Blockbuster Plots: Pure & Simple

Have you ever been deep in the writing of a novel - only to discover that you've lost the thread, that the plot doesn't square up the way you thought? Do you find yourself swimming in deep water - or perhaps completely over your head - when you think about plot? Even worse, have your initial readers told you that your plot doesn't make sense? If so, this is the book for you. Whether you plan your plots in advance or improvise as you go along, Martha Alderson's two major tools, the Scene Tracker and the Plot Planner, will improve your overall writing product. By the time you finish this book, you'll have learned seven major ways to improve your novel, and you'll have a much better grasp of the plot and structure of any book you choose to create. With the use of Scene Tracker, Alderson artfully explains how to break down your work to identify scenes, then determine when to use scene and/or narrative and decide how to keep track of flashbacks, the timeline, character development, goals, conflict, theme, and change, all in an organized and effective manner. In the second half of the book, the Plot Planner is used to work through beginning, middle, and end, with careful focus upon cause and effect, character emotional development, and thematic significance. Step-by-step guidance is provided. To demonstrate the principles throughout, the author uses examples from the work of authors like Ursula Hegi, Cormac McCarthy, and Billie Letts. Appendices are included breaking down scenes and plot from the work of Mark Twain, Ernest J. Gaines, and John Steinbeck. This book will assist the budding new writer and the already-published author. It's easy to follow, the tools are accessible, the text is filled with good advice, and the book is laid out so that there is plenty of space to make notes or to use it as a workbook. Students of the Craft need this book, but writing teachers will also find the book useful. Highly recommended.

Some writers make plot seem effortless. It's not. This book gives you a step by step plan (which is what I need when I get stuck)and great examples. It shows you how to map out the three crucial pieces of your puzzle and coaches you along for the rest of the ride. I like the templates and it's very "How To" frankness. This book obviously understands that one of the main reasons we get stuck is that we get stressed out about getting stuck! I'm working now on my second novel and the pressure's on! This book helped me see that even without all the answers I can still do the work. By doing the assignments in the book, the answers begin to fall into place. Jennifer Solow Author of THE BOOSTER

As a writer of two successfully published books, I hit a brick wall on my third. This book breaks down plot -- the problem area for me, and I believe is likely true for most writers as well -- in such a simple, direct method that now I'm off and running again. Just ordered the DVD and am looking forward to seeing what she writes about in action.

When I started writing I was overwhelmed with all the elements I had to keep in mind, but what I found is that plot is basic. This book is like a tool chest for writers, filled with all the compartments in all the exact places I need them, keeping me organized. I can't imagine writing without this book out. This is the reference I have out at all times, I never put it away. When I tend to stray I go back to the book and it helps gets me back on track with my plotting. Because I liked the book, I bought the kit. I've saved hours and hours of rewrites.

What an outstanding writing guide! Very easy to follow and well organized. Plus it's full of useful tips and ideas with a user friendly web site to back it all up! As a new writer, this book has helped eliminate my frustrations of plot and given me the tools to organize my writing efficiently. I am so thankful to have found a guide that improved my writing instantly. I continue to reference it. Author Martha Alderson's excellent writing and teaching skills seen throughout this book will greatly benefit writers of all levels.