How Do I Plot a Novel,
Memoir, Screenplay?
Master the art of plotting with a step-by-step, proven method for crafting compelling stories from concept to completion.
Enroll Now — $199 →
The 27-Step Tutorial: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, or Screenplay? was born ten years ago from Martha's passion for teaching plot and story structure. It builds upon the methods shared in The Plot Whisperer book and it has since evolved with new tools and resources to make story development easier than ever.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★"For me, it was like the plotting lightbulb flickered from 15 incandescent watts to 200 halogen. Amazing and totally exhilarating!"
5-Star Amazon Review
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if:
- You're eager to bring your story to life but feel overwhelmed by structure and plot.
- You want a clear, step-by-step process to shape your novel, memoir, or screenplay.
- You appreciate the freedom of a self-paced course with lifetime access to revisit as needed.
- You believe in deepening your understanding of storytelling to create truly powerful and resonant stories.
This course is NOT for you if:
- You're looking for personalized coaching or live feedback (we do provide structured guidance and community support).
- You prefer to write without a plan and don't want to explore story structure — and that's okay! Many published authors are pantsers!
- You're expecting a quick fix.
- You don't have the time or commitment to engage with the material and apply it to your writing.
What writers are saying
"For years, I struggled to structure my stories, but this course completely changed my approach. The 27 steps gave me clarity, confidence, and a framework that finally made sense. Now, I actually finish my drafts instead of getting stuck in the middle!"
David R., Screenwriter"Writing my memoir felt overwhelming, but the 27-Step process helped me shape my story into something meaningful and compelling. I stopped drowning in memories and finally found the narrative thread that brings my experiences to life."
Jane, Memoirist"I've taken so many writing classes, but this was the first time I truly understood how to build momentum and keep a reader turning pages. The 27-step framework is brilliant and so easy to follow."
Kevin S., NovelistMartha Alderson,
The Plot Whisperer
Born in San Francisco, I am a 5th generation Californian. Now I live at an enchanted beach along the central coast of California where you're apt to find me in the water or walking along the beach in search of sea treasures and mermaids jewels. When not at the beach, I'm writing women's fiction and exploring what it means to leave a lasting legacy.
Living a creative life is like riding a wave.You're best served having a respect for the sea,
an understanding of the waves,
spiritual strength,
and the emotional will to throw yourself into the great unknown
and surrender to the universal pull…
What You'll Learn in the 27-Step Course
The Beginning: Familiar Turns to Separation
Start with clarity. Define your protagonist, establish stakes, and craft a compelling inciting incident that launches the story. Learn how to set up theme, backstory, and world-building without slowing the momentum.
The Light Middle: Struggle and Recommitting
Avoid the sagging middle. Build rising tension, deepen conflicts, and ensure every scene pushes the story forward. Develop subplots and secondary characters that enhance — not distract — from the main journey.
The Dark Middle: Intensifying Darkness and Crisis
This is where transformation begins. Craft a powerful "All Is Lost" moment that forces your protagonist to make their hardest decision. Learn how to create an emotionally charged crisis that feels both inevitable and surprising.
The End: Seeing the Light and Climax
The final act is where everything comes together. Ensure your climax is earned, your protagonist's transformation is clear, and your ending delivers emotional impact — whether triumphant, bittersweet, or open-ended.
Included Resources & Bonuses
- NEW Full Transcripts — Follow along with every lesson.
- UPDATED Course Guide & Resource Packet — Step-by-step exercises to apply what you learn. The original "Homework Packet" is now a 120+ page Course Guide and Resource Packet and includes bonus resources across the entire Plot Whisperer ecosystem including a Writing Prompt for each stop of the course.
- NEW Audio Companion (Available September 1, 2025) — Learn on the go and reinforce key concepts.
"I've read countless plotting books, but nothing ever clicked until I followed this 27-step framework. It made building tension and pacing so much easier, and gave me the confidence to write with a purpose."
Rachel, Novelist
Ready to plot your story?
Let's begin.
To support your focus, the 27 steps are released in four parts, every 10 days. With lifetime* access to the 27-Step Course, you'll learn how to craft a compelling plot from start to finish without feeling lost or overwhelmed. You'll also get hands-on exercises and a supportive writing community to keep you moving forward.
- Full 27-Step Video Course
- Updated Course Guide & Resource Packet (120+ pages)
- Full Transcripts
- Access to the Private Facebook Group
- Writing Resources + Plotting Worksheets
- Daily Reminders
- Audio Companion (Available September 1, 2025)
- …and more!
Join the course today!
Refund Policy
This is a digital product with immediate access. All sales are final.
By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that you are purchasing a non-refundable, in-development product.
Review all product details before purchasing. If you have questions, contact us prior to checkout.