The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master, by Martha Alderson is a lovely writing companion from Adams Media.

Instead of drafting and redrafting your plot, characters, and story, get it right the first time by following the blueprint Alderson hands you in this concise collection of trade secrets to great writing.

Martha Alderson, based in California, leads workshops, retreats and has been consulting on plot for over fifteen years. Her advice is the best I’ve read, especially for fiction writers. As an example, here’s a helpful tip for those who worry over every word and sentence. “The first few drafts set the foundation. The time to fiddle with the details comes later.”

Once Alderson gets you motivated by her advice to just start writing whatever words come to you, turn to her five reasons to push through the middle of the story, which include your need to keep writing to find out how it will end, and of course, to accomplish what you set out to do.

Again and again. Alderson brings us back to the concept of the “universal story,” the structure upon which your words are formed. The Plot Whisperer is especially helpful with regard to plotting; not just the storyline but how it impacts the main character. Over time, you come to understand how each scene delivers more tension and conflict, building on the story’s depth, and leading you to an exceptional story.

The book thoughtfully includes graphs, charts, and original material you’ll return to again and again, such as the Resource Plot Planner and craft advice you won’t see elsewhere. Wise writers will take Alderson’s heartfelt advice and turn it into an action plan.

If you want to get your story right the first time, read The Plot Whisperer and use the techniques to structure your story and develop characters rich with emotion. And remember “Mastery does not mean that you will always be strong and confident, that you will always show up consistently to write and believe in yourself as a writer. Mastery means that you know yourself well enough to use new strategies to pick yourself out of the muck more quickly and with fewer bruises."

This is a book you will wear out as you finish it, and surely you will become a better writer along the way

 Helen Gallagher