I really enjoy overcoming the challenges of synopses, which is not to say I enjoy the writing of them, but at least I don’t hate it. I’m not stuck but I can’t help feeling there might be an easier way. I also can’t help feeling this is probably a dumb question.
See, in the WIP I have a flashback storyline weaving through the main narrative, providing insight and merging with the main plot at the end in an unusual way. Now I’m not sure how to insert it into the synopsis, because the subplot is not as much a subplot as parallel to the main plot. Absolutely integral to the main. My instinct is to insert only the details that relate to the main plot, and then they would go next to their relevant plot points, obviously. I’m getting to the point where it’s, “Well if I tell them THAT then I have to tell them THIS, but they can’t understand THIS without THE OTHER.”
I’ve never written a book with this structure. Has anyone out there had experience with synopsizing more than one timeline? And if so, would you like to share your experience?
Also, I would love it if someone fluent in Spanish would volunteer to be my language checker. It would be minimal work, as there are only scattered phrases, but I want every word to be authentic. My character is half Mexican, half Austin, TX white trash, lives with her white mother and Mexican grandmother, if that makes any difference.
I hope all this still makes sense tomorrow.
#1 by DarcsFalcon on May 12th, 2008
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Is it absolutely necessary to insert it into your synopsis? I mean, you’re giving a summary of your story, so all the parallel plotting and flashbacks are sort of included in, “Here’s the story of … a man named Brady.” Sorry. That’s what popped into my head! But I think you know what I mean. Is it really necessary to say, “My story has a parallel plot and flashback scenes.”?
If yes, then I would tell you to go with your instincts.
And sorry, no habla espanol. But I know some sign language!
Sorry I can’t be of more help to you love. Can I still send hugs anyway? >:D<
#2 by Ian Thomas Healy on May 12th, 2008
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Uh, how I handled it was I cut out all the flashback sequences out of the manuscript and worked the pertinent information into the main narrative.
You had something to do with that too, as I recall.
Ian
#3 by DarcKnyt on May 13th, 2008
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DarcsFalcon — that’s “No HablO espanol” in reference to yourself. “No hables espanol” in reference to Sherrikins.
Wish I could help, Sherri-love. In your place, I would probably do as you’re doing, determine what’s absolutely necessary, and put that in beside the relevant plot points. However, not having written anything that way and not EVER having written a synopsis that I didn’t hand in to a grade school teacher, I seriously should shut up.
Okay, this is me shutting up Now. Shutting up … .NOW. There. I’m shut.
Love you.
#4 by DarcsFalcon on May 13th, 2008
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See? That just proves I can’t speak Spanish. I don’t even know how to say I don’t speak it. Sigh.
#5 by shelli on May 13th, 2008
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I wish I could help you on the synopsis, but I’m still learning too. I Iook forward to finding out how you deal with this issue.
A belated Happy Mother’s Day to you and a Happy Blog Anniversary too!
#6 by Sherri Cornelius on May 13th, 2008
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Thank you!
I guess I was over thinking it. In the light of day it seems quite simple to handle it exactly as I did in the last synopsis I wrote. I do believe the synopsis to Ea’s Gift is a fine piece of concision, and I can get this one into shape pretty quick.
#7 by mapelba on May 14th, 2008
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Okay, since I live in Austin, I’m pondering the Austin, TX white trash bit. Hmmm. Even so, I wish I could help on the synopsis–I can’t write my straightforward, linear synopsis, much less include flashback craziness. Or trashiness. ha.
Good luck.
#8 by Sherri Cornelius on May 15th, 2008
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I didn’t mean that Austin is full of trashy people. Least of all you, Marta. Besides, I’m performing ongoing research in that field. Right here in my house…I mean, lab.
I’ve been thinking of moving the location to somewhere in TX I’ve actually been, like San Antonio. Truthfully, I’d be better off setting it in OKC where I can drive up to do my research. But for some reason Austin sticks. Might be because I wanted to move there when I was 18 and never did.
#9 by john on September 11th, 2008
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can a synopsis be written in past tence?I read it somewhere but iI forgot about it.Some says that it can be written in form of past tense only for events prior.How about flashbacks?