There are elegant ways to transition from one scene and chapter to the next. One way is to use tight cause and effect. Another is to let the last line of one chapter determine the first line of the next. Or, smoothly ground the reader in time and place while immediately connecting the reader emotionally to the point of view character. But … I digress. The point of this post is not to teach – a role I instinctively fall into. Rather, I’m here to announce that after years of writing about plot and teaching and consulting about plot and creativity, I’ve discovered how to create an elegant transition from that life to the next.
All about Letting Go
Friday, October 14th is the eleventh book birthday for The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master. I can’t think of a better time to transition from the Plot Whisperer to simply me.
The urge to let go has grown over the past few years. I’ve slowly taken steps to move away only to be seduced back into the role one way or another – love of sharing, teaching, connecting, helping others achieve their dreams, challenges, learning, growing. Shutting down what’s been years in the making has taken its own time.
Final Quarter
In rhythm with the Universal Story and based on my family’s longevity, I’m entering the final quarter of my life. In anticipation, I’ve spent months dreamed and visualized and imagined how I want to spend whatever precious time is left to me. All I’ve come up with so far is the need to shed as much as I can. Create an opening wide enough to invite in mystery, magic and miracles.
After many fits and starts, I’m nearly there.
Social Media
A solid social media following came about as a result of being the Plot Whisperer. My deep respect to everyone who helped define me, who has supported me, encouraged and believed in me left me flummoxed with how to create an elegant transition.
I’ve only sporadically posted on my Plot Whisperer social media pages for the past couple of years. Rather than let the outreach fizzle away on its own, I choose instead to finish what I started with thoughtful purpose. I’ve changed some accounts to my name only. Others I’m handing over to a couple of gifted women, overjoyed that the energy that has been created there will continue to flow. And, in that spirit, I close the circle formed over the years with affection and as a reminder of the power in each of us. The circle contains our shared hopes and reams, laughter and tears, successes and setbacks.
Good Hands
I leave you in good hands. When I started teaching plot, there weren’t many of us out there. Now there are loads of fine writing and plot teachers. I pass the crown to people like Jordan Rosenfeld, my co-author for Writing Deep Scenes. She’s a great teacher with lots of wonderful resources she’s written for writers. She has a terrific sense of humor, passion and a generous heart.
Sacred Ritual
The profound effect the Plot Whisperer book, the blog, the title and responsibility has had on me deserves a tribute to mark the day and celebrate change.
On the Plot Whisperer’s eleventh book birthday, I symbolically cross the threshold away from the past and into my future by standing on one side of a threshold surrounded by what I’m leaving: teaching and the role of Plot Whisperer, the structural tension of deadlines and posts waiting to be written, workshops taught, consultations shared, talks given, emails answered, manuscripts turned in. I step into an empty threshold, pause, glance back with love and gratitude, and then look forward with serene excitement and cross into the unknown with no expectations, no demands.
Open-hearted
Ready.
What’s Next
I already feel freer and more myself! I have no idea what’s coming. For the future to present itself, I’ve done my part by respectfully releasing the past.
I’m not leaving forever. I’ll be back, free of the roles I’ve assumed. I’ll check in and share exciting news.
Your support over the years has been a beacon of light to me. I wish for all your dreams to come true.
Plot Planner as a Story Vision Board
Follow Me!