2013: Your Year to Write a Story with a Plot

In honor of my new book, The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing, I invite you to join me in writing a new story, one prompt at a time.

Today is all about beginnings.

"Beginnings form the foundations upon which everything else rests. Beginnings, through fragile, emody great heart and great hope."

Beginnings can also be scary, especially when you step out without much of a pre-plot plan about what you're writing.

Tips for both PlotWriMo writers turned rewriters and PWPrompt writers how to write first scene of your novel, memoir, screenplay, watch: Plot Tip: First Sentence / Paragraph of a Story

If you're following along and wish to comment or ask questions, please use Twitter and be sure to include @plotwhisperer and #pwprompt to catch my attention.

The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to finish every one of your writing projects. This book guides you through each stage of the writing process, from constructing compelling characters to establishing an unforgettable ending. The book also helps you get into the habit of writing creatively every day, with brand-new imaginative prompts for how to write a novel, memoir, screenplay with a plot. 

Join me here everyday as together we write our stories from page one and through all the prompts to the very end.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms used here and in the PW Book of Prompts:
1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

5th Annual Plot Writing Month ~~ Day Thirty-One

Today marks the final day of the 5th Annual International Plot Writing Month also known as PostNaNoPlotPerfection aka PlotWriMo for writers intent on crafting a story with a plot.

Tonight after all the festivities of saying goodbye to '12 and greeting '13 wind down and before you fall asleep, see yourself tomorrow writing. 

I'm beginning a new story tomorrow following one prompt at a time from The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. We'll likely move through our stories at a similar pace. Continue to visit here for plot support, one scene at a time, one writing day at a time.

May all your dreams come true next year...

Available Now:
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to finish every one of your writing projects. This book guides you through each stage of the writing process, from constructing compelling characters to establishing an unforgettable ending. The book also helps you get into the habit of writing creatively every day, with brand-new imaginative prompts for how to write a novel, memoir, screenplay with a plot. 

Join me here 1/1/13 and together we'll write our stories from page one and working our way through the prompts all the way to the end.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms we use throughout December:
1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

5th Annual Plot Writing Month ~~ Day Thirty

5th Annual International Plot Writing Month and 2012 are nearly spent.

5 Steps to complete today:

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

2) Organize your space. Purge and cleanse the space of everything but your manuscript and notes. Organize extraneous notes in file folders by chapter or add to your Plot Planner.

3) Hang your Plot Planner for easy viewing. Keep extra sticky notes and a pen nearby.

4) Create your writing schedule for the new year. Take out the 2013 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.

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 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 you'll put yourself and your writing last, which invariably means you'll not get to it.

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

5) If you plan to write during family time, consider creating some sort of signal so family members know you're working and honor your uninterrupted time. Isabel Allende lights a candle and as long as the candle burns her family knows not to bother her. Hang a sign with "office hours" for that day. As long as the sign hangs, no one enter. The more seriously you take your writing time, the more seriously your family and friends honor your writing time, too.

Available Now:
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to finish every one of your writing projects. This book guides you through each stage of the writing process, from constructing compelling characters to establishing an unforgettable ending. The book also helps you get into the habit of writing creatively every day, with brand-new imaginative prompts for how to write a novel, memoir, screenplay with a plot. 

Join me here 1/1/13 and together we'll write our stories from page one and working our way through the prompts all the way to the end.

To familiarize yourself with the basic plot terms we use throughout December:
1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.
2) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

5th Annual International Plot Writing Month

Welcome to the 5th Annual International Plot Writing Month aka PostNaNoPlotPerfection and PlotWriMo.

Today begins a month-long opportunity to refine the plot arc of your novel, memoir, and screenplay.

If you participated in NaNoWriMo 2012, congratulations. You've done what many people talk and dream of doing -- you have written an entire story from beginning to end.

If you recently resurrected a writing project you let languish for years, congratulations for believing again in your dreams.

Now comes time to craft your novel, memoir, screenplay into a coherent piece worthy of publication.

Everyday this month, stand back from your words to see the bigger picture of your story through the Universal Story. Analyze what you've written and brainstorm for an effortless rewrite in January '13. (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.)

No writing required.

Following are a few caveats for our month together:

1) Do NOT show anyone what you've written so far. The first draft of any writing project is considered the generative phase. At the end of the generative phase, you often hold a manuscript full of holes and missteps, confusion and chaos. This is part of the process in that editing and/or an unbridled internal critic in the generative phase risks stifling the muse, which often results in stagnation.

Your first draft is a fragile thread of a dream. You know what you want to convey, well, maybe and sort of. Few writers can adequately communicate a complete vision in the first draft of a story, especially when writing by the seat of your pants. Allow others to read your writing now and you risk losing energy for your story and becoming overwhelmed by the task ahead of you.

2) Do NOT read what you've written. I know, I know. You're anxious to read your hard work. However, the longer you give yourself before actually reading your first draft, the better. If you read your manuscript now, you're still close enough to the work that you'll automatically fill in the gaps. Give yourself distance first. This allows you to read your work more objectively later.

3) Believe that the plot problems you may confront during December can be solved.

Let's get started!

By now, you know who the protagonist of your story is. Stories are about character transformation. Women often write stories with multiple characters, all of whom are changed in one degree or another by the dramatic action in the story. The character who is most transformed by the dramatic action in your story is your protagonist.

Fill out the following for your protagonist. (If you've filled out a character profile(s) previously, do not refer back to that version. Start fresh and then compare.) If you have written a story with multiple viewpoint characters or strong secondary characters fill out the following for those characters as well. If the major antagonist(s) in your story is a person, fill out the following for that character, too. (If you filled out this profile(s) at an earlier point in your writing, do it again now without referring to the earlier form(s))

CHARACTER EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFILE

Character’s name:

Dramatic Action Plot
Overall story goal:
What stands in her way:
What does she stand to lose:

Character Emotional Development Plot
Flaw:
Strength:
Hates:
Loves:
Fears:
Dream:
Secret:

(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 plotting a novel, memoir or screenplay.)

Good luck! And remember, as tempting as it is, do NOT read your first draft. That will come later. For now, use what you know about your characters to fill out the form.

****Play along in the PlotWriMo Contest and win your choice of plot books in the Plot Whisperer series****

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

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

1) Watch the plot playlists on the Plot Whisperer Youtube channel.

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

3) Fill out the exercises in The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories 

4) Visit:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers

Plot Whisperer on Facebook
Plot Whisperer on Twitter

5th Annual PlotWriMo Contest

For four years I've offered PlotWriMo as my gift to writers everywhere for fearlessly writing stories w/ plots. Let your friends know about to the event where I provide daily revision prompts, taking into consideration the time of year. 

As my thanks to you for spreading the word, I'm awarding:

• The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories 

or 

• The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing 

Every week, the writer with the most Tweets & RTs (there's also MT, I believe, though I have no idea what it means) using #plotwrimo and @plotwhisperer that week is awarded your choice of any one of the three plot books in the Plot Whisperer series.

(Note: I just now realize that for an accurate count, you must include @plotwhisperer along with #plotwrimo)

One winner is awarded each of the following weeks:

Saturday, Dec. 1st -- Friday, Dec. 7th 

Saturday, Dec. 8th -- Friday, Dec. 14th 

Saturday, Dec. 15th -- Friday, Dec. 21st 

Saturday, Dec. 22nd -- Friday, Dec. 28th 

Note:
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing isn't officially due out until January. However, if the other two plots books in the Plot Whisperer series are any indication, PW Book of Writing Prompts will begin shipping in Dec. If PW Book of Prompts is your choice, you may have to wait for a week or two or so.

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

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

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing

Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

1) Plot your story step-by-step with the help of

The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

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

3) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. Scroll down on the left of this post for a directory of all the steps to the series. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

4) Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. Scroll down on the right of this post for a directory the book examples and plot elements discussed.

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

5th Annual International Plot Writing Month aka PlotWriMo

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

PlotWriMo, also affectionally known as PostNaNoPlotPerfection, came about five years ago 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 five years the Plot Whisperer blog has been dedicated to answering that question for all writers ready for a major revision.

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

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

1) Plot your story step-by-step with the help of

The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

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

3) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. Scroll down on the left of this post for a directory of all the steps to the series. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

4) Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. Scroll down on the right of this post for a directory the book examples and plot elements discussed.

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

5th Annual International Plot Writing Month aka PlotWriMo

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.

This year, to celebrate PlotWriMo's 5th birthday, I'm offering a free Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Write a Compelling Story every week during December to the person who tweets the most messages using the hash tag #plotwrimo for that week.

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:

How Do I Plot the End of a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay

For those of you finishing up a draft to follow along during PlotWriMo, feel free to visit:

Plot Whisperer Youtube Channel

for the playlist devoted to plot tips for writing the

End of a novel, memoir, screenplay.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Next month is PlotWriMo when I guide you through re"vision"ing your plot arc for a major rewrite in the new year.

While awaiting December 1st, I offer plot tips via Twitter and Facebook to ensure your success in achieving your writing goals during NaNoWriMo and thus have a rough draft to revision throughout December.

I hope to periodically extend more in-depth plot support on this blog during November, though I'm mostly saving my energy for next month when I'll blog about each new revision step everyday for the entire month.

Of course, you can always create plot while you write during NaNoWriMo with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

More Plot Tips: 
1) Plot your story step-by-step with the help of

The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

2) For plot concepts and insight into the roller-coaster ride writing a novel, memoir, screenplay can be, read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

3) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. Scroll down on the left of this post for a directory of all the steps to the series. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

4) Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. Scroll down on the right of this post for a directory the book examples and plot elements discussed.

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

Writing the End of a Story

As you write to the end, keep in mind where your character is going, what she believes she needs to confront in order to be complete or to make up for what happened at the crisis, and that one thing she’s been waiting to do her entire life. Identify the special skills and knowledge she needs to succeed at the climax.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Next month is PlotWriMo when I guide you through re"vision"ing your plot arc for a major rewrite in the new year.

While awaiting December 1st, I offer plot tips via Twitter and Facebook to ensure your success in achieving your writing goals during NaNoWriMo and thus have a rough draft to revision throughout December.

I hope to periodically extend more in-depth plot support on this blog during November, though I'm mostly saving my energy for next month when I'll blog about each new revision step everyday for the entire month.

Of course, you can always create plot while you write during NaNoWriMo with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

More Plot Tips: 

1) Plot your story step-by-step with the help of

The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

2) For plot concepts and insight into the roller-coaster ride writing a novel, memoir, screenplay can be, read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

3) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. Scroll down on the left of this post for a directory of all the steps to the series. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

4) Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. Scroll down on the right of this post for a directory the book examples and plot elements discussed.

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

NaNoWriMo Plot Tips

SPECIAL NOTE:

Next month is PlotWriMo when I guide you through re"vision"ing your plot arc for a major rewrite in the new year.

While awaiting December 1st, I offer plot tips via Twitter and Facebook to ensure your success in achieving your writing goals during NaNoWriMo and thus have a rough draft to revision throughout December.

I hope to periodically extend more in-depth plot support on this blog during November, though I'm mostly saving my energy for next month when I'll blog about each new revision step everyday for the entire month.

Of course, you can always create plot while you write during NaNoWriMo with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

Coming Soon! 
The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing. Available for pre-order now. Ships 12/12.

More Plot Tips: 

1) Plot your story step-by-step with the help of

The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

2) For plot concepts and insight into the roller-coaster ride writing a novel, memoir, screenplay can be, read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

3) Watch the Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? on YouTube. Scroll down on the left of this post for a directory of all the steps to the series. 27-step tutorial on Youtube

4) Watch the Monday Morning Plot Book Group Series on YouTube. Scroll down on the right of this post for a directory the book examples and plot elements discussed.

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