I’ve loved every second of writing my novel. My sample three chapters are polished and sparkly, my query letter concise.
And then came the synopsis…
I devoured every piece of information I could find on the Internet, met fellow authors for coffee where I sat them under a bright white light and withheld their cake until they shared their tips. And if they were too slow forthcoming with advice and I ate their cake (shrugs) that’s their problem, interrogating is hungry work.
My first attempt made my characters sound certifiably insane. They were doing What??? Why??? I read it back and I didn’t understand the plot, a tad problematic considering I wrote it.
I bought Nicola Morgan’s ‘Write a Great Synopsis,’ Kindle book. It sounded so simple. I was sure my second attempt would be the one.
It was better, but still clunky and at 1½ pages, too long.
This morning I’ve read Nicola’s book again, slowly this time, and attempt three isn’t, well it isn’t terrible let’s put it that way. Watch this space.
fabricating fiction 
Ah, the dreaded synopsis. Much more difficult than writing a whole book. But once you slay that beast, you can conquer anything!
I do feel a little like George facing the dragon but then I am a tad melodramatic, probably why I’m a writer….
I’ve heard other writers say this about the synopsis. I bet it would be hard. I can’t wait to read it.
I think it’s the length that’s the challenge and detaching yourself emotionally from the story. Opening a bottle of wine now – feeling a deserve a glass!
I took a long time to write my synopsis too. I had a wonderful editor help me but I am not sure if it’s ever ready! Have you got some publishers you are ready to send it too?
I know where it’s going, if it’s ever ready of course!
I hear you. I so hear you.
You too?
Totally.
Good luck!
I guess I will have to check out this book. Mine is at 4 pages right now. I figured if I get a bite on a query letter, if needed, I’ll whittle it down.
It’s a good book – I’ve finally got mine down to a page and it kind of makes sense too now (I hope).
Firstly – thanks for following me!
And now, more importantly, I’ve just read through your posts about writing your novel and I empathize so much 🙂
My first synopsis was two pages. Then I got it down to a page and a bit. But of course, agents want the darn thing double-spaced. It was painful to cut out so much I felt was crucial and just leave the barest bones. I don’t think I’ll ever be completely happy with what I have left, but I’m not changing it again!
Wow – I think the agents I’m considering are one page, single spaced. Wishing you lots of luck.
Funny I run across this post, I just spend the afternoon trimming my synopsis. Good post.
Thanks. Good luck with submissions.