I've been getting a lot of use out of Martha Alderson's Plot Whisperer books, so I was very happy to jump at the opportunity to host a guest post about some new offerings. She's working with Jill Corcoran on a new video series, and they're also collaborating on on-line "office hours" consultations! Here are the details (don't miss the Rafflecopter promotion at the end of the post!):
Video Series
There are currently two video series available for writers, with more in production.
1) PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month
8 videos, 5.5 hours + 3- hands-on exercises
Description: Congratulations! You have written a draft of a novel. You’ve accomplished what many writers merely talk about and dream of doing — you have written an entire story from beginning to end. When you finish celebrating, it is time to revise: to re-envision and rewrite what you’ve written into a novel that agents, editors and readers will devour.
Writing a great plot involves craft, skill and know-how. Before you undertake a major rewrite, first consider your story from all angles with the help of step-by-step instruction and daily exercises. You know you’re ready to rewrite when you’ve checked all the essential elements for creating an exciting story with compelling characters and a meaningful plot.
2) How to Write and Sell a Picture Book with a Plot
http://apathtopublishing.com/how-to-write-and-sell-a-picture-book/
7 videos explain how to plot, write and sell picture books.
Plus: exercises are provided to discover how to immediately integrate the concepts into your own unique story.
Learn about:
- all the different kinds of picture books
- examples of character-driven and action-driven picture books
- how to develop winning picture book concepts
- what are the major turning points in every great picture book with a plot
- writing, voice, character goals and motivation
- how to revise
- testing your theme and take-away
- who to submit to and so much more…
Here’s How the Video Series Work
Each video includes an in-depth look at the specific elements promised and how to consider these essential story principles as you write, revise, rewrite and sell your story. Writing assignment(s) guide you with step-by-step instruction.
Whether you decide to watch all the videos in a row and then go back and do the exercises, or jump right in to the first video’s exercise, work at your own pace and take as much time as you need on the step-by-step exercises. The series are designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules. Sign in and watch video lectures, complete homework assignments, and ask questions in a public forum on a timetable that fits your needs.
Reviews of the series
"The amount of time, heartache, frustration, and hell that these videos are saving me from is immeasurable."
"Don't wait until you have a first draft to get the video series. If you have an inkling of a concept, get the video series. The videos will show you how to define your energetic markers. You'll learn the difference between crisis and climax. The 8 videos constitute a 'top to toe' writing course. Jill Corcoran & Martha Alderson, thank you for giving me the opportunity to call myself a writer with pride." — Dolly D Napal
"I have been writing, writing, writing, and reading about writing, but I knew I was still missing the mark. How I write and rewrite books will be forever changed for the better. " — Wendy McLeon MacKnight
"I felt overwhelmed with my latest revision. I feel like a weight has been lifted and I'm just on day one."
Shout Outs:
The first draft you let yourself write any old way. Now revise your story from every angle.
Can't seem to finish your novel? Ready to give up? Before you do, revise!
I’m finding the revision process FUN! Did I actually say that? Loving this process, thank you!
Friends don't let friends revise alone.
Office Hours
Second Thursday of every month
9:30-11:30am Pacific Time, on-line
http://apathtopublishing.com/office-hours/
Active Participants and Observers
Active Participants:
- 8 authors each have 15 minutes to work with The Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson and Literary Agent Jill Corcoran on whatever you want help with.
- Read part of your manuscript, query, discuss energetic markers, concept, brainstorm plot, characters, etc and receive feedback you can immediately apply to your work.
Active participants must watch either Plotwrimo: Revise Your Novel in a Month or How to Write & Sell a Picture Book videos. This gives us a common language and baseline understanding of underlying plot and story concepts for better communication.
Receive a critique of your first pages, query, concept, or get help with your characters, where to start your story, crisis, climax, etc. It is your time... your choice
Observers:
- There are 15 observer spots.
- As an observer, you do not participate/read your work, but listen and learn from others during these sessions.
Instructor Biographies
Martha Alderson, author of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master, is known as “The Plot Whisperer” for the help she offers writers worldwide. She is the founder of PlotWriMo: Revise Your Novel in a Month and the award-winning blog The Plot Whisperer.
Jill Corcoran is the founder of Jill Corcoran Literary Agency. She is also a co-founder of A Path A Publishing.
A Path to Publishing Workshops
We often tailor-make an advanced workshop for writers who have watched the series to ask questions and receive feedback on your own individual story.
A Path to Publishing Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/apathtopublishing/
Everyone is welcome to join the A Path to Publishing Facebook group, created by Literary Agent Jill Corcoran and Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson as a safe, smart, fun alcove for writers and illustrators to share and learn about the craft of writing and the book biz. This is not a place to sell your books but a wonderful forum for us all to advance our skills, our creativity, and our dreams plus learn about what Jill and Martha are up to at A Path to Publishing.
Blogs on this Tour
December 1:
- https://www.facebook.com/nordlinger
- http://writingclassesforkids.com
- http://inkandangst.com/
- taffyscandy.blogspot.com
- Rebeccalacko.wordpress.com
December 2:
December 3:
December 4:
December 5:
- www.ChristineSang.com
- Susan P
Rafflecopter
Last but not least, here's the Rafflecopter giveaway!