Glenn Dyer came to me at the end of 2014 with a story idea he’d been working on for a few years. But no matter what he tried, he couldn’t move past the plot problems that were holding the story back.
In his own words, he shares how my 90-day Author Intensive program helped him go from story idea to completed novel draft.
Name: Glenn Dyer
Location: Park City, Utah
Occupation: Retired
How long were you thinking about/working on your story before you hired me?
Started working on the project back in 2000. Would pick it up for a while then drop it.
Where were you at with your story prior to working with me?
Back in 2004, I got about 190 pages into a draft but plot problems became a big issue and I dropped the project. I picked it back up around September 2014.
What fears did you have before you signed up to work with me?
That the plot problems were not solvable.
What finally caused you to say, “I’m ready to get support with writing my novel?”
I turned 61 in October of last year. No time to waste.
What did you like best about this program?
The specific feedback about plot, characters and other things that didn’t make sense to me [before doing this program]. The written feedback, which could be revisited as many times as needed. Also, that Jennifer were available via FB at anytime during the term.
How did you feel about the feedback you received from me each week?
I found it most valuable. In particular, the feedback received during the first six weeks was critical to being able to finish the draft.
How does it feel to have a finished draft of your story?
Tough to describe. I was so fearful that I would never get it done after wanting to do it for so many years.
I never mentioned this before, but back in 2003 I promised my son, Mike, that if he would go out for cross-country in his sophomore year, that I would finish my novel. He ran cross-country for three years. I just finished the novel.
It was important to finish it for many reasons, but that reason was the most important. When I told him that I was “slow” in meeting my end of the deal, he responded by saying that my end was harder. He’s a good kid.
How long did it take you to write your draft (in days/weeks)?
Sixty-two days.
What made the biggest difference working with me versus trying to do it yourself?
Having someone to bounce ideas off during the first 6 weeks was critical.
Was your experience and results in this program worth the money you invested?
In my case, yes. Definitely.
Jennifer, I would love to join the discussion.
Please direct me to it.
Regards
Margaret
Yes, I will join and contribute my cent’s worth.’
Regards
Margaret