Comments on: Answers to Snowflake Questions http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:32:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Vennessa http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-575 Vennessa Sat, 05 May 2007 06:37:58 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-575 Oh good. External disasters - here I come! Randy sez: Backstory is good! (In your preparation work). Absolutely. Recently I needed to sort out some backstory hiccups. Most of the current action revolves around a murder ten years prior. I was backing myself into a corner plot wise and had no idea how to work it. I eventually booked a motel for two nights, ran away from the family, and sorted out my plot by sitting down and writing out the backstory plotline in a sequenced format from each of my three characters POV's. It worked a charm. Now I know what I need to add into my wip, and what can be ditched. Randy sez: But I have no idea what’s good software to use for running a forum. Any suggestions anyone? Two popular forums are http://www.ezboard.com/ and http://www.simplemachines.org/ Oh good. External disasters - here I come!

Randy sez: Backstory is good! (In your preparation work).

Absolutely. Recently I needed to sort out some backstory hiccups. Most of the current action revolves around a murder ten years prior. I was backing myself into a corner plot wise and had no idea how to work it. I eventually booked a motel for two nights, ran away from the family, and sorted out my plot by sitting down and writing out the backstory plotline in a sequenced format from each of my three characters POV’s. It worked a charm. Now I know what I need to add into my wip, and what can be ditched.

Randy sez: But I have no idea what’s good software to use for running a forum. Any suggestions anyone?

Two popular forums are http://www.ezboard.com/ and http://www.simplemachines.org/

]]> By: Rachel Brown http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-576 Rachel Brown Sat, 05 May 2007 10:30:49 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-576 Thank you SO much for answering my Snowflake back-story question, Randy! It's been on my mind for months, but I never imagined I'd be able to ask you about it. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog?) I have to say it seems so much better to get all that back-story out in the snowflake, than to spend the time writing it into the first few chapters, only to have to chop them off later. It's good to know back-story does belong in the setup, though when I expand that one paragraph into the one-page and then the four-page synopsis, I just won't expand the back-story to the same degree. And ... while others are throwing in requests, may I make a suggestion? How about having a "Questions?" post on a regular basis, where we can add our questions to the comments column (or by email?), and any questions you feel like answering over the following days will probably be very helpful to many readers. Thank you again for all your help and encouragement through your site, e-zine and now this blog! Thank you SO much for answering my Snowflake back-story question, Randy! It’s been on my mind for months, but I never imagined I’d be able to ask you about it.

(Have I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog?)

I have to say it seems so much better to get all that back-story out in the snowflake, than to spend the time writing it into the first few chapters, only to have to chop them off later.

It’s good to know back-story does belong in the setup, though when I expand that one paragraph into the one-page and then the four-page synopsis, I just won’t expand the back-story to the same degree.

And … while others are throwing in requests, may I make a suggestion? How about having a “Questions?” post on a regular basis, where we can add our questions to the comments column (or by email?), and any questions you feel like answering over the following days will probably be very helpful to many readers.

Thank you again for all your help and encouragement through your site, e-zine and now this blog!

]]> By: Vennessa http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-577 Vennessa Sat, 05 May 2007 11:18:17 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-577 I'm trying to not take this personally, but why is my previous comment listed as "Your comment is awaiting moderation." Have I been blackballed for some reason? I’m trying to not take this personally, but why is my previous comment listed as “Your comment is awaiting moderation.”

Have I been blackballed for some reason?

]]> By: Doraine Bennett http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-578 Doraine Bennett Sat, 05 May 2007 13:13:06 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-578 Thanks, Randy. Yes. That makes sense to use the snowflake method as the analyzing tool for rewriting. I think I wish I weren't a pantser. I use outlines extensively in non-fiction. I wish for that wonderful outline that would make the fiction writing more direct. But it just ain't there, at least not right now. Thanks, Randy. Yes. That makes sense to use the snowflake method as the analyzing tool for rewriting. I think I wish I weren’t a pantser. I use outlines extensively in non-fiction. I wish for that wonderful outline that would make the fiction writing more direct. But it just ain’t there, at least not right now.

]]> By: Sarah Stockton http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-579 Sarah Stockton Sat, 05 May 2007 15:19:43 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-579 I agree with Doraine- I use outlines in nonfiction but can't seem to make the transition into fiction. It did help when you wrote "The Snowflake is an analytic tool, not a creative tool". I guess I was looking for the magic creative tool, trying to make the Snowflake something it's not. I agree with Doraine- I use outlines in nonfiction but can’t seem to make the transition into fiction. It did help when you wrote “The Snowflake is an analytic tool, not a creative tool”. I guess I was looking for the magic creative tool, trying to make the Snowflake something it’s not.

]]> By: Story Hack (Bryce Beattie) http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-583 Story Hack (Bryce Beattie) Sat, 05 May 2007 17:37:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-583 On software used for the snowflake. I use an outliner program (of my own creation) to follow the snowflake. **WARNING:SHAMELESS SELF-PLUG AHEAD. If it's a problem, Randy, feel free to edit this comment...** I've got a flash presentation on how to use my outliner with the snowflake method. It would work with pretty much any outliner, though. <a href='http://www.babykatiemedia.com/texttree/tutorial.php' rel="nofollow">http://www.babykatiemedia.com/texttree/tutorial.php</a> On software used for the snowflake.

I use an outliner program (of my own creation) to follow the snowflake.

**WARNING:SHAMELESS SELF-PLUG AHEAD.
If it’s a problem, Randy, feel free to edit this comment…**

I’ve got a flash presentation on how to use my outliner with the snowflake method. It would work with pretty much any outliner, though.

http://www.babykatiemedia.com/texttree/tutorial.php

]]> By: Eve Nielsen http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-584 Eve Nielsen Sat, 05 May 2007 19:57:06 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-584 Randy, You might want to check with Jeff Gerke at Where the Map Ends for the forum idea (http://www.wherethemapends.com/forums/forums.htm). He's just recently started his and may be able to offer some tips. Randy,
You might want to check with Jeff Gerke at Where the Map Ends for the forum idea (http://www.wherethemapends.com/forums/forums.htm). He’s just recently started his and may be able to offer some tips.

]]> By: Story Hack (Bryce Beattie) http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-585 Story Hack (Bryce Beattie) Sat, 05 May 2007 23:12:54 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-585 Oh, and one more thing. PhpBB is a pretty good open source forum package. Oh, and one more thing. PhpBB is a pretty good open source forum package.

]]> By: Diane http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-586 Diane Sun, 06 May 2007 02:08:08 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-586 On the topic of forums: if you start one, be willing to tag a few faithful members as additional moderators. The forum spammers are really inventive, and open forums attract them like cows attract flies. It's wise to have other members helping you keep the spam deleted, since some of it can be very explicit, and you don't want that kind of stuff lingering where everyone can see it. But as a member of two other writing forums, I find it very valuable to join such a community, and I'd definitely sign up if such a thing were available. On the topic of forums: if you start one, be willing to tag a few faithful members as additional moderators. The forum spammers are really inventive, and open forums attract them like cows attract flies. It’s wise to have other members helping you keep the spam deleted, since some of it can be very explicit, and you don’t want that kind of stuff lingering where everyone can see it. But as a member of two other writing forums, I find it very valuable to join such a community, and I’d definitely sign up if such a thing were available.

]]> By: Paul D http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-587 Paul D Sun, 06 May 2007 05:02:46 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-587 Randy: I have frequented another (non writing related) forum for many years, and it uses http://www.simplemachines.org/. It's free and it is very good. The administrator of that forum is a good guy that would be an excellent person to learn from. I would be willing to help if you want someone to dive in and make it happen. Randy: I have frequented another (non writing related) forum for many years, and it uses http://www.simplemachines.org/. It’s free and it is very good. The administrator of that forum is a good guy that would be an excellent person to learn from. I would be willing to help if you want someone to dive in and make it happen.

]]> By: Shirl Tourtillott http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-588 Shirl Tourtillott Sun, 06 May 2007 13:45:19 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-588 This is off the topic (sort of) but I love your blog as well. I'd love to be part of the forum, and it looks like you may have gotten more help than you wished for! Unfortunately (for you) it may mean more work coming your way... This is off the topic (sort of) but I love your blog as well. I’d love to be part of the forum, and it looks like you may have gotten more help than you wished for! Unfortunately (for you) it may mean more work coming your way…

]]> By: Judy http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-608 Judy Mon, 07 May 2007 22:22:02 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-608 I've just found your site and am fascinated. Trying out your snowflake right now! I'd be interested in a forum, and as it happens, my husband has written free forum software for WordPress. It's available at http://www.yellowswordfish.com/my-wordpress-plugin-library/simple-forum-wordpress-plugin/ I’ve just found your site and am fascinated. Trying out your snowflake right now!

I’d be interested in a forum, and as it happens, my husband has written free forum software for WordPress. It’s available at http://www.yellowswordfish.com/my-wordpress-plugin-library/simple-forum-wordpress-plugin/

]]> By: Natalie http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-609 Natalie Mon, 07 May 2007 22:49:07 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-609 Check out <a href="http://www.joomla.org/" rel="nofollow">Joomla!</a> for a forum. It's fairly easy to setup and admin. Check out Joomla! for a forum. It’s fairly easy to setup and admin.

]]> By: Wally http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-643 Wally Thu, 10 May 2007 17:20:06 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-643 Randy, I could set up a forum for you in few minutes. Pretty much depends on who is hosting your domain, and what kind of access I can get to your domain. Fortunately (and unfortunately) there's about a billion options. Drop me an email if you're interested. Randy, I could set up a forum for you in few minutes. Pretty much depends on who is hosting your domain, and what kind of access I can get to your domain. Fortunately (and unfortunately) there’s about a billion options. Drop me an email if you’re interested.

]]> By: Charlotte http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-700 Charlotte Sat, 12 May 2007 02:55:40 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-700 Hi Randy, Hope its okay to comment on the snowflake method at this late date. I was really busy, and didn't even check my email for a few days. I am enjoying the process and find that in analyzing what I once thought was a logical, detailed, well-thought-out plot, there are actually gaps and gaffs! It is fun to sort all those things out and now I have a structure to plug everything into. I have discovered that I cannot work though the steps linearly, because I keep getting ideas for other characters, say, or a great bit of dialogue, when working on the details for my hero. What I did to take advantage of this tendency instead of fighting it was make pages for each character(character files), and sections for notes on setting, and other aspects of the novel. So I can jump to any one of them in a snap and not lose the thought. I have begun condensing little portions of the plot as bedtime stories for my daughter. This helps me to see the bare structure and make connections, while staying aware of entertainment value. Fortunately, I have a curious, quizzical critic for an audience. My question is how important is it to be able to encapsulate the entire plot in a single sentence? Is this a requisite skill for a novelist? Hi Randy, Hope its okay to comment on the snowflake method at this late date. I was really busy, and didn’t even check my email for a few days.
I am enjoying the process and find that in analyzing what I once thought was a logical, detailed, well-thought-out plot, there are actually gaps and gaffs! It is fun to sort all those things out and now I have a structure to plug everything into. I have discovered that I cannot work though the steps linearly, because I keep getting ideas for other characters, say, or a great bit of dialogue, when working on the details for my hero. What I did to take advantage of this tendency instead of fighting it was make pages for each character(character files), and sections for notes on setting, and other aspects of the novel. So I can jump to any one of them in a snap and not lose the thought.
I have begun condensing little portions of the plot as bedtime stories for my daughter. This helps me to see the bare structure and make connections, while staying aware of entertainment value. Fortunately, I have a curious, quizzical critic for an audience.
My question is how important is it to be able to encapsulate the entire plot in a single sentence? Is this a requisite skill for a novelist?

]]> By: Alison Strobel Morrow http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-1456 Alison Strobel Morrow Tue, 26 Jun 2007 05:19:18 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2007/05/04/answers-to-comments/#comment-1456 I just finished listening to your Snowflake lecture and going over the character sketch template that came in the Goodies file. One of the character sketch points is "character's paradox" but I don't remember you discussing that in the lecture. Can you explain that? I just finished listening to your Snowflake lecture and going over the character sketch template that came in the Goodies file. One of the character sketch points is “character’s paradox” but I don’t remember you discussing that in the lecture. Can you explain that?

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