For the past week or so, I’ve been struggling with the synopsis for TAoCBS. My attempts fell into the common pitfall of Way Too Much Detail. This morning a new approach succeeded.
1. Figure out the shape of your novel.
Is it a linear progression in which A causes B causes C? Does it have a branching tree shape, where one event sets several things in motion? Does it resemble a capillary bed with diverging and converging plot elements? Does it look like a funnel in which several seemingly disparate events coalesce at the climax?
2. Draw your novel.
Make brief notations about plot events and connect them with arrows. I like to use jagged-lined arrows for high-conflict. Remember the shape of your novel as your draw.
3. Decide which plotlines are essential for the synopsis.
It may not be possible to include every subplot in a one-page description.
4. Write the synopsis based on your diagram.
Think brief. Think essential.
5. Edit and cut.
First Pages
15 hours ago
1 comment:
Ann, I'm going to give that a try one of these days. I've copied and pasted it in a file that I will be able to find later.
Synopses are definitely something I dread. When I've had to write them for a critique at a SCBWI conference, I've put them off to the last minute. Perhaps your approach will give me more breathing room. Thanks for posting it.
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