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Martha Alderson

Plot Consultant

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Dance between Plotting the Overall Story and Writing

October 15, 2014 By Martha Alderson

dance between plotting and writingDance between plotting and writing – Think analytically – Discover intuitively – Consider the story overall – Select every word perfect 

Living by the sea, I’m daily reminded of the value of the switching from the near view to the far and back again. Beach-combing in search of sea-glass my focus narrows. When the tide is high and the beach disappears, I scan all the way to the horizon at an expanse as big and broad as I’m able to see. 

Writing at the word level is an act of grace for writers, especially so writers who prefer turning inward rather than outward in their writing lives (inward-writing / outward-selling) and love to withdraw to the refuge of listening only to the muse. Diving deep into ideas that excite you makes you feel vital and alive. Welcoming in just the right words and images and emotions and creating beauty through your words becomes a meditation, a devotion.

Plotting at the overall story level, however, is more of a challenge. To step back and consider the story in its entirety requires the integration of themes and transformation, excitement and suspense, love and connection. Rather than through discovery at the word level, pre-plotting and plotting and testing your plot often demands stepping outside your place of comfort. Taking risks with your story, big risks, you benefit from a balance between plotting and writing.

Join me as I re-film
The 27-Step Tutorial: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay? Follow step-by-step instructions how to plot and write the rough draft of a novel, memoir, screenplay from beginning to end + receive full access to energize your passion and imagination for writing with
The Spiritual Guide for Writers: Embrace the Infinite Wisdom of the Universal Story and Transform Your Creativity the Plot Whisperer Way.

Previous Post: « It’s Not Too Late to Achieve Your Writing Goal for 2014
Next Post: Pre-Plot the Middle and End of Your Novel »

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About Martha

Martha lives at the beach along the central coast of California and draws inspiration from the surrounding nature. When not at the beach, she writes women’s fiction and is exploring what it means to leave a lasting legacy. [Read More] about About Martha

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