You're right, Flamenca. There are some interesting ideas on this site and its associated links. For example, his 'snowflake' method could be a very useful aid in planning a book. Randy Ingermanson also offers courses to download, such as Fiction101, etc.
However, I think its necessary to be very selective about what to take notice of. The problem is that the approach tends to be very formulaic (especially the courses). It's more about novel production that novel writing. I've noticed that the e-zine seems to be getting more and more 'plug-for-products'-oriented as the months go by.
Still, his sites are definitely worth a visit.
Chris
I came across this e-zine a few years back and signed up on the back of the snowflake method being a very useful tool indeed. However, I did find the bombardment of emails too much to keep up with and felt it was more geared up to those who write formula novels, as Chris points out. I also started to feel I was in a sales pitch and lost enthusiasm for it. Didn't learn my lesson though as I signed up to another writers' e-zine just last year and found the same thing! But never again.
I have tried using the snowflake method and I know a lot of other people, mostly in American writers' sites, who swear by it. It is a really good way to get you thinking about your characters and to show up plot holes, if you have already thoroughly thought-out your story.
On the downside, it is very in-depth planning before you write the novel and can extinguish your enthusiasm. It all depends on the individuals' approach to their writing, I suppose. Recently I tried using it and found I couldn't go any further as I needed to do some more research. Still haven't got any further, but that's another story...
DQ
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