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What writer doesn't dread creating a synopsis? Prolific author Karen Wiesner makes the project simpler in five easy steps. Drive-Thru
Synopsis Five fast and easy steps, and you're on your way. . . We live in a world where efficiency is king: If I can't have it in a few minutes, I don't want it. Unfortunately for writers, they haven't invented anything that makes you more creative. . .faster. Well, I can't give you a brain cream, but these five steps can make it seem a little less like putting your own head in a noose every time you approach the blank page or screen that's waiting for your synopsis. First of all, I'll explain the difference between a synopsis and an outline, since it seems to be the most common misunderstanding. A synopsis, plain and simple, is a summary of your novel. An outline is more detailed. It covers all the major points of the plot, chapter by chapter. The recommended guideline for a synopsis is one page for every 10,000 words (i.e. 60,000 word novel=6 page synopsis.) Remember, the shorter and more concise, the better. In a synopsis, put in only what's absolutely necessary to the plot and to the romance. (Easier said than done, I know.) This isn't the place for details. Editors want to see the bare bones of a story, not the flowery prose. They're not looking for good writing (that should shine through anyway) as much as your ability to put the entire novel into an easily understood block. Another recommendation before you get started is to write the synopsis when you're finished with your novel or when you have a chapter-by-chapter outline of the plot. Otherwise you've defeated the purpose of being concise. You've reached the drive-up window, and here's your order: Step 1. THE TONEThe first thing you need to do is figure out the tone of your novel. Is it a drama? Is it a comedy? You'll want the tone of your synopsis to match the tone of your book. Step 2. THE HOOK The next step is to come up with a hook. A one-liner or brief paragraph that's meant to snag interest immediately. Don't get stuck at this step because it can be done last too. Just like the first line of your novel, worrying about a hook can prevent you from getting down to the actual writing. Leave a blank space if you can't think of anything right away and return to it later when you've come up with something clever. Step 3. THE CHARACTERS Introduce the hero and heroine in the first paragraph and tell how they meet. Again, this isn't the place for flowery prose or character description (unless it's essential to the plot line.) Instead, tell what's important about their personalities, their careers, their current love life. Explaining how your couple meets will lead naturally into why their reactions to each other are different than their reactions to other men/women. We need to know why they're attracted to each other and how that attraction deepens enough to develop into something that will last forever. Step 4. THE PLOT Every novel, even a romance, should have some plot outside the relationship, no matter how slight. At this point in the synopsis, relate facts of the situation, embellishing it with how this brings the hero and heroine together. Also, how it pulls them apart. Depending on how long your novel is, this could take anywhere from a few paragraphs to a few pages. Give only what's important to the progress of the relationship and of the plot. Step 5. THE END Tie up the conflicts completely in the last few paragraphs of your synopsis. You've heard it a million times, but never leave the conclusions dangling with the attitude "I want them to be dying to find out how it turns out." How it'll turn out is editors will see you as an amateur and send you a "We don't feel this is right for us" form letter. Describe how the plot is resolved and give a happily-ever-after that'll make editors want to see the flesh and blood of these bare bones. Next please! For more information about Karen and her work, visit her web site at http://karenwiesner.hypermart.net. Back to Articles Contents Page
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