Is the Snowflake Method of Writing a Novel Right For You?

A writing methodology that works for everyone who is neither 100 percent outliner nor organic writer

I heard several people mention Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method For Designing a Novel. Eventually, I became curious enough to check out his post on the subject. Though the snowflake fractal intrigued me, the 10 Steps he advances left me disappointed. Not another writing model to follow.

I dismissed the Snowflake Method for a couple of years until I had to read Andy’s book for a class. To my delight, I enjoyed reading “How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method.”

Imbedded within a clever story that held my interest, Randy smartly outlines his ten steps, along with responding to the inevitable critics in his story who try to argue against each of his suggestions.

Billed as an alternative solution that fits between outlining and writing organically, the Snowflake Method is a writing tool most everyone can use. Few people, it seems are 100 percent outliners or 100 percent organic writers. The Snowflake Method of writing a book is not too hard, not too soft, but just right. 

Though a quick and enjoyable read, in the end, I was still not convinced the Snowflake Method was right for me. Then Randy turned me into a convert. He said, “If only a few parts work for you, then use those and be happy.

What a relief. I narrowed his list of ten down to five, and I am happy.

Thank you Randy Ingermanson.

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Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.