Writing a Synopsis

Do you find it hard to write a synopsis? Having to summarize on one page what your entire story is about? Yikes! Members of my critique group and I groan and moan whenever the word “synopsis” is brought up. I think we’d rather write a dozen chapters than one synopsis. But, as you know, we all have to write one sooner or later. 

On the website, synopsisdefinition.com, a detailed definition of synopsis is offered, including the following: “In general, a synopsis reduces a novel, transforming it into a lifeless structure, without action, plot, and the detailed description of characters and the small, succulent details of a book. Some say that a synopsis is even hard to write than a novel, due to the difficult process of distillation of a heavy book. Wow! See what I mean? There’s more! Click on the link for more on what a synopsis entails. 

However, do not despair. There’s help. Everywhere. Here’s only one link that you might be interested in that focuses on this topic. “Writing a Synopsis from the Ground Up,” by Dee-Ann Latona LeBlanc is pretty interesting because she uses “a sequence of synopses in the following sizes: 

  1. A single sentence.
  2. A single paragraph.
  3. A single page or shorter.
  4. The expanded version.”

LeBlanc’s article is very helpful.

Aguas Frescas

 
Never try to chase trends. Write what you love, and write the best book you can, and worry about publication later.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner