Update on Book 6 and 7 synopses
Normally, I'd update you on my synopsis-writing progress by just saying that I'm working on them . . . however, I've discovered that I actually have kind of a quasi process for these things. So for those of you writing a synopsis, I thought I'd share.
First, as I have said before, I take (copy and paste) all of the elements (scenes, dialogue, etc.) from my Master Notes File that I think will go in the book, creating a new file (usually 20-30 pages worth). Then I go through the new file and move any copy or scene snippets up to the beginning of the file that I think are the "big moments" -- meaning things that I think I want to include in my final synopsis.
I've done all that for Book 6. Now I'm to the part that I haven't shared with you yet. The bullet points. I think for the Con & Conjure synopsis (aka Book 5), I ended up with about 16 bullets. These are one-line (and no more than two-line) summaries of my MAJOR plot points. For the most part, these are the points I will need to address in my synopsis. (I ended up not using about four of mine, but that's okay, it's just a guide to help focus my thinking.) I even printed mine out and carried them in my notepad notebook, so I could refer to them at any time, to let my brain stew on it and start to play connect-the-dots with the various plot points.
It's like figuring out a puzzle. You have the big plot points you know need to be in the synopsis, but you have to figure out how they fit together. With me, I know they fit, I just have to be able to see how. When I'm at this point, I start writing a rough draft of the synopsis. As I write, a lot of those connecting elements start revealing themselves. And it only does this for me through the writing. I've never been able to stare at those 12 bullet points and get the answers I need. I have to "write it out."
Just thought I'd share, hope it helps.
BTW -- I'll be announcing the winner of the Raine's Rangers contest tomorrow. And as to blog topics, I know I'm always asking for writing-related questions (and I still want those), but for those of you who are avid readers, do you have any questions? They can be book related (just as long as it doesn't involve a spoiler), or something else, or even something personal about me -- just as long as it isn't too personal. ; ) I like questions, so just email me and ask.
ADDED SINCE THIS MORNING: Here's a great blog post by Ilona Andrews (FABULOUS books!) on why it takes a year for you to see books from your fav authors. Ilona and I have the same publisher and editor, so what she says is how it is for me, too. Enjoy the enlightenment. ; )
Happy Friday!
Lisa
First, as I have said before, I take (copy and paste) all of the elements (scenes, dialogue, etc.) from my Master Notes File that I think will go in the book, creating a new file (usually 20-30 pages worth). Then I go through the new file and move any copy or scene snippets up to the beginning of the file that I think are the "big moments" -- meaning things that I think I want to include in my final synopsis.
I've done all that for Book 6. Now I'm to the part that I haven't shared with you yet. The bullet points. I think for the Con & Conjure synopsis (aka Book 5), I ended up with about 16 bullets. These are one-line (and no more than two-line) summaries of my MAJOR plot points. For the most part, these are the points I will need to address in my synopsis. (I ended up not using about four of mine, but that's okay, it's just a guide to help focus my thinking.) I even printed mine out and carried them in my notepad notebook, so I could refer to them at any time, to let my brain stew on it and start to play connect-the-dots with the various plot points.
It's like figuring out a puzzle. You have the big plot points you know need to be in the synopsis, but you have to figure out how they fit together. With me, I know they fit, I just have to be able to see how. When I'm at this point, I start writing a rough draft of the synopsis. As I write, a lot of those connecting elements start revealing themselves. And it only does this for me through the writing. I've never been able to stare at those 12 bullet points and get the answers I need. I have to "write it out."
Just thought I'd share, hope it helps.
BTW -- I'll be announcing the winner of the Raine's Rangers contest tomorrow. And as to blog topics, I know I'm always asking for writing-related questions (and I still want those), but for those of you who are avid readers, do you have any questions? They can be book related (just as long as it doesn't involve a spoiler), or something else, or even something personal about me -- just as long as it isn't too personal. ; ) I like questions, so just email me and ask.
ADDED SINCE THIS MORNING: Here's a great blog post by Ilona Andrews (FABULOUS books!) on why it takes a year for you to see books from your fav authors. Ilona and I have the same publisher and editor, so what she says is how it is for me, too. Enjoy the enlightenment. ; )
Happy Friday!
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
6:15 AM
4 Comments:
Thanks for posting this! I've never tried to write a synopsis before I wrote a story (but then, I've never needed to like you do!)
Do you then use the synopsis for the book as an outline? Or do you have a separate, more detailed outline that you work from?
P.S. Love the title of the 5th book!
I like how everyone works differently! You'll get there with the synopsis. I'm kinda at that stage for the next wip i'm drafting out.
I know what has to happen...I'm figuring out the rest of it now. Mental synopsis, as it were. Brainstorming with a fellow writing friend helps.
Thank you, Otto! Nice to hear from you. : )
Thanks, Yunaleska!
That does sound like a bit of a process. I hope your current synopsis is coming along nicely. {Smile}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
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