I previously expressed my distaste for the three-prong essay, but I think being forced to write a book report is even worse. And that’s basically what a synopsis is--just another book report.
After months of procrastinating, I finally wrote mine yesterday. I was surprised by how easy it was once I got started, but I can’t say that it’s good or interesting. In fact, it makes me feel like my book kind of sucks.
Oh, well. At least it’s done, even if it's awful.
So, what do you think? Is it possible to write a good one? Or do they all suck?
I read on an agent blog, and now, of course, I can't remember where that they always read sample pages before the synopsis, because they'd never met a writer could write one worth a damn.
ReplyDeleteI find that comforting :).
I think you can write a good one. If you can write a good book, you can write a good synopsis. It might take several drafts, just like the book, but it can be done. The key is to not try to pack every single thing into the synop that you packed into the book.
ReplyDeleteI feared the synopsis for a long time. But once I had a good solid first draft, I found that sitting down and writing the synopsis actually made my story more clear to me. Maybe next time I'll write the synopsis first. ;)
ReplyDeleteI saw themes I hadn't noticed before, and summing up my plot points made it a little easier to hone in on what was important. And it helped me figure out what I wanted to emphasize about the story.
Of course, my synopsis is still a page and a half single-spaced, but it began as seven.
*feels a kindred spirit here* :p
ReplyDeleteI procrastinated mine too. But, strangely, once I started, it wasn't so bad. I'm glad it got written. :D
Number uno: Super big congrats on writing the darn thing! I always dread them.
ReplyDeleteNumber dos: I think the other commenters are correct. Your synop can help you understand your story better, and, like any MS, the more you perfect it, the better it gets.
Best of luck with querying! :)
Hi, found your blog through a link on ElanaJ's, and just wanted to offer my sympathies as a fellow synopsis hater. I also totally agree with your book report comparison - I hated doing those too in school.
ReplyDeleteI am currently doing everything in my power to put off having to write a synopsis for my current WIP... but I still now that eventually the day will come.