Comments on: The Second Smartest Thing I Did http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:16:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Steve Lewis http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-537 Steve Lewis Thu, 03 May 2007 07:40:34 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-537 Thank you, thank you, thank you Randy! I have literally been waiting years for someone to write about this topic. The common wisdom is that you can't use the internet (or marketing at all, really) to promote fiction. You just have to hope word-of-mouth works for you. Thank you for putting that myth to rest. Thank you, thank you, thank you Randy! I have literally been waiting years for someone to write about this topic. The common wisdom is that you can’t use the internet (or marketing at all, really) to promote fiction. You just have to hope word-of-mouth works for you. Thank you for putting that myth to rest.

]]> By: Skye http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-538 Skye Thu, 03 May 2007 07:43:12 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-538 Yay! First time commenter here. Been lurking for a while but wanted to say how much I look forward to more "SuperArticles". I'm considering myself a writing novice but the Snowflake has already shaped up to be one of my #1 most useful tools, no matter if it's just a story or a novel I want to write. I complete at least the first 3 or 4 steps each time, because they give me insight into both the action plot as well as into the characters' motivations and emotional plots. I'm always amazed by what I find out about my story at that point, even when I'd thought I'd had it mostly figured out already. Oh, and it's also turning out to be the most ideal way to "conserve" ideas and then shelve them until such time as I can (or want to) start on the actual writing. (BTW: this is probably self-evident for a professional or just more experienced writer, and it feels sort of pretentious to be asking for this, but maybe you could add a note to your Snowflake step 3 saying that the "villain", even if he/she doesn't get much actual "screen time", is always a major character, too.) Yay! First time commenter here. Been lurking for a while but wanted to say how much I look forward to more “SuperArticles”. I’m considering myself a writing novice but the Snowflake has already shaped up to be one of my #1 most useful tools, no matter if it’s just a story or a novel I want to write. I complete at least the first 3 or 4 steps each time, because they give me insight into both the action plot as well as into the characters’ motivations and emotional plots. I’m always amazed by what I find out about my story at that point, even when I’d thought I’d had it mostly figured out already.

Oh, and it’s also turning out to be the most ideal way to “conserve” ideas and then shelve them until such time as I can (or want to) start on the actual writing.

(BTW: this is probably self-evident for a professional or just more experienced writer, and it feels sort of pretentious to be asking for this, but maybe you could add a note to your Snowflake step 3 saying that the “villain”, even if he/she doesn’t get much actual “screen time”, is always a major character, too.)

]]> By: Vennessa http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-539 Vennessa Thu, 03 May 2007 07:44:31 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-539 I'm sold. Ask me to write an article and brain freeze is instant. I can do with all the help I can get. I’m sold.

Ask me to write an article and brain freeze is instant.

I can do with all the help I can get.

]]> By: Charlotte Babb http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-541 Charlotte Babb Thu, 03 May 2007 11:29:22 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-541 I use articles in a newsletter I do at work--and LOTS of people need this. I want to get out in front of them with my articles! I use articles in a newsletter I do at work–and LOTS of people need this. I want to get out in front of them with my articles!

]]> By: Davalynn http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-543 Davalynn Thu, 03 May 2007 13:20:53 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-543 I've written articles for years and it's an amazing platform. I also attended a Mt. Hermon CWC where you spoke and have been working on snowflaking my novel ever since. I write a weekly education column for a daily newspaper, an inspirational column each month for a national nonprofit and another one for my church. Last year I published a book of devotions for women, and in my spare time I teach sixth grade. BUT ... I've not written that much online, and from ing reading your newsletter for the last few years, I can see that it is definitely the place to be. I have learned so much from you already, I can't wait to see what else you have to say. (I've even quoted you a couple times in some masters classes I'm working on!) Thanks for all the great stuff - like snowflakes, MRUs and Truth! I’ve written articles for years and it’s an amazing platform. I also attended a Mt. Hermon CWC where you spoke and have been working on snowflaking my novel ever since. I write a weekly education column for a daily newspaper, an inspirational column each month for a national nonprofit and another one for my church. Last year I published a book of devotions for women, and in my spare time I teach sixth grade. BUT … I’ve not written that much online, and from ing reading your newsletter for the last few years, I can see that it is definitely the place to be. I have learned so much from you already, I can’t wait to see what else you have to say. (I’ve even quoted you a couple times in some masters classes I’m working on!)
Thanks for all the great stuff - like snowflakes, MRUs and Truth!

]]> By: Susan Flemming http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-545 Susan Flemming Thu, 03 May 2007 13:51:10 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-545 Okay... I've made this a "make my writing quota for the week reward." Now it's off to write! Okay… I’ve made this a “make my writing quota for the week reward.” Now it’s off to write!

]]> By: AgentSully http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-546 AgentSully Thu, 03 May 2007 14:17:07 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-546 Love the snowflake method. Been a regular reader of your ezine over the last couple years. Glad you have a blog now. I've got my story still in the works. It's a sideline project for me with all the other things I have going on, but little by little I'm getting there. Thanks. Great stuff! Love the snowflake method. Been a regular reader of your ezine over the last couple years. Glad you have a blog now.

I’ve got my story still in the works. It’s a sideline project for me with all the other things I have going on, but little by little I’m getting there.

Thanks. Great stuff!

]]> By: bonne http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-547 bonne Thu, 03 May 2007 16:10:14 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-547 Wow, Randy. You're a very generous mentor. Thank you for these amazing tools. Wow, Randy.

You’re a very generous mentor. Thank you for these amazing tools.

]]> By: Peg http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-548 Peg Thu, 03 May 2007 16:24:54 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-548 This is great, Randy! I'll be getting my hands on that ASAP. I have the Snowflake CD, and I have CD's of your Fiction101 (ACFW Conf 2005) and Fiction 301 (ACFW conf 2006). I'm getting to be a real Randy Ingermanson fan! Thanks for your willingness to mentor. This is great, Randy! I’ll be getting my hands on that ASAP.

I have the Snowflake CD, and I have CD’s of your Fiction101 (ACFW Conf 2005) and Fiction 301 (ACFW conf 2006). I’m getting to be a real Randy Ingermanson fan!

Thanks for your willingness to mentor.

]]> By: Eve Nielsen http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-551 Eve Nielsen Fri, 04 May 2007 03:16:44 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-551 I'm in the middle of a snowflake...Thanks for helping me out of an earlier muddle when I got stuck. I really appreciate the help. I’m in the middle of a snowflake…Thanks for helping me out of an earlier muddle when I got stuck. I really appreciate the help.

]]> By: Judith Vander Wege http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-552 Judith Vander Wege Fri, 04 May 2007 05:27:58 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-552 I had just listened again to the snowflake method a couple of nights ago and started writing a novel using it. It makes it fun and "doable." Thanks. I had just listened again to the snowflake method a couple of nights ago and started writing a novel using it. It makes it fun and “doable.” Thanks.

]]> By: Shruti http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-553 Shruti Fri, 04 May 2007 08:06:11 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-553 The best thing I like about you is your honesty. When you want to earn money, you say it. When you give off stuff for free so that other writers can learn from your experience and wisdom, you say it too. I like that. Even before you started this blog, I had read the snowflake method. I liked it very much. It is still on my desktop. I have one novel (literary) to my name right now, and am busy writing articles and short stories. I am so glad that you have started this blog. I am learning a lot from you. Thanks. The best thing I like about you is your honesty. When you want to earn money, you say it. When you give off stuff for free so that other writers can learn from your experience and wisdom, you say it too. I like that.

Even before you started this blog, I had read the snowflake method. I liked it very much. It is still on my desktop. I have one novel (literary) to my name right now, and am busy writing articles and short stories.

I am so glad that you have started this blog. I am learning a lot from you. Thanks.

]]> By: Groovyoldlady http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-580 Groovyoldlady Sat, 05 May 2007 16:33:03 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-580 Is it right to talk about snowflakes in SPRING????? Perhaps thee should rename the flower method, or the warm-sunbeam-upon-the-sand method. Perhaps you should just ignore me because I have a headache and I'm in a contrary mood. Is it right to talk about snowflakes in SPRING?????

Perhaps thee should rename the flower method, or the warm-sunbeam-upon-the-sand method.

Perhaps you should just ignore me because I have a headache and I’m in a contrary mood.

]]> By: Groovyoldlady http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-581 Groovyoldlady Sat, 05 May 2007 16:33:52 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-581 Dang. I left an "it" out my post. rename "it". Dang. I left an “it” out my post. rename “it”.

]]> By: Jerry Brandt http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-599 Jerry Brandt Mon, 07 May 2007 17:05:47 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-599 How do you make any money with the snowflake method.? How do you make any money with the snowflake method.?

]]> By: Jonathan Leger http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-600 Jonathan Leger Mon, 07 May 2007 17:07:08 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-600 Great post Randy. I've emailed my list about it because I think it offers some really solid advice, and reasons to remember to be generous with your knowledge and skills. Jon Great post Randy. I’ve emailed my list about it because I think it offers some really solid advice, and reasons to remember to be generous with your knowledge and skills.

Jon

]]> By: RJ http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-603 RJ Mon, 07 May 2007 18:20:25 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-603 Ah! But Groovyoldlady, rose is a rose is a rose is a rose! Ah! But Groovyoldlady, rose is a rose is a rose is a rose!

]]> By: Wally http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-607 Wally Mon, 07 May 2007 20:40:22 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-607 As a fellow software developer (nigh on 27 years now) I fully understand the "snowflake method" for writing code (code is poetry). However, I never really thought to apply it to "regular" writing. When I have written articles or otherwise in the past, I have always relied on seemingly random bursts of inspiration to get it done. Many thanks for reminding me that structure can occur outside the realm of coding. I look forward to reading your Superarticle guide and receiving your newsletter. As a fellow software developer (nigh on 27 years now) I fully understand the “snowflake method” for writing code (code is poetry). However, I never really thought to apply it to “regular” writing. When I have written articles or otherwise in the past, I have always relied on seemingly random bursts of inspiration to get it done. Many thanks for reminding me that structure can occur outside the realm of coding. I look forward to reading your Superarticle guide and receiving your newsletter.

]]> By: Andrew Seltz - The Go-To Guy! http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-613 Andrew Seltz - The Go-To Guy! Tue, 08 May 2007 12:20:14 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-613 Randy, My wife was the person who originally pointed me to the "Snowflake Article." We both think it is brilliant. Recently, I got a chuckle when I saw that Jonathan Leger had adapted it to writing short reports and mentioned it in his "Write That Report!!!" ebook. It made perfect sense there and I kicked myself for not having thought of it first. I'm glad to see you analyzing the marketing side of this. I'll be getting the report! Thanks, Andrew Seltz The Go-To Guy! www.AndrewSeltz.com Randy,

My wife was the person who originally pointed me to the “Snowflake Article.” We both think it is brilliant.

Recently, I got a chuckle when I saw that Jonathan Leger had adapted it to writing short reports and mentioned it in his “Write That Report!!!” ebook. It made perfect sense there and I kicked myself for not having thought of it first.

I’m glad to see you analyzing the marketing side of this. I’ll be getting the report!

Thanks,

Andrew Seltz
The Go-To Guy!
www.AndrewSeltz.com

]]> By: David Rogers http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-622 David Rogers Tue, 08 May 2007 19:34:35 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-622 So much is made these days of how "easy" writing is and the abundance of content that can be rehashed into articles. Lets hear it for quality! To me, your report leads with an important point that everyone else seems to miss. The primary reason for doing things on the internet, like anywhere else, isn't always making money! Mindshare - first time I've encountered this concept, but it fits perfectly with where I want to head with my site and future articles. Thanks. So much is made these days of how “easy” writing is and the abundance of content that can be rehashed into articles. Lets hear it for quality!

To me, your report leads with an important point that everyone else seems to miss. The primary reason for doing things on the internet, like anywhere else, isn’t always making money!

Mindshare - first time I’ve encountered this concept, but it fits perfectly with where I want to head with my site and future articles. Thanks.

]]> By: Tom http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-744 Tom Sun, 13 May 2007 21:33:49 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-744 Your snowflake method realy blows away all the obstacles to writing superarticles. Thanks for your great article. Your snowflake method realy blows away all the obstacles to writing superarticles. Thanks for your great article.

]]> By: “Super” Articles Anyone? » ‘Net Marketing Toolbox http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-1476 “Super” Articles Anyone? » ‘Net Marketing Toolbox Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:25:49 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-1476 [...] ever you needed a reason to justify the time involved in writing original articles - hopefully “super” ones - then this is [...] […] ever you needed a reason to justify the time involved in writing original articles - hopefully “super” ones - then this is […]

]]> By: The smartest move he ever made. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-1690 The smartest move he ever made. Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:26:06 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/02/the-second-smartest-thing-i-did/#comment-1690 [...] Click here to read Randy's blog post. Filed under Internet Marketing, Blog by Jonathan Leger [...] […] Click here to read Randy's blog post. Filed under Internet Marketing, Blog by Jonathan Leger […]

]]>