S09 E02 A Free, Easy Way to Make Sure Your Story Works No Matter Who You Are (and Why Plot Matters)

In this episode of The First Draft Club, Mary Adkins dismantles the elitist myth that plot is somehow “lowbrow” or optional in literary fiction.



Drawing from her own experience and actual Big 5 rejection letters, she explains why plot is essential—not just for publication, but for reader satisfaction.



Plus, she shares her favorite low-pressure, free method for making sure your story works, no matter where you are in your writing journey.

Whether you’ve been told your prose is beautiful but “the pacing is off,” or you’re trying to finish a draft that just won’t come together, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize plot—and a guide for how to do it well.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why plot gets unfairly dismissed in some writing circles

• What real editors say when they pass on beautifully written manuscripts

• The difference between compelling writing and a compelling story

• A free and easy story-development strategy you can try today (no downloads, no critique groups)

📌 Links and Resources:

• Apply to The Book Incubator to get access to the full Four Notebooks training: thebookincubator.com

• Listen to the Four Notebooks Method episode: http://bit.ly/3wGmMTc

• Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SAmFiIYVEEw

🖊 Want writing support that respects your voice and your story? Apply to join The Book Incubator, Mary’s 12-month MFA-alternative for writers who want to finish their books...without writing them by committee.