The Witches is a book about a little boy vacationing with his grandma.  While on vacation, he encounters witches, and gets himself into quite a predicament.  This books is appropriate for grades 4-6.  While reading this book with the class, plot structure can be deeply analyzed.

I'm getting all geared up for NaNoWriMo in November, although I've actually written about 15,000 words of my novel. Is that cheating!? Aw, screw-it, I want the kick-up-the-ass to get my novel finished.

 

I've been a writer for about two years now, but thought it couldn't hurt to have a little help with plotting and structure. After all, this is my first novel.This author was recommended on a NaNoWriMo webinar. It seems pretty good so far, albeit a lot of common sense.

 

So, who else is prepping for NaNoWriMo?

Good for getting your head on straight and clearing the fog. No real new information. If you just hate classic story structure or plotting or stories with plots, this isn't for you. Found the formatting/structure difficult to navigate with Kindle.

The Plot Whisperer

Written By: Martha Alderson

Published By: Adams Media, Avon, Massachusetts, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4405-2588-9

Alderson writes how she teaches using “The Universal Story,” the plot planner, and the scene tracker. An in-depth explanation of “The Universal Story” is covered in Chapter 2. Diagrams of the plot planner and scene tracker are included in the book.

Alderson covers how to get started and identifies barriers to writing fiction including procrastination, writing ability, discipline and structure, and failure to move forward. Also, the basics of plotting and developing of themes are explained.

Several chapters cover creating characters and settings. Finally, putting these basics into fruition which she calls “The Journey,” are discussed.

Each chapter has sections, “The Writer’s Way,” and “PLOT Whisper,” designed to highlight import tips on writing plots.

This is one of the best books on writing fiction that I have read. I think it provides many ideas that can be used to get past stumbling blocks in writing. I plan to use this book as a reference tool for future writing projects.