Martha Alderson

I challenge writers to experience the freedom of structure

Personal Details

Name: Martha Alderson

Last visit: Nov 28, 2008

Contact: Send message

Web site: Click here

Books

PLOT TOOLS:
Scene Tracker CD
(4) Plot Workshop DVDs
Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple
Scene Tracker Kit

About Me

Martha Alderson, M.A. is an international plot and story consultant for writers. Her clients include best-selling authors, writing teachers and fiction editors. As the author of BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS Pure & Simple, she created a unique line of plot tools for writers, including the Scene Tracker Kit, and the Plot Planner DVDs. She teaches plot workshops privately, through University of Santa Cruz, Learning Annex and writing conferences. Visit her website at: www.blockbusterplots.com

Martha believes that when the Dramatic Action changes the Character Emotional Development at depth over time, a story becomes Thematically Significant. These three threads: Dramatic Action, Character Emotional Development and Thematic Significance, hold the core dynamic of plot

Goal

I teach and consult and write about plot in hopes of reawakening in writers and readers the universal story form. Stories reflect the heartbeat of the universe. Writers and readers, all of us, pulse to this universal rhythm.

The rhythm is not something we have to find or discover. We need only to be aware and listen; it expresses itself through us at every moment. People often worry that conscious knowledge of the universal story form will produce formulaic stories. After attending a workshop or watching a DVD, these same writers understand their fear huddles far from the truth.

We each share the same life force that rhythmically moves through all of us. Our particular rhythm within the universal rhythm takes shape both uniquely and distinctly as ours alone. Natural born storytellers tap into this rhythm unconsciously. Some of us benefit from instruction. All of us who recognize this rhythm can learn to move in harmony with it as we write.

I practice with the belief that the more integrated plot is in writers' bodies, and story structure in reader's psyches, the more satisfying the act of writing and joyful the act of reading.

Services

Plot Consultation
Fee: $120.00 per hour

Professional Experience

Plot Consultant
Blockbuster Plots
January 2001 - Present

Martha Alderson, M.A. is an international plot and story consultant for writers. Her clients include best-selling authors, writing teachers and fiction editors. As the author of BLOCKBUSTER PLOTS Pure & Simple, she created a unique line of plot tools for writers, including the Scene Tracker Kit, and the Plot Planner DVDs. She teaches plot workshops privately, through University of California at Santa Cruz, Learning Annex and writing conferences. Visit her website at: www.blockbusterplots.com

Articles

Recent Events

5-Hour Advanced Plot Intensive for Writers Sep 22, 2007 7:00 AM

Groups

Screenwriting Group

Contacts (21)

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Comments 1-1 of 1

Shana

Jan 23, 2007 5:33 PM

Martha’s plot consultations are a must have for anyone who wants to write a book, who is writing a book, and/or who has written one and wants to get it published.

Martha works her magic on you and your book in swift order and the result is a well paced, unfolding story that makes for a great read. She is able to take the big picture and help you fit in all the pieces as well as zero in on all the small details so nothing is missed. And, Martha does not stop with her consultations. You receive inspiration and encouragement long after she’s worked with you.

Martha is a true find, a wonderful teacher, and inspiring coach. I could not have completed my novel without her help. I highly recommend her consultations and book, Blockbuster Plots, to everyone who is serious about starting, finishing, and/or selling a book.