ROW80 #7: Perseverance furthers!

Using Randy Ingermanson's SNOWFLAKE method is taking me down a different path to writing productivity. What I've learned so far -- it's hard to summarize a story when:

• I don't know the characters very well.
• I don't know the ending.
• I haven't figured out the plot points (act 1, 2, etc.).

The beauty of his method, though, is as I discover (and decide on) these elements, Randy suggests going back and revising. This way, the basic story premise takes shape out of the work I'm doing. So I feel pretty good about that. At least until . . . 

I printed out the working blurb for writing group that meets Thursday to read. Only then did I discover (oh, horrors), I don't like the ending. It's not a happy ending. And I realize that a major plank is missing from the story -- the relationship between primary characters (yes, I'm going for somewhat of a romance), and the source of the opposition (a complete blank beyond a generic descriptor). 

So Thursday's face-to-face could be a disaster. But I'm still going in to share that blurb and take any hits. Meanwhile, I'm working hard and trying to be reflective as well as reactive. 

Here's Weds progress on goals set for Sunday (done, progress, not yet):

1. TAPESTRY PROJECT: By Weds wrote 2,000 words on story blurb using  Randy Ingermanson's SNOWFLAKE.  By SUNDAY: May have feedback on story premise from 3 sources.

2. DECLUTTER. Had over 300 e-mails. Now down to about 100. Still much reading to do.

3. Write a POEM this week. Done. See "On Swimming in a Cenote" on Writing Blog!

4. Develop writing prompts using 750words that build conflict into that classic 3-stage story structure. Continue to write 750 words a day/4 days a week. Making progress. Wrote M (214 words) and Weds (825 words), so 2 out of 3 days so far.

5. Decide whether to rejoin IWW's NOVEL group. Still unsure. 

6, BLOGGING. Draft IWSG post due February 7 question - What do you love about the genre you write in most often? Got a running start, but may write about the SNOWFLAKE process instead. 

And the rest of the story: We've got three weeks left here in wonderful, tranquil Merida. Hubby spent 2 hours at dentist today so I finally got a little hand sewing done. Company arrives on Friday. My time for writing just might shrink.

Feeling a little sad I can't play on WEDS WIPpet with a new scene, but my main preoccupation this week: Is my current story of interest to readers? Can I find that happy ending that's been pretty elusive in the past?

May the rest of the last week of January go well for you! Visit our FACEBOOK group or on our WEBSITE to check in with other ROW80 writers!