Writing a Synopsis

Do you find it hard to write a synopsis? Having to summarize on one page what your entire story is about? Yikes! Members of my critique group and I groan and moan whenever the word “synopsis” is brought up. I think we’d rather write a dozen chapters than one synopsis. But, as you know, we all have to write one sooner or later. 

On the website, synopsisdefinition.com, a detailed definition of synopsis is offered, including the following: “In general, a synopsis reduces a novel, transforming it into a lifeless structure, without action, plot, and the detailed description of characters and the small, succulent details of a book. Some say that a synopsis is even hard to write than a novel, due to the difficult process of distillation of a heavy book.”  Wow! See what I mean? There’s more! Click on the link for more on what a synopsis entails. 

However, do not despair. There’s help. Everywhere. Here’s only one link that you might be interested in that focuses on this topic. “Writing a Synopsis from the Ground Up,” by Dee-Ann Latona LeBlanc is pretty interesting because she uses “a sequence of synopses in the following sizes: 

1. A single sentence.
2. A single paragraph.
3. A single page or shorter.
4. The expanded version.”

LeBlanc's article is very helpful.

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Never try to chase trends. Write what you love, and write the best book you can, and worry about publication later.” – Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner