Describing fantasy world in synopsis?

bylinebree · Apr 1, 2006

How do you handle describing the fantasy world of your novel in a synopsis?

Did you weave it throughout, or introduce it with a brief sentence or two?

Do you let the foreign-sounding names and places carry much of the 'fantasy flavor' to avoid too much description?

I tried sort-of weaving it in but am not very satisfied with the results. In trying to convey the multi-layered plot, there was not much room left to 'set the scene.'

How do you balance describing the world with conveying the plot?

Now I know what others have said about 'writing the synopsis is the hardest part of your novel.' Urk, the 400-some pages were easy compared to this!!

:e2thud:

Simon Woodhouse · Apr 1, 2006

When I wrote the synopsis for one of my novels (Sci-Fi), I didn't go into too much detail about the world. I concentrated on explaining about the characters and the plot. Unless there's something very different about the world you've created, and that uniqueness is important to the plot and characters, I wouldn't worry too much about including lots of detail, especially if it means adding extra fantasy names, will can be a bit bewildering if there are too many in something as short as a synopsis.

Diana Hignutt · Apr 2, 2006

Stories are always about people, not the world they live in. If you are submitting a fantasy novel, and you have stated that you are, then one would assume that it takes place in a world somehow infused with the elements of fantasy.

If the action of your characters intertwine with the aspects of your fantasy world then mention that in your synopsis, but I wouldn't waste too many valuable words describing your fantasy world.

For example: "Narnia is a magical world" would probably tell the reader all they would need to know about the basics of that world. The rest they can pick up from the action. IMO.

zornhau · Apr 2, 2006

For a selling synopsis, isn't it normal to throw in a few paragraphs establishing character and setting? Ahem like....

Janice thinks of herself as a caring, PC liberal. When she wakes up in the body of the God Empress of Thong, can she hold onto her values, or whill she succumb to the sensual pleasures of the court?

Thong is living hell for its many, magically bound slaves, but for the rigidly stratified magic-wielding aristrocracy, it is a worldy heaven of intricately carved temples, and bejewelled palaces. The problem is, the mythical Purple Unicorn is coming, and all look to the God Empress for salvation. Will....

Or something....

Euan H. · Apr 2, 2006

zornhau said:
Janice thinks of herself as a caring, PC liberal. When she wakes up in the body of the God Empress of Thong, can she hold onto her values, or whill she succumb to the sensual pleasures of the court?

Thong is living hell for its many, magically bound slaves, but for the rigidly stratified magic-wielding aristrocracy, it is a worldy heaven of intricately carved temples, and bejewelled palaces. The problem is, the mythical Purple Unicorn is coming, and all look to the God Empress for salvation. Will....

I want to read this book. Right now.

And I want to be God-Empress of Thong. :whip:

sunandshadow · Apr 2, 2006

I would say, write the sunopsis to explain the plot, and describe the worldbuilding exactly as much as is necessary to make the plot make sense, and no more.

Like, I have a cool totemic system in my world, but it does not play much role in the plot, so it does not need to take up precious space in my synopsis. On the other hand, the whole thing would make no sense without explaining that the dragon-people magically construct bodies which look like dragons, and they animate these bodies by magically transferring an animal's brain into one, and they use these animal-brained constructs as slaves and pets. So that has to go in the synopsis, right near the beginning.

bylinebree · Apr 2, 2006

Well, good input once again.

The kingdom is hidden, surrounded by a kind of alternate-history, early-medieval, east european world. But it's true that MOST of the setting isn't integral to the plot in this book; it's actually more in the second book, the sequel. Hmm.

There is one aspect of the kingdom that is integral to the plot, having to do with the state religion and the protagonist becoming very disillusioned with the faith he's taken for granted, which instigates the spiritual journey he go on along with the material challenges he fights through. So I'll go into this a bit (the religion) as it relates to the MC's character and growth.

So, put enough "world flavor" in the synopsis to tantalize, but focus on what happens most.

Then if they want to ask me more about the kingdom, I will be thrilled but try not to give so much info that eyes glaze over like doughnuts in a bakery case.

Sounds good, si?

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Describing fantasy world in synopsis?

bylinebree

Still Seeking the Dream

Simon Woodhouse

Diana Hignutt

Very Tired

zornhau

Swordsman

Euan H.

Unspeakable

sunandshadow

Impractical Fantasy Animal

bylinebree

Still Seeking the Dream