A couple nights ago, while wandering around online, I happened across the web site of Randy Ingermanson. I had never heard of him before, but he has a ten-step method for writing a novel. The “snowflake method,” he calls it, because it’s based on how a fractal snowflake is generated, by starting with a simple shape and step-by-step adding complexity. After finishing Book One (many years ago,) I decided to try a different method for Book Two. Book One took ten years to write, partly because I incorporated the revision / editing process into the writing of the rough draft, slowing things down considerably. I decided to motor through Book Two without stopping to edit along the way. Whenever I hit a spot of trouble with the continuity or forgot a detail, I just made a note to fix it later and moved on. That helped shorten the writing time, but it was still something like three years.
Randy claims that his method will produce (or enable someone to produce) the first draft of a novel in 150 hours. I think I’m going to try that for Book Three, which I am aching to get started on. At this rate, I’ll use a different method to write each novel I produce. (Disclaimer: Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Randy Ingermanson, and this should not be construed as an endorsement of him or any of his products.)
I’ve decided on which story I want to polish up and send out into the world in the hope of finding publication. The other story I was considering will be posted here, just as soon as I can get it ready. I worked on it last night, but hit a glitch with my word processor. I plan to try again tonight.
Hi Mike this is so great to see someone with this kind of passion….writing does seem to consume you. I am wondering about these writings…….looking forward to reading them…….happy typing!!!
Nikki
Hey, Nikki. Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, writing is in my blood, that’s for sure. I posted a short story on my new Stories page, so check it out, if you dare.
Yeah, I ran into the snow flake method a couple of months ago. But I wasn’t ready for it. But now that I’ve actually had some writing experience and understand why some things work and some don’t I’m going to rewrite my novel using this method.
I would love to be able to write like Stephen King. But I’m not that experienced yet.
Don, be sure to let us know how the snowflake method works for you. I’ll certainly be posting about it when the time comes.
And I’d sure like to be able to crank out 1 or 2 novels per year, like the King.
Thanks for the comments.
[...] NOTE: If you missed my post about this new (for me) method of novel writing, check it out here. [...]