Authors complain about synopsis drafting. I once heard somene say it’s easier to write a whole book. Still, writing a synopsis isn’t just necessary torture. To start, it can show:
Plot Holes: Condensing in short format can clarify events which need better explanation.
For example, changing my synopsis following a plot revision made take another look at a character’s pivotal melt-down scene. My edits had placed it before the crisis-creating reveal. That could have been a really bad oops.
For example, changing my synopsis following a plot revision made take another look at a character’s pivotal melt-down scene. My edits had placed it before the crisis-creating reveal. That could have been a really bad oops.
Inconsistencies in Character Motivation or Logic: The synopsis process makes you revisit your storyline with new eyes. In my case, I had to ask myself a lot of why questions. For instance, if the main character left to get help in the first scene, why is he going back alone in the second? Why does he even leave? Writing a one page synopsis gave me over two pages of scribbled questions and ideas to take back to my manuscript.
As Alison Randall said in her Feb. 27 blog post, at www. wifyr.com/blog, cutting words encourages concise word use. Similarly, summarizing your story causes you to select and sharpen key story elements.
Write your synopsis. Write it early. Then edit your manuscript and write it again. The unexpected benefits may surprise you.
(Originally posted at www.wifyr.com/blog)
No comments:
Post a Comment