It’s been 2 years since I wrote the synopsis for Feisty Family Values.  Now it’s time to write one for Patchwork Family and for some reason it’s a real stumbling block. So, I’ve been digging through my conference and workshop material and I thought I’d share what I found.

Synopsis Do’s: 

1. Include who, what, why, when and where
2. Show the tone of the story, is it humorous, emotional, serious…
3. Introduce the main characters first, in order of appearance
4. Spell out characters motivations and conflicts
5. Outline the plot
6. Show how scenes develop (cause and effect) one scene leads to the next and so on
7. Weave in the subplot
8. Avoid cliche’s

Synopsis DON’Ts:

1. Write chapter-by-chapter, make it flow
2. Leave unanswered questions
3. Include small details
4. Jump around: POV, time, or action
5. Use dialog
6. Give secondary character descriptions
7. Include excerpts
8. Be dull
9. Make subjective comments

Vital in a synopsis:

1. Cover the entire book (beginning, middle & end)
2. Gives in-depth portrait of main characters
3. Shows well defined goals and motivation for main characters
4. Story theme is carried throught the synopsis
5. Explain the conflicts (internal & external) & how they are resolved
6. Include main plot points
7. Explain the crisis and what led up to it
8. Changes in main characters must be visible (growth emotionally)
9. Conclusion ties up the story nicely

Okay writers, time to put these into practice! (Enjoy the journey.)