The act of communication and creating is made up of energy that we often make very mysterious. We think we can’t do it, when all we need is a good guide to help us towards clarity and inspiration. My friend, Martha Alderson, aka the Plot Whisperer, is one of these good guides for writers – of any genre and level. Her books show writers (which c’mon, we all are, no matter whether you are a journal writer or published novelist) how to identify energetic plot markers, and other sage insights. Brilliant and useful information.
I’ve wanted to introduce Martha for awhile.
Martha is a good soul. She makes me smile. Her energetic advice on writing thrills me.
She’s now joined up with Jill, super-agent and founder of Jill Corcoran Literary Agency.
They created A Path To Publishing, which offers their super-smart-knowledge in two video series (and readers who leave a comment below and then hit the rafflecopter are entered into a chance to win a pass).
The two series are:
PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel In A Month
– + –
How to Write and Sell a Picture Book with a Plot
Both series are packed with exercises, experience, insight and a clear path towards publishing. The links will give you the details, samples and testimonials, but just know I’m not getting anything from this if you decide to buy. I simply want you to know about them because they understand the energetic process of writing that many writers, including myself, find valuable and beneficial, pragmatically and artistically.
AND! We all hang out at Jill and Martha’s A Path to Publishing Facebook Group, which is open to everyone. APTP Group is an busy group of members sharing many projects, advancing skills, creativity and dreams. More about all when you join the group for free.
What makes your own writing a mystery to you?
Love your comment about writers needing a guide towards clarity. That is exactly what these videos helped me achieve! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Hallee! I agree – I used to be overwhelmed with getting all my ideas onto the page, but the creative structure Jill and Martha coach takes care of that for me. Thanks for your comment!
Ideas flood my brain like hail in a spring storm. This is a good thing, when harnessed and focused. Martha and Jill’s
videos did exactly that — gave me focus and organization. Martha’s Plot Planner and Scene Tracker are genius! As a highly visual person, the Plot Planner helped me detect immediately “dead wood” scenes and chop them out, making room for focused scenes that move the plot along. The Scene Tracker assures that my scenes contain exactly what they should to keep readers hooked and turning the page. Just can’t say enough great things about Jill and Martha’s guidance through this video series.
Lyn, what a great response and engagement! I feel like I’m in the room with you creating and writing with Martha and Jill’s video series.
I have learned so much from Jill and Martha! Thanks for sharing!
Yes! And the learning just continues and continues, doesn’t it.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Christine! I love the work you do and our shared passion about energy, how it flows throughout out lives and how we can direct that flow to the greatest good for all us — two-legged and four-legged!
I love in your bio how you describe being raised with an “unshakeable truth of the unknown” and the unseen energy. I don’t often meet people who are as open and curious about both aspects and knowing you are out “there” making a difference makes me feel like I’ve got a soul sister for life!
Thanks again, for everything
Hi Martha! I want people to know how grounded and effective these videos are, as well as being a resource of inspiration, energy and take-action-now specificity! And yes, You *do* have a soul sister for life in me!
Excellent resource, I’m looking forward to learning from everyone!
Hi Ebony! Your writing will change with the PathToPub FB group and with what Martha and Jill offer. Very exciting! Welcome.
So true. The first draft is Spring Break for the Muses, with words wildly cavorting across the page like nymphs drunk on unicorn champagne. But when it comes time for revision, you need to be able to cut through the mystery and understand when and why the energy in a story shifts, and how all your story elements — plot, structure, character, theme — work together. I’m learning so much from Martha and Jill.
Eileen, you said it perfectly.
How lucky to be able to become better and make the most of it while writing and rewriting. I can’t wait to learn more and have the ideas to flow! So many details that need to be reconstructed and presented in so many different ways. That’s the magic of writing! Thank you , that’s great news!
Hi Agatha! Yes, agreed. Creating and great revising is magic!