Comments on: Online Workshop – “Conquering the Synopsis” #4

By: Jennifer Shashaty

Jennifer Shashaty — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:30:39 +0000

First and foremost, you have given me so much to consider while I’m working on my second book! I’m thinking hard about my first manuscript – 104,000 words. The first time around I used my outline to create a synopsis. Looking at it now, I can see I erred on the side of narration so I am taking a fresh approach at it. Question, you suggested not to place subplots in the synopsis except as a reference. What if a subplot arcs for a good portion of the book? Not diminishing the romance but using a minor character that affects the major characters and shows their emotional growth. Is it distracting to give it a couple sentences or should I stick to the ‘engine’ of the story if you will?

Thanks Claire for taking the time to share your knowledge on this matter!

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:15:32 +0000

Claire,
I am enjoying your workshop. Pointing out the flaws in your synopsis was especially helpful. I’m not a great synopsis writing but have learned how valuable it it. I wouldn’t think of writing a story before I had figured out a synopsis but it’s taken (is still taking) me a long time to understand the process. It’s probably the hardest thing to learn–for me that is.

Good job.
Linda

By: Claire

Claire — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:54:12 +0000

Pam -

It’s a different kind of thinking, more analytical and assessing than the way you think about writing dialogue. In time, it becomes easier to push your brain into Synopsis Mode, for lack of a better term, and to be less easily seduced by your own prose.

I probably should talk more about that tomorrow…

By: The Pam

The Pam — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:01:26 +0000

Well, I’ve got this printed off and am going to do an indepth analysis of my synopsis and it’s missing pieces tonight.

I agree with Lyn though – a well thought out synopsis in the beginning has got to save time, even if you deviate from it later. It’s a plan.

Can I assume that finding all the missing pieces gets easier with experience? I think new writers just don’t SEE what’s missing becuase they don’t know better. I have been making a mental checklist of major points Claire has brought up like: How many events are based on coincidence? Is ____ strong enough to carry 110,000 words? And so on…

Great job, Claire!

By: I.M. Cupnjava

I.M. Cupnjava — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 21:56:48 +0000

I’m one of those authors who dreads writing the synopsis. After reading your advice and information, I feel a bit more confident about writing them. I’m actually looking forward to my next synopsis so I can put this information to work. Thank you for taking the time to do this. It’s a huge help!