Martha Alderson aka Plot Whisperer: Theme as a Touchstone for Writers

08 October 2012

Theme as a Touchstone for Writers

A definition of touchstone on thefreedictionary.com says: an excellent quality or example that is used to test the excellence or genuineness of others.

A thematic significance statement becomes a sort of touchstone for writers. A statement that best represents your entire story shines as an excellent example to test the excellence of each scene in relationship to the whole.

Theme Exercise:

1) Write a thematic significance statement you believe best represents the deeper meaning of your story.

2) Ask yourself:

How does the thematic statement apply to the protagonist's internal and external plot?
How does it apply to the antagonist?
What about to the romance plot?

3) Arrange the different themes and ideas that seem the truest to your story into ten thematic statements (use words you often say when attempting to convey to others what your story is really all about).

4) Hone the ten statements down to one that incorporates all the major elements and feels like the truest and best representation of your entire story.

5) Write that statement where you will see it every time you write. Use the thematic significance statement as your touchstone and a continual reminder of the focus of your story. Let the thematic significance statement help guide you.

For more about the importance of theme in stories and for more help and examples and exercises to develop a thematic significance statement of your story, see "More Plot Tips" below.

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

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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08 October 2012

Theme as a Touchstone for Writers