. The writer acts as a conduit and allows the inspiration to come through onto the page. The generative phase is all about getting the words on the page.

At the end of the generative phase, a writer is often faced with a manuscript full of holes and missteps, confusion and chaos. This is part of the process in that editing in the generative phase risks stifling the muse, which often results in stagnation.

When a writer completes the generative phase the real work begins—crafting the words into a coherent story. This is where International Plot Writing Month comes into play.

Many writers, when left with pages and pages of words, are often at a loss as to how to take their writing to the next level. Rather than shove the words about on the page, join the Plot Whisperer as she takes you through the process of crafting what you have into a viable story.

When: International Plot Writing Month begins every December 1st.

Where: Plot Whisperer blog: http://plotwhisperer.com/

I hope you'll take part in PlotWriMo come December 1st.

Also, if you'd like to plot your novel, memoir or screenplay, The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011.

For a video recap of PlotWriMo:

Deconstruct the Protagonist

2011-07-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Fascinating plot consultation today. The writer knows how she wants the story to end -- the Climax -- and needed support to find a way to get there.

I have found that writers who know the end of the story early on in the writing of a story often are able to stay on track more easily than writers who have no idea where they are going (though if you're one who has no idea of the end, eventually you'll finish the first draft and know the Climax and thus, have the same advantage as the writer who knows the Climax before starting out).

Either way, knowledge of the climax determines so many of the earlier decisions you need to make.

The action the protagonist takes at the climax reveals what traits, knowledge, and skills are necessary for her to prevail. Thus, these necessary skills will be missing at the beginning and she will need relearn or rediscover them throughout the middle. Some skills she will be learning for the first time, but the true skills necessary for success at the climax are rediscovered after having been lost or buried due to her backstory. This is a backward approach to developing a character, deconstructing the end character to determine who she is at the beginning.

Most writers write with a forward approach to developing a character. You fill in a flaw, a strength, and five other character traits on the character profile. Either you begin writing first and the character reveals these traits to you, or you decide upon the character traits first and then construct a character using those traits. However, today was the writer who represent those who write from the climax back to the beginning.

What kind of writer are you?

All of this information and will be found in:
The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. Order NOW and receive it in time to pre-plot for NaNoWriMo in November!

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Details, Transformation, and The Universal Story

2011-07-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Often, the writers who excel in conveying just the right details in a scene or depth of emotion through subtle body language during dialogue have a strength in visual perception and visual memory.

Judging from the number of writers who have commented on the fact that I wear red (one of the brand colors of BBP) in all the videos on my Plot Series vlog where I address plot issues in the Beginning and the Middle of novels, memoirs, and screenplays, I take heart that their stories resonate with subtle thematic clues.

A much smaller number of writers have noted the switch from red to purple in the videos pertaining to plotting the End of a story (to show the outward change signifying the character's ultimate transformation in the Universal Story).

Writers have a tendency to get stuck in their heads, focus on themselves, and look inward rather than outward. They obsess about the stories they write to the point that they often miss the details of the world around them.

Close your eyes. How many objects in the room you are sitting in can you describe in detail?

Pull yourself out of a conversation you are having with another person and watch the interchange, as if watching a movie.

Memorize the words the other person speaks. Note what she holds back and how she conveys meaning through nonverbal communication.

Recount the last conversation you had. What did the other person say? Your answers, or lack thereof, may surprise you.

Look at the details that surround you. What do they convey about where you are on your writer’s journey?

What can you let go of, both tangible and intangible, to move nearer to who you dream of being?

Whenever you are not writing, pay attention to the world around you and what others are saying. Jot down notes in your journal that you carry with you everywhere. Tune into the details of the natural world. The practice gets you out of your head and produces gems for the theme, mood, and nuance of your story.

Most of a writer’s genius comes in the art of the finesse. How finely you craft your project before you let it go is up to each individual writer.

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. NOW available now for pre-order!

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Step Away from all the Words of Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

2011-07-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

A writer says her story "tanks around page 25" and bores her even to try to rewrite.

I recommend she spend some time standing back from the words of her story and view the inner workings. In other words, analyze the structure before you worry too much about the details and even the words you write.

A Plot Planner is a visual line that represents the invisible energy of the Universal Story. It enables you to assess the significance of your characters and the dramatic action of your story by seeing how all the scenes work together against the backdrop of the entire piece. Such a multilayered attentiveness to your story allows for a unique perspective into the deeper meaning of your story.

A plot planner gives a visual accounting of all the scenes in a story. It helps you compare scenes that heighten conflict and suspense to those quieter scenes that show the character in control. Each scene delivers more tension and conflict than the preceding scene and builds with intensity to the story’s climax. Standing back from all the words and viewing the story as a whole allows you to better determine the causality between scenes and the overall coherence of the story. With such an insight, you are able to turn scenes with emotionally rich characters who are experiencing conflict into the driving force behind an exceptional story.

The plot planner is a visual aid to help you write and finish your project in a way that pleases you and ultimately satisfies your readers, too.

Writers report that when they hit a rough patch and lose energy for their stories, merely a switch from writing to filling in a template stimulates their creative juices. Before writers know it, they are back to writing.

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011. NOW available now for pre-order!

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Emotional Guide for Writers

2011-07-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Writing is emotional.

You face obstacles that unleash angst, which leads to procrastination.

My intention in writing

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is to shine a light on the spiritual journey writers undertake when writing a novel, memoir, and screenplay.

Stand back from your story and your own life and acknowledge the bliss you encounter and find the courage to face the difficulties, difficulties that are a reflection of where you are on your own individual Universal Story. Knowing your own strengths and weakness gives you the courage to compensate for your weaknesses and the ability to rely on your strengths.

Writing (life) isn't about what you should do and could do or need to do.

Writing is about believing entirely in yourself and the support that surrounds you.

Get through it (the the middle of your novel, memoir, screenplay anyway possible) and get to the other side (the end).Then see what you have.

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master released by Adams Media October 2011 is now available now for pre-order.

For immediate tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

The Universal Story

2011-06-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the plot consultations I do with writers from all over the world, the plot workshops and retreats I’ve taught and the novels, memoirs and screenplays I've analyzed, I have come to believe that every scene in every book is part of a Universal Story that flows throughout our lives, both in our imaginations and in the reality that surrounds us.

Every story ever told participates in this universal pattern as words grow and expand into sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. What is left after the end of the story has the potential to transform not only the writer but all those who read the story as well.

I teach the Universal Story to writers through plot. Though difficult to accomplish successfully, plot is critical to stories. As I continue to teach and write and consult, I gain new insights into plot . . . and into writers’ lives.

You bring to your writing, your art, and your stories a piece of yourself. In return, the act of creating gives you the possibility of something even greater: true transformation.

The better your understanding of how to integrate the energy of the Universal Story into your story, you come to understand yourself better. You begin to see your writing in a different light. The ways you interact with your writing and with the world around you shifts.

Be forewarned, though. Writing a story can expand your everyday life; it can also destroy the person you are now. Commit to your own journey as your protagonist embarks on hers. Explore your true essence. Whether you emerge from the experience better or worse is your choice. But I believe the act of writing offers you the possibility of transformation.

Your imagination allows you to see worlds invisible to others. Imagine the Universal Story into reality and reclaim a miraculous and mysterious way of being.

More about the Universal Story is coming in The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master in October and is now available for pre-order.

In the meantime, for tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Establish 4 Energetic Plot Markers First

2011-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Writer labels herself as a "plotter" during our plot consultation. Whether you call yourself the same or write more by the "seat of your pants", strive to identify the following 4 Energetic Markers in your story as early in the process as possible:

Since the writer has revealed to me all the defining traits of a classically left-hemisphere dominate writer, such a task of analyzation brings up no resistance from her. However, she did need help defining the four scenes for both the protagonist and the love interest, too.

Once the scenes are in place on a simple Plot Planner (my apologies for the missing marker -- the Halfway Point, it's coming in the new book) -- she is better able to see the deeper meaning and energetic flow of her story.

I'm having a tough time knowing all this info and so much more is coming in the Plot Whisperer book but... not until October. (The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master is now available for pre-order!) Hate to make you wait. In the middle of final, tiny edits on the galleys and don't have time to go into this further now. In the meantime, I hope the videos help.

For tips about the Universal Story and writing a novel, memoir or screenplay, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Writer's Goals Summer Solstice Check-In

2011-06-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

June 21st marks the beginning of summer and is the longest day of the year. After tomorrow, the days shorten until the longest night of the year on December 21st.

Where are you on your journey toward accomplishing the writing goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year?

How many pages, scenes or words are left to reach the end of this draft of your novel, memoir, screenplay?

Divide that number by the 182 days left until the 21st of Dec. The final number represents the pages, scenes or words needed per day to reach your goal.

Doable?

Revise it until it works.

To celebrate the turning of the seasons and in honor of the Universal Story:

1) Recommit to your goals.

2) Speak your goals out loud.

3) Mark the time needed to accomplish the page, scene or word count on your calendar.

Everyday, focus only on what you intend to accomplish that day. Forget the big picture for now. Concentrate on getting the words on the page.

Do not assume the journey turns effortless because of your recommitment. Expect it to become way worse. Keep writing anyway.

Writing to the End

2011-06-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

A joy working with a writer who looks to the end of her story for clues as to what belongs in the beginning.

Do you know the ending for your story?

How many books have you written from the beginning all the way to the end?

How many times have you written the beginning quarter of the book you are writing now versus how many times have you written the final quarter?

Would you call yourself someone who finishes what she begins? Someone who achieves her goals?

If not, what or whom is stopping you?

When do you predict you will finish the story you are working on now?

Thematic Significance for Writers

2011-05-31T12:22:00.001-07:00

As corny as it sounds, I'm wild about thematic significance. I mean if the Universal Story longs to manifest, what better way than through a story's deeper themes?

There are writers who excel at writing character-driven stories and those who prefer action-driven stories. Also, though I've found rarer, are writers who lean toward theme-driven stories.

Jodi Picoult in Change of Heart, shows the affects the dramatic action has on the characters' emotional development in order to bring to the fore themes about the life sentence, abuse, loss, redemption and love.

When the Killing's Done by T. S. Boyle is another thematic significance plot driven novel.

Interestingly, both of the two theme-driven writers, use multiple viewpoint characters, each with their own chapters, with a clear first line for each switch in point-of-view and creates a minimum of confusion. When readers are immediately pulled into the next character’s mind and body, readers they have little reason to feel they will miss the character they just were connected to. And, each character has a very definite point of view about the issues at hand though the protagonist's change overtime to fulfill the role of the protagonist -- the character who changes the most in the story by the dramatic action

In the first quarter of When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle, two characters alternate chapters told from their own points of view. The beginning chapters of the story are Alma’s introduction told through her grandmother’s story. The third chapter focuses on Alma herself and begins by firmly grounding the reader.

"Though Alma is trying her hardest to suppress it, the noise of the freeway is getting to her. She can’t think to slice the cherry tomatoes and dice the baby carrots, can’t clear her head, can barely hear Micah Stroud riding the tide of his emotions through the big speakers in the front room."

These two sentences immediately thrust the reader into the scene. They, showing who is doing what, how the action is emotionally affecting her, and a general idea where she is. and They also offering specific details that define herAlma: living near a noisy freeway, knowing how to cook, listening to music that rides the tide of the singer’s emotions, and a love ofloving music that is strong enough that she owns big speakers.

The next chapter switches to the male character’s point of view.

"If there is one thing he hates, it’s a runny yolk."

That’s about all the reader needs to read in order to know the main character in this chapter. He’s opinionated and narrow-minded.

By including a reference to the stereo speakers in the female point of view ties these two major viewpoint characters together long before the reader is given any other clues of other connections, one of which Alma prefers stay a secret.

The speakers also foreshadow both character's propensity to want to broadcast, get on a soap box to proclaim their point of view about the right of eradicating invasive species to bring an island back to the balance of the past versus the right of animals to life.

Though the themes that drive you to write play out more subtly in your stories, still the search for the meaning beneath our actions and into a universal truth serves the Universal Story well.

Plot Your Writer's Life

2011-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

A client and friend is near completing the rough draft of her project. Rather than jump in and write the end, she moans about all the work still left to be done to finish and then in the rewriting (I'll include another one or two or three or more of those -- and rewriting), and then all that comes after that.

Early-on she decided when the book is finished, she wants to self-publish. Now that I am going the traditional route after having self-published my first book, she asked me my opinion.

I share with you here what I shared with her. The following is based on first-hand experience having:
1) self-published Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple, my first book, and on what I have observed of clients and friends who have gone that route

2) having been invited into the traditional realm and now, working with Adam's Media a traditional, east coast publisher who will release The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of the Universal Story Structure Any Writer Can Master (which is now available for pre-order!) this October and on what I have observed of clients and friends who have been published by a traditional publisher

Comparison:
Self-publishing: the book can be written and published in a day.
Traditional publishing: the process takes longer

Self-publishing: you make all the choices about content
Traditional publishing: you work in partnership with an editor who keeps in mind the publisher's style

Self-publishing: you make all the choices about the layout and the cover design
(This is only as far as I am in the process with Adam's Media so the rest of my points are based solely on what I have gleaned through friends and family and clients who have been published through the traditional route)
Traditional: a team approach where your choices are based on a contractual agreement and respect

Self-publishing: you make all the choices about printing and distribution
Traditional publishing: this is your time to begin writing your next book

Self-publishing: you send out review copies
Traditional publishing: this is your time to fully walk into you part of the promotional, marketing and pr for the book

Self-publishing: you incur all the costs up front
Traditional publishing: you pay no expenses

Self-publishing: you earn all the profits
Traditional publishing: you earn royalties based on a contractual agreement

For my client: The sudden idea to perhaps query agents instead of self-publishing her book as she has had planned all along is simply another form of procrastination and sure to yank her off course.

I say, finish writing your book!

Transformation and the Universal Story

2011-05-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

From the hundreds of novels, memoirs and screenplays I have analyzed for plot workshops and plot retreats for more than twenty years and as I complete the final, final edit -- well, there is still the galleys to come, but still..., on the Plot Whisperer book (the cover is up on Amazon and the book available for pre-order!), I have come to appreciate that beneath every great story beats the Universal Story.

Creative writers hate to be reined in and limited by an imposed set of generally accepted plot standards on their stories, crying out that they will be come stifled and their stories cookie-cutter.

Might I suggest instead, to see that in writing with the Universal Story, your creativity and own unique voice has a place to light, to flow into, and you will more likely stay focused and achieve that long-term goal of yours to finish your story.

For more tips about the Universal Story, visit Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

What's Stopping You?

2011-05-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am always fascinated when one writer curls up in a ball and gives up and, when faced with the exact same problem, another writer is empowered to persevere.

Discovery that everything you've written sounds trite and infantile, frustration over how to get across what you are truly trying to say, a negative critique, a rejection from a query, poor reviews... we all experience a crisis, a dark night of the soul . Yet for some writers, these beliefs, limitations, judgments strip her of all her power whereas another writer listens and learns and moves on.

You can spend all your time wallowing in your backstory -- that moment when you first lost your way and relinquished a bit or all of your own personal power to an antagonist(s), be it internal or external, or you can stay in your front story of putting one foot in front of the other or one word after another on the page toward completion of your goal and hold tight to your own power -- not in resentment and revenge but in the loving embrace that all antagonists are simply in your life to challenge you to grow and stretch.

Shrivel and die

Seize your power and move forward

You decide...

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via vlog. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information.

To watch the entire Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? go to my YouTube channel. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

27 Steps to Plotting Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay Complete

2011-04-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

We did it. The Plot Series is complete!

We're not finished with our YouTube channels. A cool idea for a new plot tips series is floating in my head that pushes off from these first 27 steps and dives deeper -- a new plot series that shows what the first 27 steps tells.

The new segment is still in that fragile place between inspiration and application. Following my own advice of not showing anyone the first draft and another pearl -- don't talk away the energy, I'll leave the new series for now and move on to the real celebration.

The last quarter of the Plot Series deals with the elements needed to create the final quarter of your novel, memoir, screenplay. The end of a story is reflective of everything that comes before in the beginning and the end, which makes holding an understanding of the elements at play in this most critical phase of your story important.

Writers often write the beginning quarter of the story one hundred times while the final quarter of the story is lucky to get a complete rough draft let alone any rewriting or refinement.

Beginnings hook readers. Endings create fans.

Whether you are in the honeymoon stage of writing the beginning of your story, muddled in the middle, or powering your way through to the end, the better your grasp the significance of the end of the universal story both metaphorically and pragmatically the better your ending and overall story.

For tips on keeping the dream of your story lingering in the minds of your readers long after they put down your book, watch Step 27: The Resolution.

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information.

To watch the entire Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? go to my YouTube channel. A directory of all the steps to the series is to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Thinks Like in Fireworks!

2011-03-22T09:20:00.001-07:00

Terrific comment from a writer I work with -- she thinks like in fireworks with ideas going off in all different directions. No wonder she has difficulty pinning down her story. It's as if in every writing session she embarks on yet another story. Yet, it's obvious that her themes remain consistent throughout. Based on that we begin our work.

For her, the process is not about generating scenes. For this writer, her process involves analyzing what she does have. We begin with key scenes at energetic markers:

Since she has revealed to me all the defining traits of a classically right-hemisphere dominate writer, such a task of analyzation brings up all sorts of resistance from her.

As we work our way through the maze, her next toughest assignment is to hone in on her story and begin to commit to one route over another. She searches for assurances that the process will lead her to a publishable book in the end, which is impossible to determine until she reaches the end of the process and finds out what her story truly is all about. So, rather than commit, she continues to flit from one idea to another.

No amount of reassurances from me or anyone else about believing in and relying on the beauty of her writing brings her peace. Such a belief has to originate from inside herself. Something in her back-story seems to be preventing this. And, just like with the protagonist, as this writer writes her story, she also embarks on a personal, emotional and spiritual journey to determine how her back-story negatively affects her front story and writing life.

No wonder writing a story from the beginning all the way through to the end can take so long and become so difficult.

Even so, and setting aside her dream of publication, I still believe to my core that the process of writing and the self-discovery writing brings us are worth the time and effort. Always...

How does your back-story negatively and positively affect your front story and writing life?

Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information.

To watch the entire Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? go to my YouTube channel. Currently, there are 26 Steps -- only one more to go. A directory of all the steps is to the right of this post. Enjoy!