Other Sources on the Forum

[Chrisla]

Last night, in my eternal search for more information on synopsis writing (as opposed to actually sitting down and working on it,) I found a wealth of good information on the novel writing blog, not just for synopsis, but also for query letters. While memoir is a little different, I think these could be really helpful.

[Red Bird]

Thanks for sharing, Chrisla. I'm too tired to actually do any writing today, so research is always a good option.

Bluegate, bluegate...where are you?

[Bluegate]

Thanks for sharing, Chrisla. I'm too tired to actually do any writing today, so research is always a good option.

Bluegate, bluegate...where are you?

Over here under the tinsel!

Yeah, got a little distracted of late with all this darn merry making. Stupid happy time, getting in the way of my angst and suffering.
I am curious about what happens now with our little community. We were doing so well and making such progress. Me included. I was learning a lot tagging along with you guys. I told Chrisla on the New Writing Challenge thread that I understand the issues and reasons for moving the threads and also for pulling back. It does feel like a loss though doesn't it?

[Red Bird]

I'm with you on the merry making. Dang, why won't the world allow those of us who prefer angst to just go with it?

bluegate, I still want the same help I was receiving in the open thread. I just don't want it to be public. So, visit me in SYW for any actual writing, but we can still use the memoir threads for general topics and support.

I'm going to invite a couple of people over to SYW soon to take a look at my synopsis. I want to get their opinions on a couple of issues before I proceed with the remainder. I've heard that there shouldn't be any quotes in a synopsis? I've also read that memoir synopsis should always be written in first person past tense. My memoir uses the patients to go from present day views before traveling back to a memory from my past. I'm not sure how to handle that in the synopsis.

So, I'm not worried about what is posted here as far as generalities go. I just don't want my work floating around in cyber-space. Especially before it is edited. And sold. Ha. Another concern of mine is when I write about the patients, I use their real name in order to remain emotionally connected to them. Afterward, during the editing process, I change the name. If you look at my current synopsis, you'll notice Ruth/Sarah in the first paragraph. So, there wouldn't be any need for anyone to waste their time pointing it out to me!

I just came off a thirty-six hour, three day work schedule and now have four days off. I'm going to work on the synopsis over the weekend. Your insights are appreciated and please continue to offer them in SYW.

Cheers,
RB

[Chrisla]

I've heard that there shouldn't be any quotes in a synopsis? I've also read that memoir synopsis should always be written in first person past tense. My memoir uses the patients to go from present day views before traveling back to a memory from my past. I'm not sure how to handle that in the synopsis.

Cheers,
RB

Red Bird, here's what I got from the author, author blog:

(a) regardless of the tense of the manuscript, the synopsis should be in the present tense, and
(b) even if the manuscript is written in the first person, the synopsis should be written in the third person, UNLESS
(c) the manuscript being synopsized is a memoir, in which case the synopsis should be written in the past tense and the first person.

And I agree that it would be nice to keep up the challenges and sharing of resources here, then post in SYW, with a notice placed here. (I know I'm not much good as a critiquer, but I'm trying to learn, checking out Miss Snark's archived synopsis submissions and responses.) I can spot really good ones, like yours, but have a lot of trouble figuring out what to do with those that need work (including mine)!

And I'm glad to see you back, Bluegate. I consider you a treasured resource!

[Bluegate]

Thank you both for being so encouraging to me. What a gift that is!!

Red Bird I did see the Ruth/Sarah switch but thought it was just a minor thing so early on. Loved this line from you--
"Dang, why won't the world allow those of us who prefer angst to just go with it?"
LOL

Nice work shift by the way. Ouch! Glad to hear you'll be able to get back to writing though.
Ditching the quotes should be easy enough really, just present the same words in a different way. You had some pretty nice ones in there that would be a shame to cut.

[Red Bird]

Will you guys pop over to SYW and see if you can help me with the problems I've noted there. You both touched on it here, but my conflicts are explained better there (I think).

Chrisla, I share your problem. I can see problems better than solutions : )

bluegate, Yes, the shift thing sucks. Three twelve-hour shifts in a row. I feel like Hot Lips Hoolohan (sp?) and not in a good way.

[Chrisla]

Ditching the quotes should be easy enough really, just present the same words in a different way. You had some pretty nice ones in there that would be a shame to cut.

It may not be necessary. Some blogs tell you to include them. Here's a quote from one written by Steve Thompson in How to Write a Glowing Novel Synopsis, July 25, 2007:

"Include dialogue or snippets of prose. Remember that your novel synopsis is an agent's or publisher's first glimpse of your writing style. For this reason, the synopsis must reflect the tone and voice of your novel. One of the best ways to showcase your writing style is to include bits of dialogue or prose where appropriate. Put them in quotation marks and work them into the synopsis of the story."

Another, and I can't remember the source on this one, states: "You can use a line of dialogue, but be sure it is highly effective. The common consensus is that dialogue can be used minimally in the opening or closing sections of your synopsis, but that it shouldn't be used any more than that. You don't want to get into too much detail, so include only minimal dialogue."

I think the thing we have to remember is that the synopsis is the writer's tool for selling the manuscript. Nathan Bransford says, "there's really no one way to write a synopsis. Everyone has a different idea of what a synopsis should ential. . . it needs to do two things: (1 it needs to cover all the major characters and major plot points (including the ending) and 2) it needs to make the work come alive."

Now, if I just spent as much time working on mine as I do researching. . . :Shrug:

[Chrisla]

Will you guys pop over to SYW and see if you can help me with the problems I've noted there. You both touched on it here, but my conflicts are explained better there (I think).

Chrisla, I share your problem. I can see problems better than solutions : )

bluegate, Yes, the shift thing sucks. Three twelve-hour shifts in a row. I feel like Hot Lips Hoolohan (sp?) and not in a good way.

I'll give it a shot, but probably should wait until later. I'm off to an appointment, and have to pack tonight for a couple of days out of town. I'll try to take a look before I leave, though. What you really, really need for the critiquing is Bluegate.

[Red Bird]

Chrisla,
Thanks for the information. Research takes up a lot of my time, too. I keep telling myself that I won't have to go back to square one for my next book! It's a lie. I know. But, I feel better.
Still getting there.

[Chrisla]

Just for your information, Bluegate and Red Bird, the thread where we discussed and critiqued the synopses is still on Share Your Word. The only solution I know is for each of us to go in and individually delete our own posts. I've done some of that, where I posted my own, and where I commented on Red Birds's, and would appreciate if you would too, in the references to my draft.

Thanks!

[Red Bird]

OK. I'll hop over there and delete my comments, and they were supposed to delete the old thread. I'll send another pm. I'm leaving the new one up and it's cool to critique it for me.

[Bluegate]

Guys, I have to admit that I am getting a little confused as to what is where and for how long.
I understand that you did not want your raw pieces out there all willy nilly. Do you also not want those same pieces on the passworded SYW section? Is that why you want the mod to delete the moved threads?
I'm just a little confused.

[Red Bird]

bluegate,
Chrisla doesn't want her draft on either thread. She wants us to delete our comments from the old memoir synopsis thread. I've asked the mods to delete that thread.

The other one, which has only my draft, will remain and comments can be posted there because it is password protected. It's titled memoir synopsis-SKIN.

It is confusing,which is why I posted a thread clarifying which one we wanted deleted.

[Bluegate]

OK. I will trot over there now and delete them. Thank you for making that clear. I started to delete earlier but then I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing.