ADVANCED PLOT WORKSHOP Saturday, May 17th - 10:00 to 3:00 LOS GATOS

See testimonials from previous workshops

Rather than learn about the plot structure of scenes and an overall story through lecture using published works, come "see" how to weave all three plot lines together by using your own individual work -- a private consultation taken public, if you will. Explanations about plot and structure will follow the basic tenets of cause and effect -- in other words, will come directly from you and reflect each writer's individual needs (workshop limited to 8 writers). Every writer learns not only from my feedback on their project but also by listening to the feedback I give the other writers on their projects. The workshop is based on the belief that every writer in the attendance holds similar needs as the writer whose work is the focus of the demonstration.

        Writers who have read BBP (BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS Pure & Simple) and those who have taken one or more of my plot workshops often schedule private consultations with me later for one-on-one work focusing exclusively on the plot of their individual project.

        What I have learned from doing these consultations is how difficult it is for learners of all ages to integrate new information. Writers who receptively conceptualize the ideas in the book and even those who successfully employ the information during the time allotted in the workshops to develop their own Scene Tracker or Plot Planner often breakdown in universal ways when it comes time to use the information independently.

        In appreciation of the complexity of fully integrating all aspects of plot to create unity in one's work, I offer the Advanced Plot Workshop.

        The Advanced Plot Workshop is for any writer looking for an advanced, practical, hands-on approach to plotting and is willing to have their work used as an example. Rather than "tell" you about the plot structure of scenes and an overall story through lecture using published works, I will "show" you by using your own individual work as example

        Just like in the workshops and private consultations, all you bring to the session is a list of scenes from your project and an idea of the message you are hoping your story will leave with the reader (for thematic plot development). During your allotted time (from 1/2 to 1 hour depending on the number of participants), you will briefly describe each scene as I plot them out one-by-one on a Plot Planner and where needed on a Scene Tracker.

        With the use of this method, you will immediately see, not only in your work but also in your fellow participants' work, the cause and effect of each scene or lack thereof, which scenes work and which ones do not and why, along with guidance and suggestions for deepening the plot lines of your story to achieve more meaning in the scenes you have already created.

The cost is $100. Class size is limited.
To qualify, each writer must have read Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple, viewed a Blockbuster Plot DVD, or attended a live workshop.

Martha Alderson, M.A., is an international plot consultant, an award-winning writer of historical fiction, and speaker. She teaches plot writing workshops privately and through UC Santa Cruz Extension, Learning Annex, East of Eden Writers Conference, Jack London Writers Conference, and elsewhere. Join Martha to explore the critical relationship between characterization and plot.

If you are ready to further develop the form or plot of your story and to discover the gems that are hiding there, sign up here or email.