The Snowflake Method is a popular approach to planning and outlining narratives, especially novels. It was developed by Randy Ingermanson, a published author and writing instructor. The method is designed to help writers gradually expand their story from a simple concept into a comprehensive and well-structured narrative. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the Snowflake Method for planning your narrative:
Step 1: Start with a One-Sentence Summary
Begin by summarizing your story in a single sentence. This
sentence should convey the central idea of your narrative, including the main
character, their goal, and the conflict they face.
- Who is
the main character?
- What
is their primary goal or desire?
- What
is the central conflict or obstacle they face?
- What
is the central theme or message of the story?
Step 2: Expand to a One-Paragraph Summary
Take the one-sentence summary and expand it into a
paragraph. Include more details about the characters, motivations, the setting,
and the major plot points. This paragraph should provide a clearer overview of
the story's direction.
- Who
are the main characters in your story?
- What
is the setting of your story? Is it a specific time, place, or world?
- What
are the initial circumstances of the characters?
- What
is the triggering event that sets the story in motion?
- How
does the conflict escalate as the story progresses?
- What
are the major turning points that shape the narrative?
Step 3: Develop Character Summaries
Create short summaries for each of your main characters. Please
include information about their backgrounds, personalities, goals, and
conflicts. Understanding your characters' motivations will help you develop a
more compelling story.
- Who
are the main characters? Provide names and brief descriptions.
- What
are their personal backgrounds and histories?
- What
are their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses?
- What
are their primary motivations and desires?
- How do
their goals and desires conflict with each other?
Step 4: Create a Spreadsheet
Set up a spreadsheet to track the significant events of your
story. Use columns for each scene or chapter and rows for different story
elements like characters, settings, and plot points. This will show how various
elements interact and progress throughout the narrative.
- What
are the key scenes or chapters that you envision in your story?
- Which
characters are involved in each scene?
- What
significant plot developments occur in each scene?
- How do
the scenes build upon each other to create a coherent narrative?
Step 5: Expand to a One-Page Summary
Write a one-page summary of your story, expanding upon the
information in your paragraph summary. Include details about subplots,
secondary characters, and the overall narrative arc.
- What
subplots or secondary character arcs will complement the main storyline?
- How do
these subplots intersect with the central plot?
- How
does the setting influence the characters and their actions?
- What
emotions or themes do you want to explore in the story?
- What
are the stakes for the characters if they succeed or fail in their goals?
Step 6: Develop Character Profiles
Dive deeper into your main characters by creating more
detailed profiles. Include their backgrounds, beliefs, fears, desires, and
character arcs. Understanding your characters on a deeper level will make them
more relatable and dynamic.
- What
are the deeper motivations driving each character?
- What
internal conflicts do they struggle with?
- How do
their backgrounds and experiences shape their perspectives?
- How do
their arcs evolve throughout the story?
- How do
their interactions with other characters reveal their personalities and
growth?
Step 7: Write a Four-Page Summary
Expand your summary to four pages, focusing on each central
character's storyline, their development, and how their arcs intersect. Include
more specifics about the turning points, conflicts, and resolutions.
- How do
the characters' individual journeys intertwine and affect each other?
- How
does the central conflict evolve as the story progresses?
- What
specific challenges or obstacles do the characters face at different
points?
- How do
the characters respond to setbacks and failures?
- How do
the characters' relationships change throughout the narrative?
Step 8: Create Scene Outlines
Break down your story into individual scenes or chapters.
Write a one-sentence description for each scene, including the purpose of the
scene, the characters involved, and the outcome. This will help you organize
the flow of your narrative.
- What
is the purpose of each scene?
- What
emotions or conflicts are present in each scene?
- How do
the scenes advance the main plot and character arcs?
- How do
they contribute to the overall pacing and structure of the narrative?
Step 9: Expand Each Sentence
Write a paragraph expanding on the details for each sentence
in your scene outline. Include dialogue, descriptions, and emotions. This will
help you see how each scene contributes to the overall story.
- How
can you visually describe the settings to immerse the readers?
- What
internal thoughts and emotions can you show through the characters'
actions and dialogues?
- How do
the conflicts in each scene drive the characters toward their goals?
- What
changes occur due to each scene that propels the story forward?
Step 10: Start Writing
With your detailed outline, you can start writing your
narrative. Having a solid plan will make the writing process smoother and more
focused.
- How
can you stay true to the essence of each scene while allowing room for
creative exploration?
- How
can you maintain consistency in character voices and motivations
throughout writing?
- How
can you use your detailed plan to keep your narrative focused and
cohesive?
Conclusion
Remember
that the Snowflake Method is a flexible approach, and you can adjust it to suit
your preferences and the needs of your story. It's a tool to help you gradually
build your narrative from a simple concept into a fully realized and engaging
story.
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