That is cool– not what. Although Adaobi obviously is a talented writer, the compelling aspect of the interview is that 1. she wrote her novel and, 2. your Snowflake method helped her begin and carry the work to completion.

Since I’m still struggling with my own first novel work in progress this is encouraging. I’ve studied your Snowflake method– have to admit I haven’t applied it completely– but I’m really looking forward to the point when you introduce your Snowflake software. Hope that’s soon, Randy.

In the meantime, I’m getting back to my story– today. Thanks, Randy, for this interview, your blog and your Advanced Fiction Writing E-Magazine. Keep up the good work.

Great interview…

Karen

Thank you so much for this post. Besides how fascinating Adaobi’s process was, it encourages those of us who wonder if while living outside the United States we can not only get our work published in the United States, but we can use our soil as setting.
Wonderful interview.

She should be the Nike spokesperson - just do it! That’s where too many writers (read “I” here) get hung up on preparations, distractions, and reading blog posts.

My first novel awaits….

Randy sez: The release of Snowflake Pro is imminent (within days). I began alpha testing in July with a team of 25. In August and September, I had to deal with editing my book WRITING FICTION FOR DUMMIES (which will be releasing on December 2). In October, I resumed work on final bug fixes of Snowflake Pro and I added a few feature improvements to make it even easier to use. I worked with my daughter Carolyn (an English Lit major) to make four different example Snowflake documents. We used Snowflake Pro to create these examples, which led me to make a few final tweaks for usability. I began a very extensive beta test two days ago with people who have already bought a Snowflake-related product from me in the past. This beta test is just wrapping up and the success rate is very high for installation. (Installation is always the trickiest part. Even Microsoft had a lot of problems when they released Vista.) I’m working now to resolve a handful of installation glitches. Generally, these have to do with problems that can arise on the machines of my customers, but it’s still my problem to find a way to get it done. But I’m thrilled to say that the vast majority of the beta testers installed Snowflake Pro without a hitch and without any need for customer support from me. Already, a number of users are working on the designs of their novels using Snowflake Pro. I am hoping to reach 100% success, but I know that may be a chimera. When I’ve got it working as well as I know how, then I’ll launch Snowflake Pro. I’m a user of this product myself, so I plan to add new features whenever I see a way to make it work even slicker, faster, or better. All upgrades will be free to all my customers. If you buy Snowflake Pro, you’re buying it for as long as your email remains in my database. (I’ll notify Snowflake Pro owners by email whenever I upgrade the product.)

Inspired by the interview. Time management is still my biggest challenge. I tried scheduling writing time each day or week but “regular work” keeps getting in the way. So, I took 2 weeks off from work. I have never taken this much time off in 22 years. One week of fun, chillin’ in San Antonio, and one wee writing. Goal 8 hours a day. Success? Well, 60%. Not bad though. I have been following Snowflake but need more structure. It sounds like Snowflake Pro is just the ticket. Yeah, that’s right, just the ticket!

I took serious action recently and isolated myself in The Alps for a month, with manuscript, Snowflake Method, Fiction 101, 201, a copy of ‘How To Write The Perfect Scene’, all the books recommended in aforementioned documents, a ton of fiction books and the cat.

But well done to Adaobi who must be immensely talented - and to Randy, who we already know,is. (Terrible grammar that last sentence).

Ann

But then all fraudsters are only differentials of grey of shady sheep to be found in every clan. And their bleating, like siren song, holds appeal only for kindred souls: ‘Once greedy, always a victim’ is the motto I recommend.
Everyone in cyberspace gets distracted by their tattered flags by the wayside, every now and then. Unread, I just click ‘Report spam’! To peep aside inside any rotten-mail as the scam scum put together, ‘just to see’, is to risk an accident as you cruise along Information Superhighway.

But redemption draweth nigh for Nigeria, hopefully, with ATN’s story. For me, it’s a variation on the timeless theme codified at 1 Samuel 21:9: “And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck in the valley of Elah; behold, it is wrapped in the cloak behind the ephod. If you desire, take it for yourself; for there is no other here except it. AND DAVID SAID, THERE IS NONE LIKE IT. GIVE IT TO ME.”

Well done, Adoabi, for seizing to wield the sword –poised like the sword of Damocles over Nigeria for so long — so well. Your chronicling in creative writing of this philistinism may well be the end of the road for it, the wind out of the sail for those who would shame the rest of us in the comity of nations.

I’m recommending your book to my reading group. Will write a review shortly.

P.S. Just got Snowflake, the software, to use. Cashed in on one of Randy’s ‘wacky moments’ of 80% discount! You can have your goal of total world domination, Randy–as long as I get mine of a baker’s dozen novels before 40!!