Synopses?

half.jaded · Dec 10, 2009

Help me. ><"

I'm trying to write a synopsis for my novel, Catharsis, mainly because they say that agents might ask for one. So I sat down and started typing. I didn't even get halfway through when I realized that my novel is dream-based.

As in half the story occurs in dreamworld.

How am I supposed to get through it without repeating "she dreams of....that night" or "that night, x visits her in her dreams..." ?

><"

Bufty · Dec 11, 2009

Perhaps you can establish at the outset the character flits between reality and dreams and then -as is always the case - carefully choose subsequent wording to avoid needless repetition of specific words or phrases. Be clear, but if there is an obvious pattern to events, the Agent will 'get the picture' without everything being spelled out in minute detail. In addition, the synopsis doesn't have to be in chronological order if by avoiding that it helps get the story across.

You will be aware, I am sure, from the Query letter and Synospis stickies at the top of the relative SYW forum thread Listings, to concentrate on the principal character's journey through the main plot thread (ignoring sub-plots and avoiding naming minor characters) and to include the resolution.

Good luck.

half.jaded · Dec 12, 2009

Thanks for the answer, Bufty.

I've read the sticky again and again, but I'm still having a tough time cramming in a voice and the story. >>" (That's odd, considering I underwrite a lot.) Plus, I find that the word "night" pops up in my synop again and again. Ugh. I think I'll post this in SYW later on to get some help.

^_____________^

Synopses?

half.jaded

Gone insane. Be right back.

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

half.jaded

Gone insane. Be right back.