CHAT ARCHIVE - 3-11-00, Synopsis

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ICQ Chat Save file
Started on Sat Mar 11 23:43:05 2000

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<Casey> Okay, let's begin with grammar.
<Casey> Colons: they're not just for business letters anymore.
<Casey> Use colons to separate 2 main clauses when the second clause explains the first.
<Casey> Example: Humanity has but three great enemies: fever, famine and war . . .
<Sea Witch> used car salesmen
<BeckyB> Well, that and my husband's cooking.
<Casey> The morning edition made clear the newspaper's stand: it would back the Republican candidate.
<Sea Witch> LOL Becky
<Casey> Anytime you use "the following" or "as follows," a colon is used before the list of items or clauses.
<Casey> (This is used mostly in business and grant writing. That kind of thing.
<Casey> Punctuation rules are:
<Casey> The first word of a complete sentence following a colon may or may not be capitalized. If the first word following the colon is a quotation, the first word is always capitalized.
<Casey> Over the piano was printed a notice: Please do not shoot the pianist.
<BeckyB> Casey, your first example is more like this rule of listing. It wasn't followed by a complete clause, but that's just nitpicking, it is a good way to use them.
<Sea Witch> Shoot the printer instead!
<Casey> One of my examples I used elipses to indicated I'd omitted words. It was a long example.
<BeckyB> Oh, okay.
<Casey> Always place a colon or semicolon outside quotation marks when quoting material.
<Casey> When using a colon inside dialogue, the normal rules of the dialogue sentence applies.
<BeckyB> I'm not sure what you mean Casey, about quoting.
<Casey> According to Shakespeare, the poet writes in a "fine frenzy"; by "fine frenzy" he means . . .
<BeckyB> Okay, thanks.
<Casey> And that's all I know about colons. It was a short lesson tonight.
<Soulmoon> Out side the zoo, many signs were posted: "Do Not Feed The Animals."
<Casey> Yes, Soulmoon. Good example.
<Soulmoon> the piano thing reminded me of such. . .
<Casey> On to Synopsis.
<Casey> For years, I've never understood the beast, and recent research is finally making it a bit clearer.
<Casey> The most obvious thing I've discovered is that different type stories require different handling of a synopsis.
<Sea Witch> Clear as mud
<Casey> That's a primary reason why I've been so lost, and didn't know it until I went a searching.
<BeckyB> I'm trying to remember, is a synopsis a shortened version?
<BeckyB> Or actually a summing up.
<Casey> Yes, Becky. It gives the entire story in a nutshell.
<Sea Witch> A several sides of A4 sized nutshell!
<shorty103> like you would describe your story to someone you didn't know for the first time,
<Sea Witch> I've tried writing a synopsis before and failed miserably
<Casey> The thing I finally realized was, that if your story is largely action, then you approach it in one way.
<Casey> If your story is largely theme or moral oriented, you can't use the same approach to writing a synopsis.
<BeckyB> And do you tell the main things including giving the ending or more like the inside of a jacket cover.
<Casey> Everything I read says, DO give the ending.
<BeckyB> Okay.
<Casey> In a way, you do write it like a jacket cover, as far as the intensity of the writing. You want to get across the passion you feel for your story in the synopsis, if at all possible.
<BeckyB> So it's more of something for an editor to quickly decide if he hands you a million dollar contract or tosses you in the trash.
<Casey> Exactly, Becky. Sometimes, the synopsis might be the only thing he reads.
<Casey> Here again, the first sentence is crucial. It must grab the editor or publisher immediately and create the questions of "how does this happen" or "how is this shown"?
<Casey> Although, there again, suggestions vary.
<Casey> If a publisher requires 3 sample chapters and a synopsis, it is permissible to write the synopsis from the ending point of the 3rd chapter on to the end.
<Casey> That way, the setting, time, and characters are already introduced and it's not necessary to reiterate those details in the synopsis.
<BeckyB> It makes sense it would vary. I've read all kinds of things about how different publishers want different things. Everyone has different taste.
<Casey> Exactly. And stories themselves vary so greatly in what they focus on, that will affect how the synopsis is handled, too.
<Casey> If your story is character driven, the synopsis will concentrate on the character and what drives him/her (motivations)
<BeckyB> How long do they recommend it is?
<Casey> One warning that I've learned from a writer who went through the sale from a synopsis is, be aware that some publishers might insist that the story follow the storyline or ending in the synopsis.
<Casey> That's one reason why writing a synopsis after the ms. is completed isn't such a bad idea.
<Sea Witch> On the East Bank of the Nile, approximately midway between Cairo and Luxor, lie the ruins of Tel El Amarna. These ruins epitomize an extraordinary chapter in the religion and art of Ancient Egypt wrought by Amenhotep IV, the heretical Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty whose reign spanned seventeen years during the middle part of the fourteenth century BC.
<Sea Witch> Amenhotep IV (also known as Akhenaten) broke with tradition when he renounced almost two thousand years of polytheism and decreed that henceforth only worship of the One God, the Aten, was permissible. He established a new capital, Akhetaten (Horizon or Seat of the Aten), on the site we now call Tel El Amarna, and dedicated it to his One God. This prestigious new capital flourished for approximately two decades before being abandoned to the desert shortly after the death of its enigmatic founder. Thus did a truly remarkable culture, born of innovation and radical monotheism, end in infamy and disgrace.
<Sea Witch> Fortunately, the legacy of Amenhotep IV lives on, preserved in the hauntingly beautiful artefacts excavated at Tel El Amarna. This controversial period of history still breeds controversy as witnessed by the many theories and publications addressing the issue. Obviously not every theory can be correct but it is not my intention to support the educated opinion of Egyptologist A to the detriment of an inspirational idea propounded by Art Historian B. I shall endeavour to steer a steady course through the stormy waters of speculation for those of you who have never before encountered the Amarna culture. I dare to presume that time-honoured admirers and scholars of this idiosyncratic hiatus in Egyptian history will come equipped with their own paddles.
<Sea Witch> That is the nearest I ever got to a decent synopsis
<Sea Witch> It was on the strength of that itsy bitsy passage I was given that book to write.
<BeckyB> My impression from that synopsis is that you are writing a nonfictional account using primarily secondary research and trying to tye it together in a captivation way.
<Sea Witch> Almost there Becky <grin>
<BeckyB> Why almost?
<Sea Witch> The book is (hopefully) aimed at settling an argument between art and science that has been raging for over 50 years
<Casey> Hey, the whole purpose of a synopsis is to sell an idea. It worked for you, SW, so by definition, it was done right.
<Sea Witch> Yeah, but I can't see me getting away with it come "let's find a publisher" time
<shorty103> it's just highlighting the main points of the story and a few of the character within the story
<BeckyB> Sounds interesting. I took some archeology classes in college, but only enough to let me know I still know next to nothing. Always liked Egyptian.
<Sea Witch> Me too LOL
<Casey> The only thing I see "wrong" with it is that you don't begin with your intention. (What you will prove/disprove/do differently than other books on the market dealing with the same subject.)
<Casey> Yours began with a history lesson.
<Sea Witch> The whole exercise IS a history lesson. That is my opening page on the new website I am creating to support the book
<Casey> With what you're doing, the history HAS to be there or the whole book doesn't make sense.
<Sea Witch> If I give my intention on the new site I will frighten away the very people I want to see it
<Casey> Don't do it on the site!
<Sea Witch> I'm not <g> The site is to reopen a debate and get the powers that be talking.
<BeckyB> You also just said that it will hopefully settle an argument, but in the syn it says you will examine both and not step on the others toes, not sure of exact wording.
<BeckyB> It might be better to support what will help settle the argument.
<Sea Witch> That comes later. The subject is considered taboo in Egyptological circles. I have to approach it in a round about way
<BeckyB> Why taboo?
<Casey> In addressing the Armana controversy, I am presenting both sides of a 50 year old argument between . . .
<Casey> that's badly written, but you get the idea.
<BeckyB> I know it's off the subject, but if you can explain to us It helps you see feedback.
<Sea Witch> Right. Quick summing up.
<Sea Witch> There is a collection of Amarna artefacts in private hands that Egyptologists and art historians say are forgeries and the scientists say are genuine. The Egyptologists say there IS no argument. Everyone else disagrees.
<Casey> You understand what your intention is by what you're doing. To sell a ms., a publisher must also understand your intentions.
<Sea Witch> And so he will Casey. The book will be part history and part Mansoor Collection.
<BeckyB> Sounds very interesting. Do you think they are real?
<Sea Witch> Yes
<Sea Witch> But no museum will display one because Club Egyptology has closed ranks
<BeckyB> So you will have to go into both sides and show why both sides have their opinions. The publisher will need to see a lot more.
<Sea Witch> Exactly. I will have to be scrupulously fair in presenting the case for both sides. It'll going to be challenging since the case for the Egyptologists is rather weak. OK It's bloody stupid actually
<BeckyB> Let me guess. it can't be real because it is unique.
<Casey> Becky asked a question about 100 posts back about length of a synopsis.
<Casey> I've heard up to 40 pages long, but that's ridiculous. A publisher could read the book faster.
<Casey> More frequent length recommendations are 2 to 10 pages.
<BeckyB> True, I'm guessing Witchy's should be at least double and maybe triple it's current length.
<shorty103> I would think about two page at most
<Casey> Some story ideas can't be told in only 2 pages, Rose. (We're talking double spaced pages.)
<shorty103> but I'm glad to see that it can be done up to ten, okay, understood
<BeckyB> it is very difficult to accurately portray the feel of an entire book in just 2 pages. I would bet it would be a lot like the exercise of getting an entire story into 100 words. write it and then edit it down making sure each word is precise.
<Sea Witch> In that case my synopsis would be who insulted whom and how often!
<Casey> There is a short (very short) entire synopsis online. The only one I found--for a book no longer available in print.
<shorty103> would word count count in a synopsis?
<Casey> www.sfwa.org/prededitors/pesynop.htm is the URL for The Aliens Is Coming!
<BeckyB> Is you're book about who insulted whom and how often?
<Sea Witch> In a nutshell
<Sea Witch> It boils down to how much 19 geologists, petrologists mineralogists etc. understand about limestone. Not much according to Egyptologists and art historians
<Casey> Articles go over tenses to be used in writing a synopsis (present tense seems the most preferred)
<crip> finished reading the synopsis and I must say while no publisher on earth could pick this book up I've determined the one that did wasn't from this world, at least it's a good start as to what one should look like
<Casey> Did you notice that the publisher who bought it went out of business a year later?
<crip> yes I did.
<Casey> There's your answer to the mystery of its publication.
<BeckyB> Because with you're current one I was thinking it would be about the live of the pharoah and the events of where these were found and what it tells us about history.
<Casey> That's why I suggested that your intention must be made clear--the purpose for/of the book.
<shorty103> could you not write an outline of each chapter after it's done, and then brake it down even more to fit within the ten pages
<Casey> I found a list, thanks to Rose, of 10 things that should be included in any synopsis.
<BeckyB> I just read the synopsis. It looks like a good synopsis for a lousy book.
<Casey> One woman recommended doing that, Rose, as a way to be certain the points you need to make in the synopsis are covered.
<Sea Witch> Quite right. The purpose of the book will be made very clear. But first I need to generate new interest in the Mansoor controversy hence the new site and the "invitation" to academic communities and museums
<BeckyB> It looks like "The neverending story " in space with adultery.
<crip> *L* I should have picked up on that beckyb, seeing as how I watched the dang movie this afternoon *L*
<Sea Witch> That Synopsis looks like a high school essay!
<Sea Witch> With juicy bits
<Casey> I would not have purchased the book in a bookstore.
<BeckyB> I liked the synopsis. It let me know what would happen so I had a good picture of what the book would contain so I knew I wouldn't want to read it.
<Casey> Okay, the list of 10 items to include.
<Sea Witch> Actually I would prefer to use the word "crap" to describe it
<Casey> 1) an opening that develops the story or states the theme or raises questions (in the reader's mind /or story questions)
<BeckyB> Exactly. Crap is what the book contains and so should the synopsis.
<Sea Witch> LOL Becky
<Sea Witch> How would you describe the characters Casey?
<Sea Witch> There's just one word to describe mine.
<Sea Witch> Dead!
<Casey> 2) intro of your characters: heavy on their motivations.
<BeckyB> So it was a very good sum up of a rotten story, so DON"T write one like it unless you have a crappy story to sum up.
<Casey> nobody here has a story anywhere that bad, Becky.
<Casey> 3) Tell the story's central tension
<Sea Witch> twang!
<Casey> later, work in at least 3 obstacles to goal attainment.
<Casey> 4) present the natural transitions from one major scene to another
<Russ> Have you all figured out how to write a powerful synopsis yet?
<Sea Witch> Yeah, don't write a book that has grammatical errors in the title
<Russ> Now there's a good tip. Do you have an example? <G>
<Sea Witch> The Aliens is coming!
<BeckyB> Before mailing to an editor, make sure your kids haven't "decorated" some of the pages with crayon.
<Casey> 5) No dialogue is what most experienced writers recommend, but if it's used at all in a synopsis, use very little.
<Sea Witch> What about sound effects. Meaty thwaks, that sort of thing
<Casey> There should not be a reason why dialogue (and meaty thwacks) are necessary.
<Sea Witch> Awwww. Witchie likes writing sound effects
<Wwombat> Dialogue in a synopsis brings in too much detail. A synopsis should be a summary; dialogue is always actual.
<shorty103> so a brief description from each chapter would be good enough, well, to tell the person who is reading it a clear picture of what the book is about
<Casey> A chapter by chapter description may not be necessary, Rose.
<shorty103> okay
<BeckyB> I would do "chapter one is about..... chapter two is about...." that would make them think you have the writing personality of a statistician.
<Casey> You need the first chapter set up, the climax, and an explanation of how you got from one to the other.
<Wwombat> I don't think a synopsis need follow the chapter sequence. The book may need flashbacks for an exciting structure, a synopsis needn't be so complicated
<shorty103> okay, understood, but it could help one get to the finished synopsis
<Casey> If you want to use a chapter-by-chapter outline as a beginning basis and that helps you, by all means, use it.
<Casey> It will assure you don't omit the significant facts you do need to include.
<Sea Witch> I wonder how David Edding would write a synopsis. Maybe - they rode for miles and miles and did sod all for 400 pages
<Russ> Read the rivan codex Witchie
<BeckyB> Did Sod?
<Sea Witch> Achieved nothing, Becky
<Sea Witch> I don't think so Russ. I had enough of the first couple of series. I won't waste any more money on Mr Eddings thank you
<Wwombat> Also, I don't think the synopsis needs all the sub plots. It can't develop character, so some of the sub plots may not make sense. Leave them out rather than complicate.
<shorty103> okay, I will see when that time comes, I just have to get through the rewrite! LOL
<Casey> 6) Any *necessary* description of setting, time, and how those affect the story, if they do.
<Casey> the synopsis does not need all the subplots. Only a subplot if it is crucial to an explanation of the climax and why it happens
<Wwombat> He achieved something. He sold 400 pages.
<BeckyB> You know, I keep seeing more and more writers to avoid, but I almost never see who people like.
<Sea Witch> Yeah. That's a real pisser ain't it
<Casey> 7) The complete climax
<Casey> No teasers here!
<Sea Witch> Awwwwww. Not even a little one?
<Casey> By that, I meant: you have to tell the ending of your story.
<Wwombat> Casey, do you recommend trying to inject suspense to build up to the climax?
<Sea Witch> LOL
<Casey> Absolutely, Richard.
<Casey> You WANT the editor to read through to the end, then be dying to read the novel.
<crip> if he's not dead already
<Sea Witch> from the neck up
<Russ> remember that this is the first time an editor will see your writing, so make it as strong as possible
<Casey> Which brings up 8) Using writing that shows your passion for your story.
<Casey> 9) Present your best professional appearance: NO grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
<Sea Witch> EG - The Aliens is Coming!
<Wwombat> So, if the synopsis needs to grab attention and generate emotion ( even as simple "I Like it" ), it behoves us all to spend a bit of time writing short stories to gain experience of a shorter medium ?
<Casey> That can certainly help, Richard.
<Sea Witch> Good point, worthy marsupial
<Wwombat> I thought you was calling me an alien
<Casey> 10) give the word count and genre (or estimate the word count if the synopsis is a proposal)
<Sea Witch> No, I was referring to a referral of Casey's
<Casey> I've blown everyone's mind with the only online synopsis I could find to use as an example.
<Sea Witch> We all agreed it was a pretty crap example
<Casey> It put the company who published the book out of business.
<Wwombat> This gets quite confusing. At least 3 threads running at a time. Typical ladies!! OOooh - that's non political
<crip> and yet so true
<Casey> *looking around* Anyone here politically correct?!
<crip> *L*
<crip> certainly, not you
<Sea Witch> Witchie doesn't like PC people. Good on yer Wombie!
<BeckyB> Only men are required to be politically correct. Have you noticed?
<Wwombat> Good point Becky.
<crip> we have to be correct in every other way, why stop at politics?
<Casey> Yes, Becky. Women are 100% cruder than men and aren't called on it.
<BeckyB> I really miss the days when my nickname at work was legs.
<Sea Witch> Cos no one would dare! Heh heh heh
<Casey> The 10 list was swiped from www.novalearn.com/wol/archives/reno9.htm with my own alterations and annotations.
<Casey> I did not at all agree with the use of dialogue in a synopsis.
<Casey> What does an editor want to know in a synopsis?
<Wwombat> If it's edible !
<Sea Witch> Cash potential?
<Russ> Sleep?
<BeckyB> If it stinks.
<crip> he wants to know why the heck he or she should take the bloody book?
<Casey> Editor wonders: What's the internal tension (in the story)?
<Casey> What's the external tension? (events)
<Wwombat> An editor wants to know if the story fits his needs
<Casey> I was addressing: Wants from a synopsis.
<Wwombat> Both magazine and book editors have a plan: so many Pink books, so many green stories. First up, does your story fit into that plan.
<Casey> before we lose any more people, I wanted to share the following URL. It's the best article I found on the web about synopsis writing.
<Casey> www.writerspage.com/write/masterlink/ There are 3 there, but the one by Bill Johnson is the best. I'm tempted to buy his book on the strength of this one article.
<Casey> His article addresses writing a synopsis from the angle of theme rather than action.
<Casey> It's the first time that anything has given me even a hint of how to approach my own writing style, because my work tends to address theme as a bigger element than action, almost.
<Wwombat> That's a change. They tell me they sell movies on theme
<Casey> The example Johnson uses is The Hunt for Red October.
<Wwombat> But surely theme linked with characters -- which, of course, cause action
<Casey> Exactly, Richard. My stories tend to be character-driven.
<Wwombat> And theme can be expressed very concisely
<Casey> I've been going nuts for years because all I'd heard admonished was, Write the action! That's how you develop a synopsis. Well, pure action doesn't necessarily tell you anything much about theme
<crip> you mean you weren't nuts before?
<Casey> Oh hush, young'un!
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