She stakes her claim on her story boldly and with confidence. Quickly, it becomes apparent to me that the writer is speaking in a different language. I stop her mid-sentence and ask her what happens at the climax of her story. She pauses and then continues. Still, in the foreign language. I stop her again.
"Rather than tell me about the special features and functions of the outer-space suits they're wearing and all the other technical details about the exotic world you've created for your story, tell me what the protagonist does at the climax."
She takes a stab at answering my question. Before she can leap back to her place of confidence and try to wow me with the authentic details of her story, I ask her what happens to the protagonist at the crisis of her story.
Again, another good attempt at an answer.
Not giving her a chance to say anything further, I ask her what affect the crisis has on the protagonist or, in other words, what does she learn at the crisis that helps her prevail at the climax?
The longer I probe and the deeper we dig, slowly the through-line or the primary plot that drives the external action of the story emerges. Unencumbered by the techie jargon and heavy details, the writer is free to roam the galaxy she's created in search of the dramatic action, character emotional development and thematic significance of her tale.
Yes, the authentic details she's dreamed up make her story unique and the establishment of all the inner workings of the story world is important.
Stepping back and evaluating the story at the overall plot and Universal Story level is essential.
Today, I write.
Knowing what to write where in a story with a plot allows for a more loving relationship with your writing. Whether writing a first draft or revising, if you falter wondering what comes next in a story with a plot, follow the prompts in The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing.
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
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By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 2/9/2013
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: memoirs, screenplays, plot and structure, Use of authentic details, Universal Story, primary plot in stories, plot and subplots in novels, Add a tag
By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 9/19/2012
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: rewriting, scene tracker, plot and structure, emotional change, how to begin a major revision, rewrite versus revision, PLot Planner, Add a tag
Even after all these years I delight every time I see a plot planner or scene tracker filled in. Each of the notation on this writer's scene tracker is clear and precise and the scenes flow naturally one scene to the next.
Ready for her first major rewrite, she's fumbling around, moving words. All the while, the naysayers in her mind are growing in strength. I can hear it in her voice. She's wobbly, ready to throw up her hands. Her steel resolve to finish this historical novel of 5 years is also detectable and could be the only thing keeping her going.
She's desperate for a way back into her story, not just rewriting to rewriting but inspired and eager for this next draft.
Thing is, she's one of the lucky ones. Her plot and structure are sound. Therefore, she is not undertaking a major revision. Rather, she "gets" to go back in her story and develop the skeleton she's developed. In my mind, that's the best part of writing.
The Scene Tracker gives her a way into her rewrite. The entire column under Emotional Change for nearly every scene is blank. The more I explain the significance of that column to her overall story, her voice lightens. Before long, she is interjecting ideas, fully involved and recommitted.
The best way into a rewrite is to focus on that #1 aspect of the story that is missing or could be deepened -- conflict, character, theme, emotion.
More Plot Tips:
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
By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 12/7/2010
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Martha Alderson, plot and structure, holiday guide for writers, how to plot a novel, PostNaNoPlotPerfection, 3rd Annual International Plot Writing Month, Add a tag
Today, your assignment, if you choose to say yes, is to carry your Plot Planner index cards and a pencil or pen with you everywhere.
- Story is all about character transformation. How has your protagonist been transformed by the Dramatic Action in the story?
- What is your story really saying? What do all those words you wrote add up to?
- Your story is a reflection of a truth. Not necessarily true for all time, but true for the story itself, and likely for yourself, too. What is the deeper meaning? The truth beyond the physical?
- How do the three major plot lines contribute to the overall meaning of the story?
- How do the secondary plot lines support the major plot line thematically?
- How do the secondary characters' journeys mirror the protagonist's journey?
- Does the setting in the ordinary world and the setting in the exotic world support the theme?
- What elements in the Beginning (1/4) echo back in the End (1/4)
By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 12/7/2009
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: PLot Planner, Martha Alderson, plot and structure, winter solstice and writing, writers guide through the holidays, 2nd Annual International Plot Writing Month, holiday guide for writers, Add a tag
Today, your assignment, if you choose to say yes, is to carry your Plot Planner index cards and a pencil or pen with you everywhere.
- Story is all about character transformation. How has your protagonist been transformed by the Dramatic Action in the story?
- What is your story really saying? What do all those words you wrote add up to?
- Your story is a reflection of a truth. Not necessarily true for all time, but true for the story itself, and likely for yourself, too. What is the deeper meaning? The truth beyond the physical?
- How do the secondary plot lines support the major plot line thematically?
- How do the secondary character's journey mirror the protagonist's journey?
- Does the setting support the theme?
- What elements in the Beginning (1/4) echo back in the End (1/4)
By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 12/1/2009
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Joseph Campbell, plot and structure, rewriting tips, NaNoWriMo how to rewrite, revision techniques, Add a tag
For those of you who have not yet finished the 1st draft of your story, keep writing. I encourage you to reach the end. The Climax will help with the work you do here. While you write, follow the steps outlined here throughout the month. One should not interfere with the other but rather compliment each other. (If you haven't started writing and only have an idea for a story, ignore today's prompt and adapt all future suggestions to fit your needs.)
Today's step is easy. Print out a hard copy of your manuscript. That's it.
As tempting as it is with the manuscript sitting right there in front of you, remember, no reading. Not yet. Let the story sit. Let yourself unplug from the writing side. You are now entering the analytical side.
For those of you who shudder at the thought of structure or run from the concept of plot, I'd like to share Joseph Campbell's words:
"It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life.
Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to the the source of what you are looking for. The damned thing in the cave that was so dreaded has become the center."
Plot and structure are the jewels. You'll see. Trust the process.
(If you're just joining us today, please read the last couple of posts to catch up.)
By: Alice Pope,
on 4/16/2009
Blog: Alice's CWIM blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: On Writing, Stephen King, NPR, Donald Maass, All Things Considered, Plot and Structure, James Scott Bell, Sarah Pekkanen, Writing the Breakout Novel, Add a tag
Two Writer's Digest Books Featured on All Things Considered...
We were very excited to learn that two of our books were featured on NPR yesterday in the latest installment in an All Things Considered series called Three Books. During the segment, titled Get That Book Deal: Three Books Tell You How, author Sarah Pekkanen discussed the three titles about writing that helped her the most.
Pekkanen, whose debut novel The Opposite of Me will be published next year by S&S imprint Atria, said Stephen King's On Writing inspired her; Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel (a WD book) taught her the importance of conflict; and James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure (also a WD book) kept her organized.
A related NPR piece yesterday discussed publishers gambling with big advances on what they hope to be blockbusters. (If you click through to these stories on the NPR site, you can both read them and listen to them.)
What are you favorite books on writing? Leave a comment let me and my readers know what you've found helpful or inspiring.
- To follow author James Scott Bell on Twitter, click here.
- For expert help crafting your fiction check out our array of courses by clicking here.
By: Martha Alderson, M.A.,
on 12/2/2008
Blog: Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Joseph Campbell, plot and structure, Add a tag
For those of you who have not yet finished the 1st draft of your story, keep writing. I encourage you to reach the end. The climax will help with the work you do here. While you write, also follow the steps outlined here throughout the month. One should not interfere with the other, but rather compliment each other.
Today's step is easy. Print out a hard copy of your manuscript. That's it.
As tempting as it is with the manuscript sitting right there in front of you, remember, no reading. Not yet. Let the story sit. Let yourself unplug from the writing side. You are now entering the analytical side.
For those of you who shudder at the thought of structure or run from the concept of plot, I'd like to share Joseph Campbell's words:
"It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life.
Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to the the source of what you are looking for. The damned thing in the cave that was so dreaded has become the center."
Plot and structure are the jewels. You'll see. Trust the process.
(If you're just joining us today, please read the last couple of posts to catch up.)
I continue to be amazed at the information on this blog, and its psychic abilities. How did you know that I am tired of writing? That I needed permission to think about all those scenes? That it was encouraging to see that most scenes are in place and... how did you know that I had not written the climax yet?
I hadn't written my Climax. I had no idea what to do. I decided to approach it NaNo style and pumped out as many possible or impossible scenarios as I could. I picked one and subjected myself to Write Or Die and created a vague and imperfect first draft of my main climax. I think mine has two...hmmm
Anyway thank you so much. This whole journey has been inspirational