If I have not been blogging recently, blame it on Martha Alderson's THE PLOT WHISPERER. This paperback book has broken me out of my writing doldrums and has helped focus and align my re-write of a book that had me stumped for awhile—a more serious book than I've written before, dealing with how a family copes with tragedy.
What is so unique about THE PLOT WHISPERER?
For one thing, Alderson has a spiritual approach—and by that, I don't mean religious. She asks you to commit to yourself, to define your own goals, even while defining your main character's goals and commitments. She asks you to examine the deeper themes of your own life, so that you can tap into the deeper themes of your characters' lives.
She also takes the concept of "plot" far beyond the usual focus on story trajectory (rising action, building tension, climax and resolution), tying it into what she calls "The Universal Story", the story that unfolds in each of our own lives and in nature itself. She points out that there are really three plot lines in every great book: the dramatic action plot; the character emotional development plot; and the thematic significance plot. These themes interact with one another and affect each other throughout the entire book, and each has their own resolution.
A word about Alderson's approach to character development: it goes far beyond character description, hobbies, hopes, fears, family constellation, etc. It brings a fresh slant to the question, "What does your character want, and what is keeping him/her from it?" Alderson takes all of this to a deeper dimension; What does the character bring to the point where the story unfolds? What is the history to why your character wants what he or she wants? What is the past "wound" driving the character's goals, giving them such urgency? And how does that affect your MC's reactions to events—reactions that will, in turn, affect the plot?
Alderson counsels you to know those issues about all of your characters, the main ones and the supporting cast. She suggests you must know the themes of their lives as well, their lietmotifs, because—just as in real life—when characters interact, their issues affect each other and the ensuing action. Themes, character and plot interweave and interact throughout the book.
10 Comments on A Book I Want to Recommend for Writers, last added: 12/18/2011
Sounds like an excellent book. I'll have to try it.
Hi Elizabeth - thank you for taking part in my blog launch party today and leaving a comment. I really appreciate the support and hope to get to know you better on line in future. Kindest regards, Janice xx
That really sounds great!! Just may have to get that one (when I get some $$). I like the idea of the 3 plot lines that affect each other--action, character, and theme. :)
A non-religious, spiritual approach? I might have to check this out. You know an author has made their mark when they come out with their own "how to" book. :)
This sounds fantastic! I will have to get this book.
I have gained an enormous amount from The Children's Book Hub (an online resource and interaction group for writers and illustrators) -- not a book, I know, but a wealth of information. (Requires a paid membership, but we have a FREE Facebook Group.)
That book sounds really good. Very helpful.
Thanks for the recommendation and review. I'll take a look at this one.
I have heard about this book on Jill Corcoran's blog. It sounds wonderful. I am glad that its helping you polish and re-define your book, Elizabeth.
Janice - wWelcome to my blog. I look forward to visiting yours often also.
Richard, Rebecca, and Rosi - Yes do get that book, you won't be disappointed.
elizabethanne - Thanks for the recommended site. It certainly sounds interesting.
Carol - Those three intersecting plotlines are only one part of what is so unique about this book.
David - That is so true. Alderson is a well-published author and does workshops on plot as well.
Rachna - The You-Tubes are really quite useful. That's how I got started. You can start on #1 at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESfT2Lh1cWo&feature=related
Oh, excellent timing! I've just started watching the youtube series recently, it's full of great advice!