This is a notice of intent.
I will write my synopsis this week. Today even. At least I will start it today.
I've thought about it long enough. Written it in my head a dozen times over, but the actual act of applying words to paper is proving a trifle difficult.
Basically I don't know where to start. I suppose the beginning is as good a place as any.
Yes, I will do it. I've told you now. There are no excuses. I simply have to write it now.
Any tips, anyone?
About Me
- Maddie Moon
- I'm a short story writer, wife to George and mum to Kit and Lizzie. I've had over 70 stories published in a variety of magazines in the UK, Australia and Sweden. I'm now trying my hand at writing a novel.
Places I like to frequent
Progress or not?
IYCSTH
B&B
  
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Thanks to Karen, Moondreamer and Leigh!
Blog Archive
My stories have appeared here
- Accent Press (Sexy Shorts)
- Allas
- Espresso Fiction
- Fast Fiction
- Fiction Feast
- My Weekly
- Take a Break
- That's Life (Aus)
- that's life!
- The Weekly News
- To Be Read Aloud (US Anthology)
- Woman
- Woman's Day (Aus)
- Woman's Weekly
15 comments:
I hated doing my synopsis too, Maddie, and there's a lot of conflicting advice about. It also depends on who it's going to, as agents and publishers often have different requirements concerning length and format.
There is some really helpful info at http://lisagardner.com/tricks/synopsis.htm
As far as I can tell, keep it brief-ish?
No tips, I wouldn't have a clue. But good luck x
I haven't done one so I can't really help, but good luck and I'm sure you'll do a great job.
Pay someone to do it for you? Just kidding. I don't like doing them, but like Tam says keep it fairly brief - for your own sanity as much as anything!
Never done one, but my tips would be to sit down, provide yourself with coffee and chocolate, and refuse yourself permission to stand up again till it's done. Then spend a couple of weeks tinkering with it.
Bernadette - That's the thing, a lot of the advice is conflicting so it's a bit confusing if you're writing one for the first time. Thanks for the link, that looks really useful.
Thanks, Tam. Brief is good. I like brief.
Thanks, Helen and Yvonne!
Karen - My eyes lit up when I read your comment. At the moment, paying someone else to do it, seems like the perfect solution!
Womagwriter - I think you're right. I should just sit down and get on and do it. Chocolate might just be the right incentive!
Having spoken to an agent at Winchester, she said that she always reads the script sample first and only reads the synopsis if the writing is good enough. So actually, at least for her, your first page is the most important thing.
As far as the synopsis goes, it should incluse ALL the key plot points (including the ending), reference the main themes, not be cluttered with minor characters or subplots and be laid out in a systematic and professional way. And be of the required length (often only 600 words). She really didn't care about things like whether the first reference to a character name was in capitals or not!
Good luck!
Present tense and summarize. That's all I know. Will check out Bernadette's link!
Good luck with it!
It's hard to know what to do as everyone seems to want different things.
Oh no, I've just realized that I've sent my synopsis to NWS and dont think it's in the present tense. Pants.
I hate the damn things.
I have no experience. BUT I am sending you lots of luck and calm thoughts.
Kat :-)
I also have no experience,
but feel sure you'll make a grand job of it!
Ooooh, you can write synopses?
Um, when you've finished yours...
Hope it's going well. I was wondering why mine for the teen novel was so long. the I realised I'd put it into point 14 for that comp entry last month. Doh! It's now back to two pages double spaced...
Bernadette - 600 words isn't that many, is it? I've made a start and am at about 160 words now, but it has taken me all bloomin' week!
Thanks for the tips, very useful.
Lane - I didn't even know it had to be in present tense. I've learnt so much these last few days and am very grateful to everyone for all their hints.
Debs - Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be a problem. Good luck at the NWS. I'm desperate to get mine off as soon as.
Kat and Honeysuckle - Aw, many thanks!
Leigh - Hmmm, I think I'd be happier writing the novel rather than the synopsis.
Tam - Ha ha. Glad you got it sorted. Mine's coming along. Slowly.
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