Since this is a lot bigger than anything I've tried to write before, I'm going to try something new: making a list of scenes. . . .
Not all the scenes will be in the story. Others may be added. I heard that having a list like this can help you keep going if you are stuck. I'm thinking it will work like this: I can't get any further in one scene; looking at the list will give me another scene to start work on. And it will help me not to forget important parts of the story.
The phone call.
Drive to Fargo.
Meeting with in-laws.
Visit with roommate.
The last night before he disappeared.
Stop at the farm house on the way back to Minneapolis.
Talk with daughter.
Talk with son.
Phone call from roommate.
Drive to Fargo.
In-laws. Ted's prediction.
Funeral director.
Forensic science?
Call to Rotary member.
Call to Japan, host father.
Call to son.
Drive to Fargo: Sister Helen Mary, cabbage and colostomy, tornado, prayers and the rain stops
Memorial service
Drive to the grave
Shingles
Mother in law's funeral