Martha Alderson aka Plot Whisperer: August 2012

29 August 2012

Day 5: Mega-PWWorkbook Giveaway

Today we travel to Jane Friedman: Being human at electric speed. Exploring what it means to be a writer in the digital age, with Jane as our host.

The former publisher of Writers Digest writes about herself: "I'm fascinated by the future of media, and how technologies can advance us faster than our hearts can understand. Will we allow the changes to shrink us, make us feel small -- or will be uncover new and better ways of being human."

The dramatic action has a profound affect on the protagonist and over time changes and transforms her in a meaningful way.

Jane knows everything there is about being a writer today. I am proud and honored to celebrate the final stop on our tour with her.

Jane Friedman

Last night was the book launch party for the workbook we're honoring on the tour. Standing room only. Books sold out. Cake devoured. I'll share from my talk the 5 Tips to Immediately Improve Your Plot in an upcoming post. See you over at Jane's.

Mega-giveaway. Merely comment to throw you name in the hat for a free copy of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

What's New!
Webinar Plot Workshop:
Secrets of Story Structure Plot 9/13/12
Virtual
Sign-up today

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2)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

3) 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

28 August 2012

Day 4: Mega-PWWorkbook Giveaway

Welcome back. If you took part in yesterday's Twitter PWWorkbook Giveaway, I'll announce the winner later today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Today, I am proud and excited to announce we're being hosted by Sandra Lee Smith and her blog partners at Seekerville where I posted about "Finding the Strongest Climax".

I meet Sandra and Glynna Kaye at the RWA Desert Rose Writers Conference last April where I gave a plot workshop and the last day's keynote and final workshop. Sandra and I dreamed up today way back then and here it is today.

Mega-giveaway. Merely comment to throw you name in the hat for a free copy of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

What's New!
You're invited to the book launch party TONIGHT -- the PWWorkbook coming out party. Bookshop Santa Cruz 7:30p.m.

Webinar Plot Workshop:
Secrets of Story Structure Plot 9/13/12
Virtual
Sign-up today

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2)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

3) 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

27 August 2012

Day 3: Mega-PWWorkbook Giveaway

Today, in place of a host blog for our Mega-PWWorkbook Giveway, I'm trying something new. Something I've never done before. Something I really know little about. I plan to use Twitter as my host today.

Every time you RT one of my plot tip tweets today and include #PWWorkbookgiveaway, you're in the running for a free The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories.

You can enter as many times as you like to increase your chance of winning. At the end of the day, I'll randomly pick winners.

I'm at @plotwhisperer on Twitter.

Let's see how this rolls. It should be fun and lots of plot tips will hopefully wander into writers' lives (perhaps yours?) at just the right time.

What's New!
You're invited to the book launch party on 8/28 -- the PWWorkbook coming out party. Bookshop Santa Cruz 7:30p.m.

Webinar Plot Workshop:
Secrets of Story Structure Plot 9/13/12
Virtual
Sign-up today

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2)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

3) 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

24 August 2012

Day 2: Mega-PWWorkbook Giveaway

Excited about celebrating the official release of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories, I find myself procrastinating setting up a blog tour, something that worked so well for The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master.

I contact only a few friends and blame dragging my feet on how much time and attention a blog tour demands.

On the official release date of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories, my editor asks me write another book... in three weeks. I balk until I hear his brilliant idea.

I'm hooked... and writing like mad. I'm so happy that I followed the energy and set up a mini-blog tour with a Mega-PWWorkbook Giveaway.

Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are keeping their doors open for us for another day. Come hang out. I'll take breaks from writing every second to meet my deadline on Monday. You comment for a chance to win a free copy of the workbook.

The Bookshelf Muse.

Check-in here every morning for an update where to travel for the next leg of the blog tour.

What's New!
You're invited to the book launch party on 8/28 -- the PWWorkbook coming out party. Bookshop Santa Cruz 7:30p.m.

Another mega-workbook give-away, using FaceBook and Twitter coming soon. More later...

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2) Virtual plot workshop hosted by Writers Digest. Secrets of Story Structure & Plot Sept. 13th 1p.m. EDT

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

23 August 2012

Mega-Plot Whisperer Workbook Giveaway

Last October we celebrated the official release of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master
on a mega-blog tour. This year, we're celebrating the official release of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories, on a mini-blog tour with a mega-PWWorkbook giveaway.

Thank you, Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi for kicking off the tour today at The Bookshelf Muse. Angela and Becca run the blog together and "Dedicate themselves to helping writers via descriptive tools, knowledge sharing, and support." They are co-authors of the wildly successful, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide To Character Expression.

Leave a comment on The Bookshelf Muse and you're automatically in the running for a free workbook -- several are being given away.

I'll be there all day, answering questions and commenting on comments. Actually, I'm there right now...

Check-in here every morning for an update where to travel for the next leg of the blog tour.

What's New!
You're invited to the book launch party on 8/28 -- the PWWorkbook coming out party. Bookshop Santa Cruz 7:30p.m.

Another mega-workbook give-away, using FaceBook and Twitter coming soon. More later...

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2) Virtual plot workshop hosted by Writers Digest. Secrets of Story Structure & Plot Sept. 13th 1p.m. EDT

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

17 August 2012

Keeping an Eye on the Big Picture

What's everyone chasing, doing, after? What's all the action about?

The answers to these questions may feel murky to you, even in the second and third drafts. Every time you stand back from the words and ask yourself these big picture questions, the clearer your story becomes to you. The clearer your story is to you, the more clearly you can convey the story to your readers.

The writer is writing a geo-political thriller from three points of view. Each point-of-view character represents the sensibilities of his/her own country of origin. When the end of the beginning scene explodes from a bomb, the reader is shown the carnage and impressions of the dastardly deed from each point of view, providing individual insight into the three different customs, beliefs, rules and regulations, politics, and reactions based on the influence of each individual country on each character.

Because of this presentation, the nations and politics take on characteristics of actual characters in the story and contributes to the bigger picture coming into view.

Giving input from different points of view allows for a much broader sense of a much bigger picture beyond the moment-by-moment scene and links the scenes beyond the actual setting into the psyche of the world around the characters. This adds a depth and richness to the piece and is, of course, vitally important to this particular writer and her geo-political thriller story.

What's New!
You're invited to the book launch party on 8/28 -- the PWWorkbook coming out party. Bookshop Santa Cruz 7:30p.m.

Blog tour with a mega-book giveaway. Tour the week of August 20th with us and travel to some awesome sites. Juicy plot posts.

Another mega-workbook give-away, using FaceBook and Twitter coming soon. More later...

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2) 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

3) 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

03 August 2012

Plot a Book Party

The Summer issue of the San Francisco Writers Conference Newsletter arrived today. Thank you, Barb, for so generously announcing the book launch party for the PWWorkbook with a link to this blog for more information.

You're Invited!
Book Launch Party for The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz
831-423-0900
7:30 p.m.

***Come for the cake. Leave with 5 Easy Plot Tips To Immediately Improve Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay***

The PWWorkbook's official release date is 8/18.

The book launch party on 8/28 is the workbook's coming out party.

Sandwiched between those 2 dates is a blog tour with a mega-book giveaway. Come tour with us the week of August 20th. We're traveling to some pretty awesome sites. I'll keep the plot posts juicy in as many compelling and lively ways as I can make up. Though this year's blog tour is smaller, the workbook giveaway qualifies as mega.

NOTE: I'm scheming up a bigger workbook give-away around the same time, using FaceBook and Twitter. More later...

Plot your story step-by-step with the help of The Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-by-step Exercises to Help You Create Compelling Stories

More Plot Tips:
1) Read The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master

2) 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

3) 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

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RAVE REVIEWS

For more testimonials from clients who have landed deals with major publishing houses, please visit my Testimonials board on Pinterest.

"The book you helped me work on is now out. Thanks again, dear teacher." Jana McBurney-Lin author of Blossoms and Bayonets and My Half of the Sky

"To Martha Alderson, whom I've never met, but whose books and DVDs about plot were invaluable. Thank you for all you taught me!"" Nancy Cavanaugh author of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet

"Thanks Martha! You made Nardi Point possible." Nancy LaPonzina author of Nardi Point

"I got some stimulating new ideas from you as well as much needed validation. Thank you. Thank you." Nnegest Likke writer/director of Phat Girlz

"Martha is a plot genius. She takes on my work as if it were hers, but with the perspective of an outsider, allowing me to pin-point problems I might never notice. She is fabulous to work with!" Kathleen Shoop, author of After the Fog and The Last Letter

"The project you helped me with, Talhotblond, aired on MSNBC and was purchased by a major studio for distribution. I walked away from your seminar not only more confident, and with a great roadmap, but with a burst of creativity that I haven't felt in a long time. Martha Alderson's advice really is like a secret weapon." Barbara Schroeder, writer/director of Talhotblond

"Thanks Martha! It all began with the whispering..." Shana Mahaffey author of Sounds Like Crazy

"I just wanted to let you know that my first novel, The Crows of Bedu, was just published by Pine Hill Press. I KNOW your class helped tweak it into a selling project." Nye Joell Hardy author of The Crows of Bedu

"I followed your plot planner advice for all three books and I can't even tell you how much it helped me. Before I found your method I was lost but once I started following it -- everything fell in place. Anyway -- I just wanted to touch base with you and say thanks." J. Anne Huss, author of Clutch, Fledge, Flight

"I am so happy to tell you that I have sold my first screenplay to a producer wanting to make the movie and keep me on as a writer/producer for the script SCUBA. Your instruction on structure and plot really made the difference. Thanks for giving me the tools I needed to succeed in this industry." Shawn, screenwriter

"I wish I could wrap you in the galaxy of gratitude and whirl you into the pure joy of nature! You are so generous with your time, insight, expertise, wisdom, and kindness. I am a bit overwhelmed but truly excited to get to work. Thank you." Luisa Adams, author of Woven of Water.

"Martha's gentle questions about motivations and theme led me deeper into my story. Looking for clues in the characters led to intersections with other characters, plot complications and best of all, conflict. Martha's keen insights about the structure of plot helped me better understand the story I was telling and gave the tools I needed to write it, in a new and exciting way." Terri Thayer, author of Wild Goose Chase and Stamped Out

"Lasting gratitude to Blockbuster Plots, invaluable in getting my thoughts into book form." Shreve Stockton, author of Daily Coyote

"I learned so much it is like someone opened my brain and poured in a whole new way to write. My consultation with you was invaluable. It was not only what you taught me about plot: your encouragement and enthusiasm gave me confidence. You are a genuine and generous human being, and that is the real gift." Mary Cronk Farrel, author of Fire in the Hole and Daughters of the Dust

"Thank you thank you thank you! Honestly, what a gift you're offering us." Holly Payne, author of The Virgin's Knot and The Sound of Blue

Martha is as knowledgeable and passionate about storytelling and "plotting" plot as anyone I have ever met. Her books, templates and workshops break it down and get the light bulbs going! A writer at any level will learn something." Jennifer Solow, author of The Booster

"Taking your class several years ago was integral in improving my craft as a writer and I want to make sure you know that this has been an important part of the success I've finally attained. My agent got me a two-book deal with St. Martin's Press! It's so exciting as it's hard to believe this is finally happening." Wendy Tokunaga, author of Midori by Moonlight & Love in Translation

"Martha Alderson, the 'Plotting Queen' introduced me to the front story/back story concept while I was weaving LOVE MADE OF HEART. This extraordinary teacher came through again, with her book! Just in time for me to finish weaving another novel!" Teresa LeYung Ryan , author and community member who encourages everyone to step into their dreams.

"I've taken your course, of course, and found it enormously helpful. In fact, I take your course at conferences every chance I get. Thanks, Martha! I couldn't do it without your help!" Penny Warner, author of more than 50 books including The Official Nancy Drew Handbook and Dead Man's Hand.

"Hey, regarding your book - someone sent me a copy of Chris Baty's (the creator of NaNoWritMo) book NO PLOT, NO PROBLEM. It's merely musings compared to your Bible. It would be nice, though, since 90,000 people signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year, if your book had a tie-in somehow, like maybe on Amazon's 'If you like this book, then you'll LOVE Blockbuster Plots'. Just a thought, Martha!" Mary Eastham, author of The Shadow of a Dog I Can't Forget

"I cannot stress how Martha's emphasis on the external aspect of plot drove home to me the inherent necessity for a clear plot if the story is not only to hang together and make sense, but have meaning, too." Anjuelle Floyd, author of Keeper of Secrets

"It would save a lot of people a lot of time if they did this from the start. The Plot Planner is a good tool for taking something that is huge and unwieldy (a novel) and making it something that can be understood at a glance." Jim Averbeck, author of In a Blue Room

"I loved Martha's plot planning. It works!" Adrienne Barbeau, author of There are Worse Things I Could Do

"Martha offers writers terrific plot and writing technique workshops. Check her out!" Christopher Gortner, author of The Last Queen

This book will change the way you approach writing! Martha Alderson's Scene Trackerand Plot Planner tools have helped hundreds of workshop and conference attendees hone their skills, and now you can learn how to take the fear out of plotting even if you can't attend one of her workshops. If you only buy one writing book this year, buy Blockbuster Plots! Melanie Rigney, former Writers Digest magazine editor

"How is that fabulous Block Buster Plot program going? If I get the chance to do another book, you will see me at the front of your class. Without your help plotting my book, Taking Aim at the President, I would not be published today." Geri Spieler, author of Taking Aim at the President

Marvelous! Very helpful, practical, insightful, easy to use." James Scott Bell, award winning writer and Writers Digest fiction columnist.

Writing's not easy. One of the hardest things to do well is write great plots. And because reading superbly plotted books isn't always enough to boost one's skills, Los Gatos author Martha Alderson offers a slew of ways to get your plot-lines flowing again. In addition to being the author of "Blockbuster Plots: Pure & Simple" Alderson also offers one-on-one plot consultations. You can contact her -- and keep up on local literary events, meetings, conferences, contests and retreats -- at her Web site. Santa Cruz Sentinel

Don't have problems plotting? Think a book on characterization, theme, editing or synopsis might help your writing more? Do yourself a favor and don't dismiss Blockbuster Plots: Pure & Simple on the merits of title alone.

True--the majority of the book focuses on plot, how to go about discovering the one hiding in your story and strengthening crucial details to help it become, well, the blockbuster plot you envision. But throughout the book, Alderson provides more than plotting activities--she also gives lots of insightful writing advice that help you think of ways to improve your story in different, dynamic ways.

If plots aren't your cup of tea, or maybe if they are but you're willing to look at another interpretation of how to get more mileage from them for your story, Blockbuster Plots is an excellent place to start. BOOK REVIEW by Beth Morrow

Confused about the basics of building a plot in a story? Martha Alderson's focus on how to produce a superior one applies to novels, memoirs and nonfiction alike, using scenes by contemporary writers from Twain to London to show how to create logical and substantial plots. Visual representation of scenes is the focus of a step-by-step workbook packed with tips on everything from character development and depth of story line to action and theme clarification. Any writer seeking to produce not just acceptable but superior works must have this guide. Midwest Book Review

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