"The best writers make the fewest words go the longest way." - Anonymous
Yesterday I worked some more on a story that I'm pretty happy with -- though some of my writing friends may not agree with me.
While I sat there editing I decided to write the synopsis at the same time. Seemed like a good idea, since the story is right there, until I hadn't even gotten the first chapter done and the synopsis was two pages long! Uh... Oops.
Obviously this is a habit of mine, since the synopsis on my 5000 word short that's being released in November at Wild Rose was a page long. So, if I'm condensing a novel that's 60,000 words, then -- if I've done my math correctly -- the synopsis would be twelve pages long.
I've read all the articles on writing synopsisisisisisis (what is the plural of synopsis anyway, "synopsi"?) and they basically say the same thing. I understand, in theory, how to do it. But man, oh man, in practice it's much harder.
I'm going to keep going the way I'm going, with the thought in my brain that I really need to condense things even more. After all, this is only for my eyes until I perfect it, so the rough draft of the synopsis can be just as sh***y as the first draft of the novel. Right?
Still, I'm telling you what, synopsis writing is enough to make a person rethink publication. Someone, somewhere, could make very serious money with a synopsis writing business (send me your book and I'll write your synopsis, only $200!).
Yesterday, Allie sent out a cry for help regarding elusive endings and the end of the writing honeymoon. If you've got any advice for her (see this post) send some her way.
Have a great day!
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2 comments:
Well, you know, that’s what I do now days for the synopses (I looked up the plural a while back). I write it when the mood strikes (cuz that’s so rare) and the first time through, I pretty much blather on the page. Just getting it all down is an accomplishment.
When you’re done, put it away for several weeks before you revise. Trust me, you’ll see what you need to fix, and things in the story will change, which, in some cases, fixes stuff on its own. If that makes any sense.
Ay caramba!
Don't get me started. I'd like to think after writing 5 of these necessary evils, my skills would have improved. That was my hope, but I can't corroborate that. Each time feels like the first time.
I have seen the business you described though.
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