To say that I finally understand the dynamics of plotting thanks to Martha and this book is a huge understatement. I have read hundreds of "how to" writing books and I continue to purchase just about every new one that comes out, but not a single one or a any group of them combined have done for my writing and for me what Martha Alderson and her books have done. To begin, this is the first time EVER, I have a full understanding of the left vs right brained writer concept and the individual struggles each face in addition to the strengths of each type of writer. After reading this book I finally had a plan of attack to complete my novel that I could visualize and fully comprehend.
For the longest time I felt threatened and intimidated by any type of linear plot planner, plot diagram or other plotting device that I came across in writing "how to " books. After reading this book, I not only understand it and don't run from it, but now I can actually create and benefit from my own plot planner. I only wish I would have learned the importance of all of this sooner. Whether you are a plotter or a panster; a plot driven or character driven writer, you have to understand the fundamental dynamics of story structure. You can call it or name it whatever you want, but if you do not know how to build your story it just will not work. Martha Alderson's book teaches you just that: how to build your story, layer upon layer. Most every other book I have read has taught me theory or other helpful points, but none have been able to do what The Plot Whisperer does. This book showed me what needs to be done, why it needs to be done and most importantly the order it needs to happen.
After reading this book and creating my own "plot-line" I signed up for a two hour plot consultation and I learned more in two hours than in six years of studying, reading, taking on-line classes and attending writing workshops etc. I realized that I have basically written my novel (over and over) but I was not getting my scenes and summary in the right order. I signed up for more consultations and have no doubt that my novel will be complete and ready to go for query letters in the very near future.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Whether you are a novice writer or an experienced author you will benefit from this book. The author is able to explain how the combination of your character's emotional development, dramatic action and thematic significance work alone and together to create a plot that intrigues readers. You will come away from this book with a complete understanding of story structure and the ability to master the art of storytelling. You can (I know because I have done this with six books) apply the author's technique and advice to any story (I tried a classic, a YA, and four recent best sellers) with a long piece of butcher paper and visualize how the characters are emotionally affected by the events of the story and how the dramatic action transforms the characters.
A plot planner is a visual line that allows you, the writer to assess the emotional development of your characters and the dramatic action of your story by seeing how the scenes work together. You will know when to add or reduce tension or conflict by viewing the number of scenes you have plotted either above or below the plot line. It is amazing. For me it was like the light-bulb went off and every other piece of information that I have learned about the craft of writing a novel from whatever source derived suddenly made sense to me as I saw the writing process and storytelling blueprint right in front of me with my plot planner.
I know that all of the other reviews here also recommend this book. I am afraid that none of our opinions are capable of expressing just how dynamic this book is. This is the first review I have ever written and I am an avid reader and writer. If you buy only one book a year about the writing process I implore you to let this be that book. You will not be disappointed.
Other books and writing instructors have shown or told us what needs to be done to create a great book, but this is the only book that I have read that also shows you exactly how to do it and in the exact order to do it. Beginning or completing your novel will still be hard. This book will not write your story for you, but the process will suddenly become much clearer for you. After I read this book, I asked myself, "why in the heck hasn't anyone put it together like this in one easy to follow book before?" I said more than heck, but you get the idea.
I unequivocally recommend this book. For more about the author I recommend that you visit her blog, [...] where you will find many helpful articles and can even watch her plotting videos that are available on you tube.
Thank You Martha Alderson, for this book, your blog and videos. You have enabled me to finally understand the big picture and the small important details that complete the big picture.
Melissa Sugar-Gold
[...]
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Customer reviews
My wife bought this book for me as a gift in support of my writing aspirations. For me it is a lifelong dream that is just now becoming realistic to me. I've read other books that were help (Nancy Kress's Beginnings, Middles, and Ends) and others that were not as helpful. I've also found helpful and not so helpful blog posts and podcasts. It is difficult to sort through it all. While I haven't published, I'm working on several ideas and find this book very helpful for the narrative and fiction writing. It is wonderful in its treatment as the title may suggest while also being practical and very useful. While many sites have some sort of scene tracker, I suggest you check out the template Ms. Alderson provides and her explanation for how to use it. This book provides a nice mix of structure and inspiration that I've not seen anywhere else. Needless to say, this was an awesome gift, that was found via my wish list (lol), and one that proves immensely useful. So I would definitely consider it as a gift to yourself or the aspiring writer in your life. I'm sure it's still quite helpful even if you/they have been published already. It's very accessible to anyone, and I highly recommend it. I'm looking into getting the companion workbook myself. PN
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Top reviews from other countries
Paul Goodchild
Good if you buy both
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2017Shivani
If you want to write a good story you need to know what’s in this book. I highly recommend.
Reviewed in India on May 8, 2021
If you want to write a good story you need to know what’s in this book. I highly recommend.
Reviewed in India on May 8, 2021
Absolutely a must read for anyone who wants to write a story worth re-reading again and again. It tells you how a book is a journey of development for its protagonists .. just like life. As I’m reaching chapter ten I realise that it is almost spiritual in its explanation. The main character’s journey echos my own and I realise how and what to write. It was recommended to me by another author and I will refer to it again and again I think.
Reviewed in India on May 8, 2021
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Holli Irvine
Get the Print copy if you want to see the charts best. Very readable and enjoyable!,!
Reviewed in Canada on October 5, 2017
