Writing a novel #8
I would like to write that I am done with my synopsis but I can’t. I can say, however, that I am comfortable with it after the fifth draft! I anticipate making some more changes in it but, hey, it’s on paper and I think it’s pretty good.
I’ve learned a lot about synopsis writing that I want to share with you. One of the hardest parts for me is to keep it in the PRESENT TENSE. I don’t know why, but it’s difficult. All synopsis Must be written in the present tense. It must also be written in THIRD PERSON. That shouldn’t be hard for anyone.
I’m going to list some of the important things that I’ve learned in my research about writing a synopsis so that you don’t have to spend all of that time looking them up again.
open with a hook
present tense
third person
introduce MAIN characters – secondary only if contribute a great deal to the story
give a clear idea of your ENTIRE BOOK – include the ending
keep it narrative – quotes should be used sparingly if at all
tell any character changes
tell your plot lines as you weave through the story
check for grammar/spelling/punctuation/flow
Agents and publishers want to see if the writer can PLOT a story and create interesting characters that a reader can identify with in real life. Are they sympathetic to the characters?
My plan is to have 6 people read my synopsis and get their feedback. I am going to select 3 who already know my story and 3 who do not know the story so that I can get a judgement on what they would know after having read it. The synopsis is always written in the same style as the book itself, so that gives the unknown reader a glimpse of the writing flavor.
I’ll get those “6 victims” selected and send my synopsis off to them while my book continues to be edited. I’m also working on my query letter and have a person who is guiding me along with that process.
Now my favorite part, I’ll leave you with something from Audrey and Stephen ~ I think a bit more steamy this time as the town of Iowa Falls, IA heats up. Enjoy.
Audrey tilted her head to the left as she exhaled with a deep, breathless sigh. Her heart was thundering as loudly and boldly as an Iowa thunderstorm and her fingers were flawless as they rapidly met Stephen’s halfway up the front blue plaid shirt. The air between them was heavy with the impatience of their longing. After 26 year of withholding passion’s fire, they were ready to explode and the time was now. Their lips locked in raw physical hunger.
Stephen unbuttoned one button of his shirt and with a powerful yank, the rest of the buttons burst at his command, flying in all directions like the fireflies of the night. Audrey swiftly unfastened his belt, snap and zipper of his shorts. She tugged his shorts and briefs forward, over his swollen penis, allowing them to fall to the floor. Stephen took one-step and kicked the other foot free with a fury. As he feverishly unfastened Audrey’s bra, she slid her panties down her legs. Their naked bodies, enfolded in the rapture of each other, left no room for air or night or fear to come between them. They connected as one in the desire of their love and longing.
