Friday, February 8, 2013

Synopsis

Question

Next month I'm teaching a workshop on writing the synopsis.

Writers - I need your help.

What's the first thing you think of when I mention writing a synopsis? 

21 comments:

  1. *shudder*

    Haha, it's soooo hard to fit all that information in and know when I'm going into too much detail and when my detail isn't enough.I have to write one tonight, as a matter of fact...

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  2. Death.
    LOL

    Dread.

    Ok, but seriously, no that was serious. The more I write and realize that I'm writing it in my character's head so I can add some flavor/voice, it isn't so bad anymore.

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    1. LOL. Good point. It does help when you can think of it from your character's point of view.

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  3. Collating (as in files, hundreds of files and thousands of words).
    ~ Wendy

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    1. I like the word collating, but I enjoy organizing things.

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  4. The Black Plague.
    Once I have a draft of it on paper, I'm fine, though!

    Good luck--I know you'll give a great presentation!

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    1. Thanks, Jill. The black plague doesn't sound fun. ;)

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  5. Hahaha, all the things others have said...dread, shudder, black plague...oh, and chills. :)

    But seriously, I bet you'll do wonderfully. One of the first things I think of when it comes to a synopsis is to always think big picture...ignore subplots and layers. :)

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    1. So true, Melissa. Those poor subplots and secondary characters try to make their way into the synopsis, but I always have to kick them out.

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  6. No words, just a long drawn out groan...Ughhhh!

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  7. Ok, I'll be the weirdo and say that I kind of like writing a synopsis. It's challenging, yes, but it helps me work out the kinks in my story. I like to write it before I start my first draft because it gives me a feel for the overall story and serves as a little roadmap along the way.

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    1. Yay, Susan! Can you give the group a pep talk before I begin my talk? I always get a lot of groans when I announce my topic at OCFW. :)

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  8. Stuffing my head under the pillow and crying...

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    1. Poor, Sharon. Make sure you come up for air every now and then. ;)

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  9. Work. Where to begin. What to include, what to leave out. Just shudder at the thought.
    Sticking to the main plot points helps, leaving out secondary characters and subplots.
    I'm sure your workshop is going to be awesome!

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  10. I should have known that would be your answer.

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