UGH! I don't know what's wrong with me. I've had my newest MG novel finished for weeks, and yet, I haven't been able to get the synopsis written. I've sat down quite a few times and stared at a blank computer screen with my notes printed out next to me. Still ... nothing. Why is this so hard for me to do? I'm sure it will be easier once I start, but why can't I even do that?
I hear a lot of people say they hate writing the synopsis to their stories. It's understandable. After all, you're only trying to tell your ENTIRE story on ONE piece of paper. I've written two other MGs and didn't struggle with their synopsises at all. Both of them are still unpublished though, so that could speak for itself. Even so, I have to get this started. I can't send the story out until I have it done. And, what good is a story if it is locked up inside your computer? It's worthless.
Question -- is the synopsis hard or easy for you?
Writing is hard in the first place. A good synopsis has to be equally as hard, but I know you will make it the best, most provocative invitation to the publisher to quickly acquire your novel.
ReplyDeleteYou need to visit Chuck at the Guide to literary agents - I found the examples there very helpful.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Rena. It will be great to see a MG on the shelves written by you!! How's that for positive thinking? :o))
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies! I'm happy to say I've gotten the first rough draft written. It's a start!
ReplyDeleteElaine -- I have been on that site before. It's very helpful. I might have to go check it again now that I have a bit written. TY!
Writing a synopsis is hard for me, but that's because I have always been writing it before the story, as part of the snowflake method. I have always assumed it'd be easier for me if I had a completed plot... maybe not? Check out step 2 from this link and we'll get to the bottom of this: http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php
ReplyDeleteOh, the dreaded synopsis! I feel your pain. Good luck--I know you'll nail it!
ReplyDeleteIt's a piece of cake - a double chocolate, triple cream filling, cherry covered complicated cake ;)
ReplyDeleteOne way to approach it is to look at each chapter as a separate story and condense each one into a sentence or two. When you have each chapter condenced, go back and fill in the details. Think of it simply as a list of things that happen in chronological order.
ReplyDeleteI do what Bish said, except I write a 5 sentence summary for each chapter and pare it down from there.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
The HARDEST thing to write! Can you find someone to write it for you?
ReplyDeleteHard. I've just finished draft of one-page synopsis for my MG novel.
ReplyDeleteFirst I did chapter outline. Then did synopsis (but it was about 3 pages).
The place I'm submitting to wants a one-page synopsis