1. Synopsis writing. Seriously, it sucks.
2. Why? Because I don't KNOW what happens yet, darn it!
3. Wrote a synopsis for new book. Hate it. Book will not even remotely resemble synopsis. I know this from two books written for an editor now. Thankfully, she didn't freak out either time.
4. Writing a synopsis, even when I won't follow it, crushes down on my enthusiasm for the story like Dorothy's house on the wicked witch.
5. Must get over this and write story anyway.
6. Proposal nearly done, in spite of traumatic encounter with evil synopsisaurus.
Got any tricks for the synopsis? Any tricks for tricking yourself while writing it? Do you follow it once you've slaved over it? I used to try, but that only made things worse, so now I figure it's kind of like Captain Barbossa and the pirate code — guidelines to be followed when convenient or expedient. Or to be tossed aside when something better comes along. 🙂
I play a little game with myself.
Step 1) What might this story be like? I type up the “synopsis.”
Step 2) Then I write the book.
Step 3) I compare it to the synop and laugh.
“I’m inclined not to acquiesce to your request.” 😉
“They’re more like guidelines anyway.”
LOL! That pretty much sums up the synopsis. It’s so much easier to write it when the book is done. But I see your dilemma, Lynn. As a panster, you just need to let the ideas flow for the moment. Then, forget about it and make sure your first three chapters rock. After that, it’s whatever way the wind blows!
Your editor knows you can write a story from beginning to end.
I suppose reading a synopsis after the book is done would make for a really good laugh, PC. It’s all about process, right? 😉
word verif: metier
(as in, after the synopsis your book will get meatier. 🙂
PC, yes! It’s been laughable to compare the synopsis and the finished book. But I did just speak with my editor and we discussed the latest synopsis. She said not to spend a lot of time worrying about it. Whew! It’s done, but bad — fortunately, she knows I’ll change everything anyway.
Kathy, you’re right, it’s the pantsing getting me in trouble. I prefer to discover what’s going to happen as I go instead of being forced to think it all out ahead of time – especially when it won’t stick! But, the key is the characters’ conflicts. Get those right, and the rest will fall together. 🙂
Come over to the dark side–become a plotter!
LOL! I like Kathy’s suggestions. Just let the ideas go, then forget about it while you write the book. If it is any comfort, even as a plotter, my books don’t always resemble the entire synopsis. Just some highlights. 🙂
Danniele
Angel, impossible! I don’t understand that dark side! *gg* Actually, I’m relieved that you deviate a little from the synopsis. Seems normal instead of superhuman. *g*
I’m with you Lynn!
Part of the fun of writing is discovering things as you go along. I get a general story and then go with it. I have tried to write a synopsis first and then write the ms but I’ve found that I make myself stick to the synopsis (yes got the whip out) and then I hate the finished work. 55,000 words of hate. That’s not good.
Be proud of hating your synopsis 🙂
Lacey (aka Nikki)
Hi, Lacey aka Nikki! Love the nom de plume! Yep, I think you’re right — forcing yourself to stick with the synopsis only creates crap if you’re a pantser. Because you think of your best ideas while writing. 🙂 I sure do. Fortunately, my editor gets this about me. I am lucky to have her!!
Lisa Gardner has a great submission workshop where she shows examples of panster authors who write character synopsis. Love the blog!