Product Description

Blockbuster Plots Pure and Simple (BBP) shows plot rather than talking about it. Using two unique step-by-step visual tools for developing and deepening scenes and plot, BBP shows how the pros layer three distinct yet overlapping plotlines – Character Emotional Development, Dramatic Action, and Thematic Plot. When the dramatic action changes the character at depth over time, the story becomes thematically significant.

BBP uses the Scene Tracker as a visual tool to track the seven essential elements of scene, side-by-side from the beginning to the end of any project. BBP uses the Plot Planner as a visual place to plot out the action, character and thematic plotlines. Both parts are intended as a step-by-step interactive guide for writers interested in maximizing their scenes and providing depth to their stories.

BBP is unique because of its hands-on, down-to-earth multi-sensory approach to learning. BBP provides specific activities linked directly to each writer’s individual project. The book is divided between explanation and activity forms.

By analyzing scenes and plots from classic and contemporary writers such as Twain, London, and McCarthy, writers learn how to add a dynamic, effective twist to their work.

BBP provides writers with the tools and resources to get from where they are – stuck and unable to begin or stuck and unable to finish – to where they want to be – holding a finished project. BBP effectively demonstrates the relationship between scene and plot and explains the principles involved in the art and craft of developing sizzling scenes and compelling plots and story design. BBP offers techniques to help writers maintain faith and enjoy the process of creation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68770 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781877809194
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Review
"Few writers teachers understand the subtleties of plot as deeply, or can explain them as clearly. A must have." -- Frank Baldwin, author of Balling the Jack and Jake& Mimi

"This book will change your approach to writing! If you only buy one writing book this year, buy BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS!" -- Melanie Rigney, former Writers Digest Magazine editor. May, 2004

A good-looking, important book for writers. -- Literary Agent, Kimberely Cameron 7/15/05

Any writer seeking to produce not just acceptable but superior works must have this guide. -- Midwest Book Review 10/1/05

If you only buy one writing book this year, buy BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS! -- Writer's Digest Magazine editor Melanie Rigney 5/1/04

The appendices alone are worth the price of the book! -- Alderson-Broaddus College’s Division of Humanities, Barbara Smith 6/1/05

The unique Scene Tracker and Plot Planner system is guaranteed to help writers master this elusive craft. -- McGraw-Hill 9/1/05

From the Publisher
An exciting new approach to understanding plot from writing expert, Martha Alderson, M.A., the unique Scene Tracker and Plot Planner system is guaranteed to help writers master this elusive craft. About the Book For most writers, the most difficult part of the writing process is the inability to see the forest for the trees. Blockbuster Plots dedicates itself to the structure of plot and has already helped hundreds of novelists, memoirists, and creative non-fiction writers master this elusive craft. Written by an educational expert and award-winning novelist, Blockbuster Plots offers writers a firm understanding of scene, and presents techniques that will help them develop a winning storyline. Introducing two innovative tools—the Scene Tracker and Plot Planner—the author shows writers how to create a visual representation of the layers of their story and consequently see what’s missing, and anticipate their characters’ every move, so that the dramatic action doesn’t peter off into the seductive wiles of detail. By effectively demonstrating the relationship between plot and scene and explaining the art of story design, Blockbuster Plots offers writers proven techniques for creating more focused and balanced plotlines.

Features Unique in the marketplace: no other fiction writing guide offers tools like the Scene Tracker and Plot Planner.

From the Author
Plot is a series of scenes arranged by cause and effect to create dramatic action filled with tension, conflict and suspense to further the character emotional development and create thematic significance.

Are you confused about plot? You are not alone. It took me years to pin down plot. I longed for something more concrete, not a formula per se, but specific guidelines to help bring depth to my story lines. I searched for anything I could find that directly addressed the issue of plot development. Unable to find much, I berated myself for not grasping what everyone else seemed to understand. But the muse continued to haunt me. Over time, I came to realize that everyone else was struggling with plot; they just were not talking about it.

Through years of perseverance and determination, I pinned down the elusive concept of plot to the point where I could actually "see" it. Wanting to save others the frustration I had experienced and using what I know about how people learn, I started teaching plot to writers. BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS Pure & Simple (BBP) came out of that passion.

The techniques I offer in BBP have helped hundreds of writers create dramatic action plots and heighten tension and suspense in scenes as well as in the overall project. In workshops and private plot consultations, I have witnessed what happens when writers delve more deeply into the dynamics of cause and effect. If you explore how well-constructed characters in conflict act as the driving force behind an exceptional story, you will be better able to create your own exceptional stories. Explore the themes of your own life, and your projects will have lasting meaning.

My intention in writing BBP is to help you understand plot quickly and effortlessly. Writing is challenging enough. I am passionate about eliminating for writers the frustration of something as basic as plot.

Customer Reviews

Midwest Book Review, March 2007
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.

Made Simple
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.

A best-selling author who loves this book!
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