Monday, January 25, 2010

Synopsis Writing


I can't say that synopsis writing is my area of expertise,
so was happy when I saw this link:


Eight Articles on Synopsis Writing

This is a collection of articles by those in the know, including Agent Nathan Bransford. They discuss all sorts of goodies such as the importance of showing vs. telling, how a good synopsis can sell a story, and how to grab the reader. Good stuff! Feel free to hop over and take a look.

What happy tidbits do you have to share about synopsis writing? Any other good writing tips? We're all ears!

Happy Writing! :)

40 comments :

  1. I always looked at synopsis as another way to hook the reader into wanting to pick up my book. So if we write with that thought in the back of our mind, then I think that can help us narrow down what to include or not.

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  2. Jody,
    Great advice, thank you! Appreciate you stopping by and sharing your expertise.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. EEK! I am writing one now. And all I can say is EEK!

    I think I have learned that one big NO-NO in writing a synopsis is that you NEVER put your hook from your query into your synopsis.

    You know I'm going to go check out the link. Don'tcha? Thanks Karen. I really appreciate you. (^_^)

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  4. Hi Robyn,

    I think I heard that "EEK" from my house. I sympathize, for I'd be doing the same thing. Thanks for the advice; I'm filing this away for future reference and hopefully it will help others too.

    I appreciate you too! Thanks so much for your support.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. When my stomach settles, I plan to go check this out.
    Thanks!
    ~ Wendy

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  6. Wendy,
    Hope you feel better soon. Thanks so much for stopping by:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. Thanks for the link Karen! I'm heading right over.

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  8. Hi Tamika,
    Thanks for dropping by. Glad the link may help.
    Blessings for your day,
    Karen

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  9. I always go thru my book chapter by chapter and write down major points that I think are important. Once I have that list, I tie them all together in story form.

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  10. Jennifer,
    Good stuff! Thanks so much for sharing it. And thanks for stopping in!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. Ah, the dreaded synop. I think of it as an extension of my book. I let my character narrate it so the voice matches. Then I edit and/or switch it to third person. Seems to work for me.

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  12. Hi Karen,
    Thanks for the link. I've not started my book, yet, but will definitely check it out for future reference.
    Have a great week,
    Carol

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  13. Carol,
    You're welcome. Haven't started my book(s) yet either, but filing all this away for future reference.
    Have a good day!
    Karen

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  14. Elana,
    Sounds like a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing that info. When the time comes, I will give that a try.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  15. Karen,
    Hmmm. Synopsis writing? A tip? From ME? Non, non. Well, okay.

    1.Let my critique partner, who's good at these things, SCOUR, it.
    (Right now I'm on the third go-through, I believe)

    2. Try to be succinct yet hint at your writer's voice.

    GREAT post on a hard topic for me!

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  16. Patti,

    Thanks, this is a hard concept for me too - although I've yet to write a fiction book synopsis. Sort of ranks up there with outlining. Hated to do that in school, and the word synopsis generates the same feelings!

    Thanks for the tips:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  17. Well ... you know me; I just had to go look up "synopsis" in the dictionary. It means: a condensed statement or outline.

    My tidbit? To remember "condensed".

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  18. Kathleen,

    They say you learn something new everyday; you're not alone! I've learned a bunch from my blogging gang about synopsis writing.

    Yeah, 'condensed' is a word I'd need to write on a post it and stick to my computer so I'd remember!

    Blessings:)
    Karen

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  19. Just stopping by to say hello, can't say anything about the subject. Happy blogging Karen. :) xxx

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  20. Raymonde,
    Don't feel as though you must say anything, just appreciate you stopping by to say hello. You are a sweet friend!
    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  21. I'm always on the lookout for synopsis tips--thanks for sharing!

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  22. Jill,
    You are more than welcome! Glad to be of help.
    Blessings:)
    Karen

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  23. Hi Karen -

    I think I've mentioned in the past that synopsis and query writing are areas that need vast improvement.

    Thanks for the link. I may include a synopsis with my Genesis entry, so this is timely.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  24. Hi Susan,
    I think you are like me in this area.
    I'm all for getting all the help I can!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  25. Thanks for the info! I'll have to see what ideas they share!

    I'm all for showing not telling. But I think pathos is very important too! If I can ignite my readers' emotions, I know that the information will more likely stick!

    alisa hope

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  26. Alisa,
    Sounds good! Thanks for sharing your method and thoughts.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  27. Hopping over to check it out!! Thanks for the great links, Karen! Blessings to you!

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  28. Maria,
    You are welcome! Hope they help you:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  29. Wow! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to save this link!

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  30. Kristen,

    Hope it helps you too. Hope you had a great birthday:)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  31. Karen:
    I have put the link in my favorites bar to look at it when I am fresh.

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  32. I'll definitely be following those links. Thanks, Karen.

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  33. Heather,
    You are welcome. Glad you think that they might be helpful:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  34. Cecelia,
    I know what you mean; I can't process things if I can't focus! Hope they help you out.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  35. Oh, boy, I'm not really good at these. I'll have to check the link out. Thanks for sharing.

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  36. Eileen,
    Glad that maybe this could help!
    Blessings,
    Karen :)

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  37. They don't call it the dreaded synopsis for nothing! *g*
    Thanks for the link, Nathan Bransford is a doll, this is a great link!

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  38. Karen,
    Thanks for stopping by Eternity Cafe today. And for this post that is so helpful. Nice to meet you in blogworld :)
    Susan

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  39. Lindsey, I feel the same way:) But I'm thinking it will get better with practice and good advice like this.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Karen

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  40. Hi Susan P.,
    Nice to meet you too. Enjoyed the stop at your blog. Thanks for stopping and also for becoming a follower.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!