Plot Consultant

Examples of the 2 Most Common Templates for Developing Characters

By

For examples of the 2 most common templates for developing characters I wrote about earlier in Characters in Action-Driven Novels and Those in Character-Driven Stories, I turn to the movies.  A few nights ago, engrossed in The Hundred-Foot Journey directed by Lasse Hallström from a screenplay written by Steven Knight and adapted from Richard C. Morais' 2010 novel The Hundred-Foot Journey, I was struck how perfectly Hassan exemplifies the character-driven profile while Papa Kadam assertively …

Examples of the 2 Most Common Templates for Developing CharactersRead More

Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson’s PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month with Literary Agent Jill Corcoran

By

Seven years ago, I began offering a beta version of PlotWriMo for novelists who were word-drunk from NaNoWriMo. Over the years I refined and perfected the steps to help writers revise all those words generated in November into a compelling story with a plot. (And all other novelists and memoirists and screenwriters struggling to create a pleasing stories for readers). Earlier this year, I partnered with Jill Corcoran. Together we incorporated her insight of concept and the world of publishing …

Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson’s PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month with Literary Agent Jill CorcoranRead More

The Universal Story: As Your Story Evolves, You Evolve Too

By

Universal is characteristic of the whole, covering the entire collective - everyone and everything. Story is an account of events in the evolution of something. The Universal Story embodies both these parts. An account of events in the evolution of something characteristic of the whole. The Universal Story: as Your Story Evolves, You Evolve, too   Beginnings and Ends Though we often believe we can pinpoint the moment a new life is born and the true end of life, in truth there is no true …

The Universal Story: As Your Story Evolves, You Evolve TooRead More

Plot Twists: What Are They and How to Plot Them

By

Plot twists engage readers - Twist the dramatic action in an unexpected (and carefully foreshadowed) direction so the protagonist is forced to define new goals and perform difficult tasks - pointing the reader in the direction of her true goal How to plot Plot Twists At each of the 4 Energetic Markers, imagine and list five horrible antagonists that create five most horrible events. Look for people and action that feel the most thematically true to the protagonist's ultimate transformation AND …

Plot Twists: What Are They and How to Plot ThemRead More

Day #2 — Blog Tour for PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month

By

We have 4 new blogs for you to visit today on our PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month blog tour. Comment to enter and win an observation spot in an upcoming Office Hours. We'd love you to tweet about your participation and use the hashtag #PlotWriMo. (To learn more about PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month and for "ah ha" moments from writers using the video series to revise their novels, click HERE.) The 4 blogs to visit today: Write Learn Create Connect 1st 10 Pages: 1st …

Day #2 — Blog Tour for PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a MonthRead More

Keep in touch. Sign-up for Martha’s newsletter.
Through a few newsletters each year, catch up on her events, giveaways, new releases and more.
We do not share your email address 

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Martha Alderson will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.