"My dream is to write a stories with provocative, unique characters, dynamic, tension-filled stories - page turners nobody can put down. Those are the books I love to read - the ones that hook me in from the very first paragraph. The key to that is plot, plain and simple. Great writing is the icing on the cake.

Martha is as knowledgeable and passionate about storytelling and "plotting" plot as anyone I have ever met. Her books, templates and workshops break it down and get the light bulbs going! A writer at any level will learn something. I can imagine myself seeking her out again and again for coaching along the way.

She can't do the puzzle for you but she can help you find those precious corner pieces and everything can fall into place after that."

"I'm not in the habit of gushing, but you really are terriffic, Martha! I hope people do tell you that now and then. I got so much out of the plot workshop, not just the techniques, though they will be very valuable to me, and already are, but THE MAIN THING YOU GAVE ME was confidence in my own abilities and instincts and the inspiration to really go to work writing once more. I can't thank you enough. I believe that I should have a complete rough draft in a year to a year-and-a-half, and then you'll be hearing from me with a request for a consultation. Keep up the great work, including the e-zine. I'm sure there will be many writers with success stories (as opposed to that other kind of stories we all know about as writers) who will owe a great deal of it to you. I plan to be one of them! Thanks so much, and many blessings to you for your bright spirit and your willingness to share!"

Maribeth Craig (Young Adult)

""I loved Martha's workshop on plot planning. It works!""

"You are an amazing teacher! Yesterday I left your house with the strongest feeling that I can get a handle on this overwhelming task of writing a novel. Thank you for what you are doing. The whole day was rich with an energy of comfort and compassion and caring. How blessed we were to come together as writers and share in a safe environment the stories we struggle with in our heads and hearts. I have much work to do now that I see the overall scope of my project. So, thank you again!" Elaine (historical novel)

I've taken your course, of course, and found it enormously helpful. In fact, I take your course at conferences every chance I get. I need the repetition! Before I took your course, I did a simple outline from A to B to C. Now I have more depth in the outline, thanks to your tips. Thanks, Martha! I couldn't do it without your help!" Penny Warner, author of more than 50 books

"Thanks for the great class yesterday. Before attending your class, I had lots of great ideas, but didn't know how to organize them. While going through your scene tracker program, it felt as if a log jam had been released, and all my ideas flowed easily onto the page in a perfectly logical, and hopefully suspenseful fashion. I left with enough enthusiasm and energy to really get to work and finish up my novel. " Colleen (suspense novel)

"I have finished the first draft of my first novel and I wanted to take a look at it with some fresh tools to find a direction or focus for the first revision. I think all of [the plot workshop] is useful. It's very well organized and I think it is a very good idea for people to take a look at their stories with a analytical approach. It would save a lot of people a lot of time if they did this from the start. I finished up the plot planner for my story when I got home. It's a good tool for taking something that is huge and unwieldy (a novel) and making it something that can be understood at a glance. I discovered that I may have a lull in the action in my story (too many scenes below the line in the middle) and now I will increase the tension in those through really hitting the characters flaws and fears. On the bright side, my ending is very above the line very fast and intense, which, I think, is good. "J. Averbeck (writer of children's and young adult fiction)

"Although you didn't ask for it, I'd like offer gratitude and say a little about the benefits I got from your workshop. I've attended many conferences/workshops and I rarely am moved to send unsolicited approbation.
First, thank you for sharing your honed understanding of the craft of plotting with others. It is a real gift. You have such a deep knowledge of the problem we were all facing that you can off the cuff respond to deep questions that have been keeping us from moving forward. Each of us with our capricious muses were mucking about in our own personal muddles. Although it's not shake and bake solution; we still need to put in the heart and work, you've provided us with tools that make it possible to work from muddle to middle (forgive pun) of the story. I think I know where to go next. Thanks!" Heather Hughes (young adult)

"Thanks again for coming to Washington and delivering such a life changing class. My bedroom walls are covered in white paper, my plot line is eager to be understood, and my heart is willling; all because of you. Take care and happy teaching" P. Sorbel (mainstream novel) "I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful class. I was so pleased, I forgot to tell you the most exciting thing I learned; my current project seems pretty on target, but I have an early novel that has always been fatally flawed -- I just didn't know why. I love this story to death, but it has always seemed D.O.A. Now I know what's wrong with it (it is all backstory), and I can repair it. Thank you so much." N. Marnach (mainstream novel)

"I want you to know the workshop was a watershed experience. I saw so clearly what it will take to make it into first class. I feel I have entered a new arena. Not back to step one, but onto a new step one at this place on the spiral. Thanks for this push into yet deeper learnning. I will do my best to pull it off" L. Scott (memoir)

"The workshop was just what I needed. It really helped clarify things and your suggeston to simplify the first chapter was a life-saver! I highly recommend this woskhop for any writer who is stuck, confused, doubtful or who has been listening to their Inner Critic too long. Martha will get you through it, and remind you of the joy and magic of writing." M. Mateas (fiction writer) "Martha, I just want to thank you again for one of the most exciting six hours I've spent in a long time. Isn't it thrilling to learn something new? I came to your class with much trepidation and left with enormous excitement. I can't wait to put what you've taught me to use. " D. Ober (fiction writer)

"Your class material and teaching skill continually amazed me and I delighted in the way you presented it. I hope to take another workshop with you soon." "I attended the plot intensive in order to understand how to structure the plot of my book. I'm writing non-fiction biography, so thought the plot was already written for me. I didn't realize that I still needed to pick and choose, hang the scenes together and create tension even in non-fiction. The actual plot graphic and structure was the most useful information. In addition, the way each scene is given a value in terms of "character," "information," "theme," and "action" helps to undersand the dynmic of each part of the book. The process is like a roadmap in terms of breaking down the book into component parts that one can then piece together.

You have a fantastic tool to help writers plot out scene, create tension and construct a story. I've had several "aha" moments ever since I've taken your workshop. I was struggling with how to build in my back story. I know what it was, but I wasn't sure how to plot it. Now I know, thanks to you. However, I'm not through with you yet." G. Spieler (non-fiction biography)

"As before, I enjoyed the writing workshop. You have such amazing energy and really seem to enjoy helping us all, whatever our level of writing. I came to the intensive because I'm still trying to make this romance novel work. Too much action, not enough character development. I also came because I think you're very good at helping us as writers. The information I found most useful this time was how to make my manuscript more visual, lay it out like scenes in a movie. I also like the one-on-one personal conference." P. Nipper (romance)

"I got so much out of your writing workshop. I thought it struck the perfect balance on many fronts. Instead of taking up time with pointless exercises to be shared with the group (as many writing workshops do), the exercises you provided were directly related to my project and I got as much out of them as I could put into them. You spent the right amount of time lecturing and fielding questions from participants, and the lectures were full of relevant, practical information that I could directly apply to my novel. The ten-minute consultations were an added bonus -- you were very skilled at giving worthwhile feedback in such a short timeframe. It was quite valuable. I can't say enough how *practical* this workshop was for me and I rarely have encountered this in other workshops and classes I have taken. It was also unique because the level of writing of the participants in no way affected the workshop -- a real plus and an issue that can bring a workshop to its knees." W. Tokunaga (mainstream novel)

"In our private consulation last month the main thing I came away with was getting everything above the line and giving the reader much more dialogue to read. It was an easy transition and now, when I'm creating a scene, I plan it very differently so that I can incorporate those elements. Yesterday, I came away from the intensive with a firm belief that I should be planning my scenes much further ahead than I've been doing. I like your idea of spending quite a bit of time doing nothng but planning before starting to write. So far, the way I've been doing it is working just okay. Some days, when I haven't planned what the next scene is, I'll just sit and stare at the keyboard. Or worse, type a few lines and then delete them. Type a few more, delete. Type, delete. And on it goes until a legitimate idea works its way into my brain. I hate that. Thanks again for your time yesterday." M. Michaels (children's chapter book)

"The first time I took the Plot Intensive workshop, I understood the value of the pre-plotted graph (ie: crisis and climax). This time, the second time, I heard more details, especially the importance of while you're plotting to think about cause-and-effect. Why did this happen? Does it make sense in terms of moving the story forward? Also, I was just starting a new short story, so was able to relate movements along the plot line to my characters." D. Benham (mystery)

"Expectations: Since this was only my second writers workshop I only wanted to learn importance of plot and a process for plot development. What you delivered: A meal with food to feed any writer's soul - magical morsels of cause and effect, side dishes of insight and support, tasty bits of good course design, bowls of enthusiasm and the main course, a plot process to ensure satisfaction for both the writer and the reader. I left fully saited. Thank you!" R. Derbas (historical mystery)

"Thanks for the wonderful day. Besides the most important experience-gaining knowledge, these are other things I appreciated:
Your casual professionalism
Starting on time
Deferring questions
Deferring introductions til lunch
Wonderful soup and marvelous bread/cheese and apples
But most of all, besides what was presented, I loved the spirituality
oozing from the woodwork, wafting through the floorboards, spiraling down the staircase." J.Wirzberger (mainstream novel)

"Obviously you are the quintessential queen of understatement or even obfuscation, and I quote, "…get ready for some amazing insight into your writing life!" WELL!!! I knew that my story was flat and did not have the punch it deserved and needed (desperately). I was hoping to learn what I could do to fix the flat tire. However, I did not anticipate the amount of information you gave us. Although, I left reeling from so much input, I am very glad I attended your workshop. Thank you so much for your time and your warm support. I look forward to your next workshop. R. Bock (memoir)

"I had a painful back-story, but no agent wanted the project because it lacked character growth; because there was no plotline to show growth and that's when guardian angels sent Martha. She woke me up by saying, 'Where's your front story?' In other words; Honey, you ain't got no plotline!" T. LeYung Ryan (author of Love Made of Heart) ISBN 0-7582-0216-4

"I've worked past my writer's block and the words are flowing! I've written 3 chapters already! Will keep you posted and it was all due to your wonderful workshop! P. Cuendet (children stories and young adult historical)

"The intensive really helped me to "discover" the underlying structure of my novel. I was telling people afterwards that I had always known there was a plot in there somewhere, but it was like the block of marble with the statue in it: Michaangelo said he had to chip away everything that wasn't the figure of David. I had to cut through all my various ideas about the book to get to the bones of the story I want to tell." R. Johnston (historical fiction)

"I found the workshop VERY informative. It really helped me take this idea of a story based on my grandparent's letters and give it form and shape. Before the workshop, I really didn't know where to start with my book, how to make it work, After plotting it out on a plot line, I can see where I can move things around a bit, pump up the conflict and make it an interesting and beautiful story. It was money well spent, if only because I felt good enough about things when I left that I feel ready to start writing scenes. Up to this point, I have been hiding behind "research" and "percolating" the story. I hope to do the workshop again when I complete the first draft of the book." K. Toensfeldt (historical fiction)

"Martha enthusiastically shared her abundant knowledge with our group. I learned how to deal with my fear of failing as a writer and I learned how to avoid writer's block. I also learned how to structure my stories to have an interesting front story and a compelling back-story. I now have the confidence to finish my stories instead of leaving them half done in a heap in the bottom drawer. Just days before the seminar, Martha said that I should expect the seminar to be a magical experience. I was definitely magical for me." D. Broetzman (short story writer)

"Martha was a good teacher and the session was worth the time and dollars." J. O'brien (historical) "I learned so much from Martha! The spot in Paradise was abundant with food, flowers and information. From the seminar I had hoped to find connections, look at missing pieces, and formulate a strategy for my novel. Her information certainly did help me realize what I need to do in revision. When I've got it all working, I would like to revisit." J. Melvin (historical)

"Thank you for having me in the workshop. I found it informative and inspiring even though I am a complete beginner. I especially appreciate your nurturing way of teaching as well as the safe and comfortable environment you provided us." J. Agcongay (historical) "As a professor, I do not mind giving a long, drawn-out lecture to students, but I get quickly bored listening to others talk even for an hour. My eyes tend to close for a relaxing nap without snoring. In your 5-hour workshop, however, my eyes stayed open. Not only that, you have provided me the tools needed to complete my New York times best seller (I have not told NY Times yet!) in a more effective and interesting way." C. Hi Dong (memoirist)

"The class was very helpful. I wanted a jump-start for my long smoldering novel and go the momentum to get me through. Thanks again for the class." R. Faitos (mystery)

Two Hour Plot Workshop "The plotting workshop helped me realize that the exciting manuscript I thought I had was really pretty lifeless. It gave me the tools to breathe life into what, otherwise, would have been a very dead read." J McBurney-Lin, author of My Half of the Sky www.komenarpublishing.com

"I just have to tell you how much your wonderful presentation [for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Romance Writers of America] has helped my current writing dilemna. I had been stuck for weeks. When I got home, I met with a local writer friend and discussed your presentation with him. He immediatley ordered your book and we both plan to use your method in our writing sessions. But even with the information I currently have from your presentation and the first half of your book that I've read, we were able to pinpoint problems in both of our WIPs. We both went from disappointing writer's block, to jazzed and excited about picking up our WIPs again.

"We want to thank you again for showing us how to strengthen the underlying structure of our plots. Your Saturday workshop and its unique approach to plotting left us inspired and ready to successfully tackle our writing projects. Plus you may have started a new home decorating trend. Walls embellished with scene trackers on "butcher" paper! " Joli, Jan and Evelyn (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators "Thank you for your stunning presentation today. Our members were very impressed and I've had tremendously positive feedback." W. Gourlay (California Writers Club Central Coast Branch)

"Your lecture was so wonderful. I think what I love about hearing you talk is that I get something more than a talk on writing. I guess it's your enthusiam and the wholistic feeling of your approach, and your vast knowledge of your subject. The SCBWI e-list has been very active this week--everyone has been raving about last Saturday's workshop." J. Davis (Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators)

"You did a great job at the writing workshop. I found it especially gratifying that your workshop was a real workshop-some the club has had in the past have [been billed as a workshop but ended up] just being a talk." M. Davis (mainstream)

"The all day workshop presented at the Sheraton Hotel November 12th by Martha Alderson was a fantastic success. INTENSIVE it was called and intensive it was. The use of butcher paper tacked up across the walls at home for tracking scenes and planning plots was rather startling. However, she was quick to show why this should be done. Her colorful visual aides of the Scene Tracker and Plot Planner plus careful step by step, explanations in the art of using these tools, held the attention of the attendees for seven hours. It gave the group a new insight in writing and planning stories. Learning how her ways of developing characters was of great value. Many went home knowing the main character in their own writing could be much deeper and far more exciting, yes, even a meaner person if so desired. Her definition of the role of protagonist was a new experience for many. Martha shared some of her quickie stress exercises which were welcome breaks, especially the one involving the ears. Everyone went away inspired and eager to review, change and in some cases, rewrite their story. Martha's enthusiasm was obvious. Her stimulating presentation rekindled energy and determination. Mountain View Second Saturday thanks you Martha for your inspiring all day work shop." Jan B. (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

"I enjoyed your writing workshop very much and learned a great deal! It was so useful to think about a story/novel structurally, in terms of pacing the plot and alternating between action and reflection. I've looked at other people's work differently since then, and it's helped me understand why my stories dragged in places (too much reflection) or felt rushed (not enough). S. Lee ("The Bird of Paradise" Asimov's)

"I learned more about crafting plot in this workshop than I did in a 10-hweek course I just took on "the structure of narrative." Thanks." Anonymous

"Exceptionally well done! I appreciate every aspect of your disciplined approach. Great!" H. Cravax (mainstream fiction writer)

"When I went to the workshop, I had many of the pieces of my novel in progress. I liked what I had so far, but I was having trouble getting everything to work as a whole. I often worried that I was forcing pieces together that didn't really fit with one another. I left the workshop feeling like I'd finally been given a peek at the picture on the jigsaw puzzle box. Martha's plotting techniques also helped me discover a few missing pieces that had been hiding with the dust bunnies beneath the couch! The workshop's approach is practical, fun, and applicable to almost any stage of the writing process. Highly recommended." J. Johnson (mainstream fiction)

"I left the workshop in a euphoric state because what Martha taught me opened up a whole new way to view the difficulties I was facing in my writing. The sky opened up right over my head in that class. Apparently, Martha's writing abilities flow into her teaching skills as well. I like to think my writing is better for it, and I know I feel better about what I write and how I view my characters since I took Martha's class." C. Wood (Children's Writer) "I just spent another evening working on the plot with Martha's system. How can it be so basic and so amazing at the same time!" B. Levine (mystery writer)

"The difficulty in writing is often to see where your story is headed as it stretches off in front of you. Sometimes, it's like heading down a dark and twisty road with no headlights and no idea where you'll end up. The workshop gave me what amounted to driving directions. When I went back and read over what I had, I became frustrated with the story's lack of direction. I couldn't put my finger on where I went wrong exactly-even though I frequently read books on writing and craft. The workshop gave the tools I need to go back and fix my novel." L Tolmasoff (mainstream fiction)

1 Hour 15 minutes Conference Plot Workshop "Thank you for teaching such a wonderful writing workshop at the East of Eden Writer's Conference. It rounded out the program and really contributed to the success of the weekend." E. Matthews (publicity committee for conference) "You were FANTASTIC at the 2005 Jack London Writers Conference. Very organized with great information for us writers."B. LeMaire "I found the plot graph to be a very valuable tool - immediately useful." - Michael Floyd (East of Eden - writer) "Very clear Presentation. Real insight into the nuts & bolts needed to change the dream into an accomplished goal." -Tom Branan (non-fiction, working title - The Song Bird Sings) "Outstanding tools conveyed with clarity and energy." "Great information, well presented." "Very gracious and helpful." "Fabulous, great tips, excellent presentation."

Plot Consultation - Click for details "Time spent with Martha Alderson's Plot Consultation is time well spent. Martha's gentle questions about motivations and theme led me deeper into my story. Looking for clues in the characters led to intersections with other characters, plot complications and best of all, conflict. Martha's keen insights about the structure of plot helped me better understand the story I was telling and gave me the tools I needed to write it, in a new and exciting way." Terri Thayer, mystery writer "I learned so much it is like someone opened my brain and poured in a whole new way to write. My consultation with you about my "Harvey Girl" manuscript was invaluable. It was not only what you taught me about plot; your encouragement and enthusiasm gave me confidence. You are a genuine and generous human being, and that is the real gift." Mary Cronk Farrel, author of middle grade and young adult fiction "oh my god, you are I Dream of Jeannie. I got it and you read the crystall ball by phone. My god and you figured out what I never saw - the midwife brought them all together." Cathy Cress (women's fiction) "You gave me more attention on my novel in two hours than I ever got in my MFA program. Thanks!" Ellen Young, MFA (adult fiction) "I was stuck with structure problems in my 300+ page first draft. What I found most useful was learning terminology for naming the problems I'd created for myself and techniques for fixing them. Being able to ask "Is this hopeless" and having you articulate a number of paths to wholeness that would solve the problems. Also, the technique of re-writing the beginning to better feed/set up the ending was terrific. I was immensely impressed by your ability to learn and integrate so much about my story in the span of two hoursYou are a truly gifted story analyst. Thanks again for all your help, insight, and generous sharing of your gifts." Ruth Halpern (adult fiction) "I was stuck plotting the climax of my story. You reminded me that the climax is the worst possible thing that could happen to the protagonist. Then I had my light bulb momentI found the Plot Planner [you sent me after the consultation] incredibly helpful. I see my story in a more tangible light." Keenya (paranormal, erotic, suspense, romance) "I was feeling stuck and unclear about the flow of my story. What I found most useful [in the plot consultation] was weaving the theme throughout the story. Your guidance to find the conflict, cause and effect and transition for each scene. Your constant reminder for transition, and the questions you asked to uncover the story. The Plot Planner [I received after the plot consultation] is keeping me on track. Inspired to move forward through the story.. more contained... I like the big spread. I would love to continue uncovering each scene together. Your questions and guidance is both evoking and inspiring...I felt I wanted more of your teaching and coaching.. It went too fast...I might want to record everything we wrote and talked about... there was alot that you said, that really struck me that I forgot. Your talent and insight into a person's story kept me encouraged and on track. Your knowledge of plotting a story and breaking down each element helped me to understand the story I am writing.. You are a great teacher and understand what makes a story move and you ask the right questions to uncover the story." Marta Luzim, Florida (Adult fiction) "I received the package and have been reading your comments and suggestions over and over and saying, "Yes, I see that!" "Of course!" and "I can change that to . . . ." I do understand what you are saying about the ending, especially. I have some ideas, so I will figure it out, but the ending is still going to be the most difficult part.Thank you for caring enough to help guide me through this project." Joan Barsotti (Young adult non-fiction) "I requested the plot phone consultation because I wanted a one on one dialogue about my novel. A friend of mine was already a client of yours and told me all about your plotting concept, and I read your book, and I found myself telling MY friends and helping them with THEIR plotting. But--I found that I needed that kind of help for ME! Especially since I was starting to hit the middle of my novel. I took diligent notes, but it's not the same as seeing the entire plot on a long scroll pasted up on my wall! I know I will be taking it with me to my writing residency this summer at Hedgebrook, as one long cohesive visual aid. It is incredible to see my novel up there like that. I love the Plot Planner! " Christine Lee Zilka (adult fiction) "I put so much work into my manuscript, so many hours, it seemed logical to make sure that the plot was moving well. I had expected the broader-scope attention but I was surprised at the attention to detail, the suggestions that focused on small "tweaks" that have turned out to be very helpful. [I found the Plot Planner helpful.] It's very interesting to think of the scenes as above or below the line, in terms of conflict, and whether the protagonist is in control or not. They are basic things, but interestingly, when you are juggling so many aspects of creating an interesting story--language, character, setting--you can lose sight of keeping things MOVING. The the consultation process could be expanded by Martha moving into my house for a few days and looking over my shoulder as I work. That would be great, because then I think I would waste less time. But seriously, it was a great experience for me. Thank you!" Veronica Rossi, (young adult writer) "I just finished hanging my plot planner up in my little writing office. I reviewed it against my own smaller version and have already added a few notes that I made. I did see your note about going deeper into the character and thematic plotline. I did not know you also did this type of consultation. I will definitely contact you once my second draft is done. I think that would be a good time to go through and make sure my character and theme are well fleshed out as I should have the story pretty much set at that point." S. Mahaffey (adult fiction) "The Plot Planner you sent to me looks great. In fact, it looked so good I was motivated to ask my family to help me find a place on the wall for it. With taking off a picture and putting it up high, I can now turn from my desk chair, walk over to it and see it." C. Park (women's fiction) "Several months ago, Martha helped me get the first part of my novel organized. I worked diligently on the plot planner we created and the story just flowed. Then I found myself stuck in the middle of the book, and rather than get derailed, I called Martha again. Our session together was better than the first one. This is for two reasons: 1. I was so organized from our first session together I was able to dive right into the work; and, 2. Even with all the people Martha helps, she remembered my book down to the finer details. The time flew and the whole book fell into place in just two hours and forty-five minutes. "For me, organization and how to tell the story with the most effect is my weakest area. Martha helped me take all the elements of my story and organize them in a way that the story now unfolds in a much more dramatic way. Now I have my completed plot planner on the wall and I refer to it all the time. My project is back on track and I am very motivated. Martha's help has been invaluable to getting my book done!!" Kind regards, Shana (adult fiction) "It's fun to allow characters to surprise you with their antics, but it often leads the plot down the road to episodic, rather than cause-and-effect, writing. A good idea for a story only carries through to a solid manuscript if the plot makes sense and follows a cause-and-effect format. "I realized after taking the SCBWI-sponsored Martha Alderson Plot Workshop that driving the story myself (as opposed to going in the direction my characters chose) is a more professional approach. Since I learn better by discussing, rather than reading and applying, I chose to have a private consultation. "What I found most useful about the consultation was boiling my story down to plot and plot alone -- to hold it up and see how it looked from the bare-bones standpoint. There's a terrific objectivity lesson there. I was able to remove my emotional self from the writing process and talk about the plot in a detached, matter-of-fact way." M. Malloy, (fiction) "I credit my consultation with Martha as a pivotal event leading to the success of my book. Martha's knowledge and enthusiasm was incredibly inspiring. She provided the structure and focus I needed in order tackle what had previously been daunting and overwhelming, infusing the technical with the purest joy. A million thanks!" S. Stockton (cooking and lifestyle) "You have given me some well needed direction that I only wish had come sooner." G. Hines / Los Angeles (screenwriter) "I've had the sense that plot and theme are my achille's heels and have been struggling to figure out how to work on them. I attended a workshop through Learning Annex and learned a litle bit about the plot construction devices that you use. But doing it with you with two of my stories was the most vaulable thing of all. "What I found most useful was breaking down the story to its most basic elements. This helped bolster the theme that I only had a vague sense of before. And I think I now understand how character builds plot." S. Campos (short story) "A couple of months ago, we had a private consultation to talk about my book.Since then, I have managed to finish the entire second draft. I have to tell you, I couldn't have accomplished this much without the plot planner and the scene tracker. The planner is hanging on the wall above my computer, riddled with purple post-it notes, and it's keeping me on track. The story crisis came at a different point than in the first draft, but I think it's much better. It combines both my protagonist's inner conflict and the dramatic action of the story into a couple of high-tension scenes. The earlier crisis had to do with her inner conflict only, and that didn't seem right for a mystery.Thanks for all your help." H.Holzer (mystery) "I want to report that I am plugging away on my book. The Plot Planner has been a tremendous help in so many ways. The biggest benefit is I can push through my blocks and fears because when I go there, I look over the Planner and find something I can do; or if I cannot quite do something I can bracket it and keep going. I am getting ready to plot the rest of my book. Thanks gain for everything." S. Mahaffey (novelist) "First we established a resolution; I did not actually have one! I learned to to develop a plot line for the story and follow it. I learned the need to add more action and less summary to most chapters. I learned how to change passive action into active experiences. It was amazin to see, using back and forth "idea poppers" with Martha, how easily it could be done. I learned the importance of using the five senses as much as possible. It was the best consultation I have ever had." J. Barsotti(young adult historical novel) "I just wanted to thank you for meeting with me yesterday. I spent the moring reconstructing the scenes we talked about, adding notes, and successfully extrapolating to the end of the story. I went from about fifteen scenes and five chapters to thirty-seven scenes and twelve chapters. I even came up with an interesting idea for a sequel! Many thanks again for your help. You were inspirational!" B. Gray (thriller) "Thanks again for the help. It's amazing how much a skilled set of eyes (like yours) can see in a plot structure that an author (like me) can't see."P.Nipper (historical romance) "I took your private consultation to get a better feel for my novel's plot; where it lagged and why, whether everything came together, and what makes a good plot. After the time spent with you, I definitely had a better understanding of what makes up a plot. The best part for me was being able to see the bare bones of plot construction AND how to use it to enhance theme, and character and tension in a book. I think I get so immersed in the sensory aspects of the story and the beautiful arrangement of words on paper that I've never seen so clearly how cause and effect is constucted. The bit about power being above the line with the protagonist was an eye opener too. I've read about creating a character by first giving her attributes and a history, but I never heard of setting the character up right away with a flaw. Conflict yes, but not a flaw. Also, your list of things that need to be included in a good plot was very enlightening and how to intentionally use them to pump up the plot...that was new to me and I haven't used them enough. I loved receiving such a plethora of information... I really felt I came away with so much valuable information. Thanks again." J. Allen (young adult novel) "Yesterday was an amazing day. After being immersed in my novel for so long, I thought it was time to introduce an external source that could focus on my material, one-on-one, with a pace and stryle in which we could work well together. The plotting of acts on large sheets of paper and noting what's "above the line" as well as "below the line" was a great exercise and became an excellent visual reference. We covered so much in a relatively short periold of time. What I appreciated most was how you were flexible enough to touch the topics that needed concentration, skim over those that were less important and pack jewels of helpful tips along the way. I think our session together was the fuel I needed to propel me the right way. Thanks so much for helping me think through things along multiple planes. I did make it home safely, all the fodder for thought made the drive enjoyable. Thanks for your encouraging words and goosebumps along the way. " J. Limm (novelist) "I attended the consultation so that I could refine the plot that I outlined in my mind after having attended your plot intensive. The most helpful thing we did was to identify the scene that ends the first quarter of my book. I am writing this first section now and will be back for help with the second one. For me, the intensive one-on-one consultations are key. I like how quickly you move through the material and how conscious of time you are. I felt really great when I left your home. You're so positive and encouraging. It's very motivating to me. I'll call you in the fall." A. Laughlin (young adult novel) "Martha combines an analytical understanding of plot structure with an intuitive flair for divining elements of mood and theme. She's supportive, focused, and clear. I don't know if I could have found my way to the ending of my last book without her." B. Proudfoot (suspense novels) "I wish I could wrap you in the galaxy of gratitude and whirl you into the pure joy of its nature! You are so generous with your time, insight, expertise, wisdom, and kindness. I am a bit overwhelmed but truly excited to get to work. Thank you." L. Adams (memoirist) "The consultation helped me in so many ways. My initial reason for having the consultaton was to provide me with some direction on the manuscript I'm currently working on. I not only got direction but came away with some valuable new information. A couple of examples would be how you helped me "plot" on paper using a timeline of sorts--dividing the timeline into three parts. Plus using the techinque of placing scenes above and below the lines helped me rethink some of those scenes and also helped me as I created new scenes, making sure I kept most of them above the line. Thank you." M. Michaels (chapter books for middle grades) "Thank you so much for your time and guidance today. What we did this morning in the private consultation was very good for me--it will get me to take another and more honest look at what I'm trying to convey. I knew the story wasn't flowing but I thought it was from a lack of action scenes building on one another--now I see it is from a lack of Robert's growth pains building on one another in a logical sequence--which may indeed bring some more action. But I see how I need to straighten out the arc first--so there really is an arc. I think I wanted the book to make the arc instead of me making the arc and hanging the book on that; I must have been standing on my head. Thank you again. I do believe you are an intuitive healer." K. Dickenson (young adult historical novel) "A session with Martha on plot gave me the needed tools to draw an effective "road map" for my journey in writing. The plot chart on my desk was very helpful in organizing my thoughts, in revising and in improving the content of my writing. Thank you."H.D. Chai (memoirist) ©2008 Martha Alderson. All Rights Reserved. This document and all documents on this website are copyrighted material. Any use of content requires prior written permission.