The Desert Dreams Conference ended with a workshop by the Plot Whisperer, Martha Alderson.

I debated whether or not to attend because I’m not a plotter. Plotting messes me up and usually if I plot the story I can’t write the story.
In her opening statement, Martha explained that intuitive storytellers don’t understand her method (or anyone’s method). So with the blessing of the speaker, I sat back and prepared to be confused.
I wasn’t. Well, not completely. There are still a few things that are rattling around my cranium going ummmmm, yeah, well, no.
Still, I’m glad I went because some of what she said was pure gold–such as the backstory wound. Unlike many plotting workshops, she really keyed in on the emotional aspects of the plot energy. It was a very unique and creative experience and I think there were some light bulb moments in the audience when she said you can plot backward. Very cool.
Of course, I’m still never going to plot before I write, but I will definitely be more aware of a couple of things she said.
I don’t know how many of you have ever been to a conference but everyone one I’ve gone too has provided lots of promotional material in the goodie back. For a writing conference, these tend to be tons of glossy, colorful postcards and bookmarks, a smattering of Romance Trading Cards, and a few items like emery boards, eye glass cleaners and chapstick and books.
I usually groan when I see the inside of the bag because I know that I’ll be recycling the majority of it. Not cool. As an author, I know the expense to produce that and the pride a writer has in getting published. So this year, I went through all of it, looked at each cover, genre and read the blurbs. Then I went on line and purchased kindle books of those I liked or I’d talked to at the conference.