Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple(BBP) turns six years old today!
Never I will forget the many times I limped from my writing cave, whining that I need more time, the book isn’t good enough, I’m not good enough. Over and over again, my very supportive, finger-pointing husband banished me back to my cave to finish.
BBP had many editors, one of whom is the famed Melanie Rigney and one-time editor of Writers Digest. Even so, the first printing was filled with typos. I didn’t even see them. The moment I held the bright red ball of light in my hands, I was… geez, every adjective I reach for is so cliched and unfitting for the actual moment of sublime contentment, awe, love, excitement…
That night I interviewed bestselling mystery writer Laurie R. King with my red book beside me. Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple rarely left my side that first year.
The heavily flawed first printing sold out quickly, thank goodness. I continue to edit and change and add big and little issues in every printing since then. (My deep desire is to write a 2nd edition…)
My gift to you for visiting this blog is just to say keep at it. Whether your first attempt or hundredth story, there is nothing like finishing and seeing your words in print and receiving reactions from readers, satisfied and otherwise… And, even more profound? You’ll be transformed in the process…
(Oh, and in honor of the august occasion, I’m discounting all the Blockbuster Plot tools for writers. The deals are up on Blockbuster Plots for Writers.)
Congrats! JUST LOVE YOUR BOOK!
Any timeframe for a truley updated 2nd edition anytime soon?
Would love to see your plot planner be applied to other plot structures, other than the "upside-down checkmark" plot line. (i.e. you should check out LOREN NIEMI's "THE BOOK OF PLOTS" for additional plot structures).
In addition (just my wish list), what would be great for a future edition is to add additional tips / checklists on other writing topics inside the side margins, like dialogue, POV, transitions, revision process, style & grammar tips, first drafts pre-writing methods…instead of recapping on blog postings as you have on recent updates of your book.
Would also be great if you can give additional ideas to further expand on your tools (i.e a list of additional items to track in scene tracker), and a recommeneded reading list of books u find helpful.
Sorry for the rambling, just excited about the idea of a 2nd edition of your book.
By the way, was wondering, in a historical novel, wouldnt it make sense to track summaries so we can track chronology & passive action? Or do u think its best suited to track it in the plot planner instead?
Thanks Martha for all of your help!
–Thankful Newbie Writer 🙂
Congrats! JUST LOVE YOUR BOOK!
Any timeframe for a truley updated 2nd edition anytime soon?
Would love to see your plot planner be applied to other plot structures, other than the "upside-down checkmark" plot line. (i.e. you should check out LOREN NIEMI's "THE BOOK OF PLOTS" for additional plot structures).
In addition (just my wish list), what would be great for a future edition is to add additional tips / checklists on other writing topics inside the side margins, like dialogue, POV, transitions, revision process, style & grammar tips, first drafts pre-writing methods…instead of recapping on blog postings as you have on recent updates of your book.
Would also be great if you can give additional ideas to further expand on your tools (i.e a list of additional items to track in scene tracker), and a recommeneded reading list of books u find helpful.
Sorry for the rambling, just excited about the idea of a 2nd edition of your book.
By the way, was wondering, in a historical novel, wouldnt it make sense to track summaries so we can track chronology & passive action? Or do u think its best suited to track it in the plot planner instead?
Thanks Martha for all of your help!
–Thankful Newbie Writer 🙂
Dear Martha/Plot Teacher,
Happy Birthday (belated) to your excellent book Blockbuster Plots Pure & Simple. You've created so many other wonderful tools after the birth of BBP. Happy Birthday to all your creations. I had a mental note that you would be teaching your 4-day Plot Retreat in a few days. Lucky writers who will be with you. I wish them all an enlightening journey; with you as Plot Teacher, everyone will succeed.
Big hugs to you from
Teresa
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan says: "Build your name, beat the game, be happily published." http://WritingCoachTeresa.com