The Dreaded Synopsis

I spent the entire day yesterday working on a synopsis of my current story. I absolutely HATE those things. I don't know any author who likes them.

But I can also understand why editors and publishers want them. It forces the writer to boil the story down to it's major points, to show if there is enough substance to carry an entire novel. It also clarifies who the characters are and what their motivations are.

While I was working, it occurred to me that in my next story, I should write the synopsis first - sort of like a working plot outline. That way, I'd know where the story is going when I get stuck in the middle and I'd have all the characters already laid out. And I'd have the darned thing done when I finish the book. Yes, it would probably need some cleanup, but it would be essentially finished.

So, next up is the rewrite and submission process.

Today's author birthdays: Louis Nizer, Christopher Marlowe

Today's thought: "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." - Henry Ford

Today's teaser: Create a character based on what s/he likes to watch on TV, movies, or listen to or read, but give it a twist. e.g. a heterosexual man who likes chick flicks and Josh Groban.