Applying the Snowflake Method: Step 2

Hi again (today is two-articles-for-the-price-of-one day)!

As per Step 2 of the snowflake method, I expanded my one-sentence summary into a one-paragraph summary.

However, the fluffing up must be gradual. Only five sentences are allowed for this phase:

• Sentence 1: Initial situation

• Sentences 2, 3, 4: Three obstacles

• Sentence 2: Conclusion

I started with this first draft:

A career woman allows herself to vent through an online video game. When she agrees to meet her internet best friend, she doesn't expect him to be a world-famous singer. Though hesitant at first, they explore this newfound friendship, careful to stay away from the paparazzi and fans harassing him. After her husband files for divorce, she throws herself at her friend for comfort, but he stops her, saying it isn't right. After an interview on live television, she realizes he is in love with her and rushes to the studios, where they share a kiss in front of the cameras.

Now, a lovely group of writer friends was kind enough to provide feedback on this summary and helped me strengthen it ❤️

An IT engineer whose career threatens to break her marriage seeks an outlet from an internet friend. When she agrees to meet him, she doesn't expect a world-famous singer. To explore this newfound friendship, they must keep it secret, away from paparazzi and fans. After her husband files for divorce, she throws herself at her friend for comfort, but he refuses to take advantage of the situation. After an interview on live television, in which he describes his ideal woman, she realizes his feelings and rushes to the studios, where they share a kiss in front of the cameras.

• The first sentence is definitely a better hook. We understand that our MC needs someone to confide to about her demanding career and weakened marriage.

• The second sentence hasn't changed much.

• The third one now features new, stronger, more engaging words: "must" and "secret".

• The last part of the fourth sentence has been made more explicit, which ties it better to the ending.

• Same goes for the last sentence and conclusion. Details were added to help understand how the conflict was solved.

Today, I worked on Step 3 and got acquainted with my main characters. The main character's outline is finished, while her love interest's is halfway done. And FYI, I wasn't expecting his backstory to be so deep. I'm impressed by how the snowflake method helped me flesh him out.

See you tomorrow for the results!