Thursday, July 28, 2011

Aspiring Advice: Curing Synopsiphobia


  Rather Predator-ish looking, eh?

I thought I was terribly clever when I thought up the title for this column, but it turns out someone beat me to it. Check out Raquel Byrnes' excellent rundown of what it takes to write a winning synopsis here.

Now to splatter my thoughts on the matter.

Last night, after editing through another chapter, I started thinking about the synopsis that I would have to eventually write. The inclination made me shudder. No kidding. I spend almost a whole day last week writing the query. How on earth would I tackle a synopsis? Then I started to think--what is the best way to overcome fear? Face it! I pulled up an old synopsis for an outline and tinkered with it. To my surprise, I drafted a one- page synopsis in half an hour. What the deuce?

It basically comes down to this--face your fear. Turn off your flight mode and fight back. After all. You wrote a novel (or in the process). What's a one or four page synopsis on top of that? Easy sauce on curly fries!

Dagnabbit! Now I'm hungry . . .

Remember my old post about Falling Action? Your synopsis should focus on the important parts, like the stops you make on a road trip. Leave the exposition and catchy songs in the car.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. Synopsis writing, just like novel writing, takes practice. Have someone you trust read it, who knows the details of your story, and be open to feedback. This is one of the big steps in selling your story. Fear not and dive in. Some publishers or agents like a one-page synopsis. Others like three or four. Consider writing both.

Are synopses tough for you? What are some tricks you employ to make your summary an enticing read?

I'm David, and sleep is becoming a stranger.

20 comments:

  1. I had a tough time with my synopsis, but once it was done, I realized it wasn't nearly as hard as either the novel or the query. Now I'm significantly less afraid of writing another one. :)

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  2. I find writing a synopsis to be extremely difficult. Raquel's post was more helpful than yours. However, I enjoy coming to your website :) Plus us Utahns have to stick together.

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  3. Sleep is my best friend.

    I love writing synopsis. Mine usually turn out to be a page and a half to two pages.

    -Matt

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  4. Thanks, Shallee and Matt. Way to tell that synopsis who the boss is!

    Michael - Yeah. I kinda cheated today. Since I have no recollection of what a good night's sleep feels like anymore, I didn't have it in me to rephrase what someone else already said so eloquently months ago. I found Raquel's blog, however. I'm sure to visit there often now. I appreciate your encouragement. :)

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  5. It's not that I fear synopsis, I am just horrible at them. Awful. With practice comes perfect, though, I guess. I can barely write a summary. On my blog people ask me what my books are actually about and I try to tell them but I can't without telling them the whole story.

    That's why I write books though. Because I can't write my novels in just a page or two.

    -Jackson

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  6. I tried writing a synopsis for my WIP and managed to come up with something much faster than I'd expected--although I'll definitely end up going back to it at some point and redoing it completely.

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  7. I dread the synopsis, so I have no useful advice for anyone. But I agree, you just have to face your fears and do it!

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  8. It does look predator-ish! I've not had to write a synop yet, but I shall remember your advice.

    Ellie Garratt

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  9. What is it about a Synopsis that us writers fear? We're undaunted about the thought of writing 100k, but the thought of writing a one page synopsis is terrifying. I've battled it and conquered, but I'd rather write a novel any day...

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  10. Synopsisphobia - I like it! I think the biggest thing I struggle with is to make it specific while still teasing the reader a little. I usually write up several different versions, have my writerly friends look them over, and then combine them into something decent.

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  11. Hi, David, I'm new to your blog, and liked this post, as I will have a synopsis challenge to meet in a few weeks when I finish a rewrite. I agree they are harder to write than queries (which also can be intimidating.) I loved your comparison to a road trip! That helps put it in perspective. Thanks for a good tip.

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  12. I wrote a synopsis that isn't terribly compelling, and I FEAR going back to it to revise. That's right. I admitted my fear.

    As far as my grand plan? I was just thinking about not querying anyone who asks for a synopsis... ;)

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  13. Lol, funny post:) And yes, it is a bit predator-ish, but when is that a bad thing? ;)

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  14. I think a synopsis would be easier than a query. I just can't get my hands around the query issue.

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  15. Hey there! Thanks for your kind words. So glad you left a comment. :) I shall visit again. Love you background.
    Edge of Your Seat Romance

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  16. I appreciate your comments, everyone. I'm glad I can contribute, if only a little. Gaining an insight into your experiences makes this blogging doohickey such an invaluable resource.

    Welcome to the blog, DRC, Raquel, Donna, and Elizabeth! I'm on my way to visit your pages.

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  17. Thanks for stopping by, David, and thanks for following me.

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  18. Since I've only known about this blog since February, what's up with the unannounced Sci-fi trilogy that's over 500,000 words. I'd like to hear the story behind that one!

    -Jackson

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  19. It took me eight months to write a synopsis I didn't hate. One night, everything just clicked for me. Strangely enough, I have an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" to thank for it.

    Good luck with everything. I hope you and sleep have the chance to get reacquainted soon.

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  20. Good advice. Getting the high points in are important. So too is taking that important first step - deciding to just do it!

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