Sadly, I suck at synop's just like everyone else on the planet. But I do have a skeleton system that I use.
First, everything I say from here on out will make a heap more sense if you go to Author Dan Wells' site and read his Seven Points of Story Structure. (I've met Dan and he's written two AMAZING novels, so you should get and read those too (I Am Not A Serial Killer and Mr. Monster), but most of all, click on his video or powerpoint for these seven points.)
Once you've gone through the powerpoint and wondered how on earth you've written a book without this information, you're ready to write a synopsis. Now, don't freak out, but you're going to start with a 7-sentence synop.
So sit down, crack your knuckles, think of your story, and write ONE SENTENCE for each of these areas:
- Hook - how the story starts
- Plot Turn 1 - introduces the main conflict - moves the story toward the midpoint
- Pinch 1 - introduces the villain/pressure to force action
- Midpoint - the point at which your story moves from beginning to ending
- Pinch 2 - more pressure/problems, so many that the situation appears hopeless
- Plot Turn 2 - the MC has what they need to overcome the main conflict - moves the story from midpoint to ending
- Resolution - how your story ends
In fact, Dan advises that you actually think about all these things BEFORE you write your story (Hey, don't look at me! You know I don't do this), which means that technically, you should be able to write your synop before you write the novel.
So give it a try. I especially like slide #46 as a means to write the skeleton of your synopsis. Okay, so go, write, conquer.
Coming up next week: How to fill out your skeletal 7-sentence synop.
What do you think? Isn't Dan amazing? Can you write a synopsis in only 7 sentences?
56 comments:
You are the shin-diggity. I learned those story points at a conference once... and it makes perfect sense to use them for a synopsis.
Thank you! *offers red vines*
I'll have to check it out later, but it sounds awesome from how you broke it down. Thanks for breaking down the synopsis into a few easy steps.
This is perfect, thank you. Did anyone tell you you're a rock star lately?
Like the formula to plug into. thanks :O)
Yeah, this would work really well for me since I'm such a detailed planning pre-writer that I scare small children.
Okay, you can stop laughing now, Elana!
I never plan so far in advance with my writing. I just sort of let things flow. I'm a rebel like that!
Of course, a synopsis is in my near future, so I'll be checking out the site. Thanks for the info.
S
Elana, the only appropriate response to this is a hug.
Perfect timing! I have to rewrite my synopsis because of numerous changes in my plot. If there's one thing I hate more than queries, it's the synopsis. Fortunately, most agents don't ask for them.
I'll be writing a synopsis for the almost-completed WIP soon!!! Thank you so much!!!
I may give this a shot before writing the next book instead of pantsing it... :D
Oooh, I'm going to work on this today. Such a good breakdown of how to write a synopsis! And, yes, I probably should have done this before I wrote the book, but better late than never :)
Great points to share, Elana. I use them too. I've linked this post to a YA group blog to share the love. http://oasisforya.blogspot.com
I use a very similar method for my synopsis. Since I write romance, I work the main characters' goals, motivations, and conflicts in too.
I'll had to bookmark this for the next synopsis I write. Because I hate writing them soooo much!
Great advice, thanks Elana.
SEVEN sentence synop....okay that's just crazy. LOL.
This is great stuff here. Tough, but great!
And--um--No, I can't write a synopsis in only 7 sentences--------YET!
Wow, my stomach flip-flops at the thought of 7 sentences. But I'll sure give it a go. Thanks for sharing!
So this just might revolutionize my entire writing style. Thanks Elana!
Hey, thanks, AE! I'll make sure I get to the blog.
And Lynn, it's only a 7-sentence synop FOR NOW. We're going to fill it out. This is just like a diving board. Or something.
Timely post since I'm going to be writing a synopsis in the coming weeks. I'll start the 7-sentence structure. Thanks!
Great post Elana! I still say writing the synopsis is harder than writing the entire novel!
great post with a great challenge.
i'm eager to give it a try. choosing the exact words for each sentence will require considerable thought and patience.
...
Excellent idea! I love Dan's Story Structure. I'll have to keep that in mind. I tend to get a little wordy.
Dude. That just broke it ALL the way down for me. In the end game now, only a handful of scenes until THE END. Which means this synopsis trick is SOOOO right on time. Thanks!
This is great - I'm working on that lovely synopsis right now so this is perfect timing :)
Soooooo helpful.
Good post. Lots of good info!
All my studying up on the dreaded synopsis, and yet in one post you've given me the best help ever! Thanks. Just what I'm needing when I need it :-)
Ooh, thanks! Definitely bookmarking that. Hopefully, it'll help me clear up some things.
Dan IS amazing. Thanks for the points and the linkage E!
Woohoo tips for synopsis writing! Holy cow I can't believe I just woohooed synopsis writing. Thinking about it kinda makes me cringe.
Thanks! I watched the you tube version of Dan Wells and printed out a couple slides. Who knew... the power was in my...shoes! :) Your posts are so helpful.
That's an easy formula to follow.
Thank you. I'm going to save this formula.
Perfect timing! I am sludging through my middle and I don't know for sure how it's going to end. I will back up and skeleton it out. I linked to your post on my blog.
www.christydorrity.com
Dan is amazing. I went to his lecture and had one of those a-ha moments. Great post Elana!
I love the simplicity of this. Thanks, E!
Yes! I love how you broke this down. I am bookmarking this post because I have to write at least one synopsis within in the next two weeks and it's scaring me! Thanks!
Thanks, Elana!! This looks very useful:-)
I'll try that the next time around and see if it helps.
Wow, this is really, really helpful! I struggle a lot with synopses. Thank you for posting! :D
Hi Elana,
Thats a useful scaffold to hang a synopsis on.
Best wishes for WriteOnCon.
I ran a similar conference, a first for our country last year, not online tho. It is a huge undertaking and a crazy mad fun time. Look after yourself...and pat yourself on the back. The sheer organisation of such an event makes you a leader in the industry!
I was happy to talk about WriteOn Con on my blog. Thank you for stopping by.
Thanks for the helpful insight. I think structure makes difficult tasks like these much easier to handle.
I wish I had this two months ago!
i starred this post.
I haevnt' had to write one yet, but i can already tell you i know i'm going to hate it.
Good thing i'm mostly a plotter and have brief "outlines" that will probably help
That's a lot to think about. I don't think I could do it in seven. But it is something to strive for. Thanks for the post.
I read the entire powerpoint presentation and I esp. loved where he takes the structure and applies it to romance and other genres.
I did a book review today, and just for fun I applied the seven points to Ever, by Gail Carson Levine. I found a perfect fit! Definitely going to try this with my own stories now too.
I *am* lookin' at you. I'm hacking through one of these bad boys and it is a grueling experience. Thanks for the tips.
~ Wendy
I love the idea of a skeleton to get a synopsis started. Ironically that makes it seem much less frightening! LOL! I'm off to click on Dan's link.
I think is very helpful and concise. I've read through and done lots of worksheets that go into some super great detail, which only makes it harder for me to think of the overall picture. I like the number 7. Will be trying this.
First off, this post introduced me to Dan Wells' videos and powerpoint, and they pretty much changed my writing life. So, thank you, Elana, from the bottom of my heart. Seriously. I do not know how I've written without it.
Also, did you ever write a continuation of this synopsis series? I just discovered that I had to write one for my MS {alas, I thought I was donedoneDONE!}, and I'm trying not to panic. :)
If you are looking for some tips, you should visit this page to find some hints on how to write synopsis or book review.
You will find there tips and examples to learn better
Thank you for posting such a great article! I found your website perfect for my needs. It contains wonderful and helpful posts. Keep up the good work!. Thank you for this wonderful Article! pikdo
Writing synopsis is a difficult task. Likewise, resume writing. A stage of preparation is very important. My advice for you first read as many as you can about resume length questions and answers. It's really helpful info.
Some students may be experienced in a particular subject, but when it comes to writing, they can barely reflect some ideas on paper and present a mix of all possible ideas. Submitting an off-topic paper that is full of mistakes is not the way out. You can always rely our essay revisor and we will revise your paper accordingly. You do not need to worry, as the solution to your problem is right here.
If you need confidence and quality, coupled with affordable prices and superior service, EliteWritings.com will become the company of your choice. Our essay reviser will work closely with your instructions and complete an order on time. Therefore, if you want to submit a paper that is 100% based on teacher’s instructions, let us help you with it. Our revisor will check your instructions and will correct your paper mistakes to make it flawless and well organized
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
marketing plan writing service
Thanks for sharing this post, I am David Martin, a professional academic content writer expert based in Australia and working for NeedAssignmentHelp. We support students 24/7 and help you scoring A+ Grades in assignments.
Visit my website - Perdisco Assignment Help
Post a Comment