As part of my writing gig with Harlequin Romantic Suspense, I'm required to turn in a detailed synopsis every 3 months. My editor reviews and approves this and from that synopsis, I write my next book.
When I first started writing, I hated writing a synopsis. Despised them, in fact. Now, I don't see how I ever wrote a book without one.
Since I have a synopsis due in two weeks, I thought I'd share my process with you. Disclaimer: this may not work for you or even resonate with you. We all have our own methods, and this is simply mine.
Let's say I don't even have a glimmer of an idea for my next romantic suspense. What I do know is that there will be a hero and a heroine and either a murder or a threat. I focus on the people first. I list out a description, their job, and what they want in the beginning of this book. I will also try to come up with at least one reason why the hero and the heroine cannot be together.
After the basic character sketch, I spend a few moments on the setting. Fictional town or real, where it is located, what kind of place it is. Time of the year, and the duration of my story. (Two weeks? A month?)
That done, now I can finally list out my plot. Please understand, I don't do all this in one setting. I have to let it percolate a bit. I might spend time one day working on my heroine and hero, the next day the setting. And then I have to think about the plot. Not only what's going to happen externally (the threat, the murder, whatever,) but the progression of the romance between the couple.
Usually for a 70,000 word Harlequin Romantic Suspense, my synopsis is 6-7 pages long. Single spaced. Early in my writing career, I'd try to be a vague as possible, citing the fact that I was a "Pantser" and liked to write by learning as I go. I'm working on my 59th published book (yikes!) and my 49th Harlequin and if there is one thing I've learned after writing all these books, the more I know before I begin, the better. The characters will still find ways to surprise me, I won't get bored, and I won't spend time trying to figure out how to get out of a corner that I'd managed to write myself into.
And I learn a lot when I writing a synopsis. I write down random things that might happen and see if the book will need them. It's easier to plot the entire story in advance and then write it, especially since I have such tight writing deadlines. My next venture, writing a new three book series for myself to self-publish (while continuing to write for Harlequin,) won't require a synopsis for each book. But guess what? I'm going to write them anyway!
Happy writing!
PS - check out one of my short Pack stories - on .99 to buy on Amazon or free with Kindle Unlimited! I just love this cover!
Mate of the Wolf
When I first started writing, I hated writing a synopsis. Despised them, in fact. Now, I don't see how I ever wrote a book without one.
Since I have a synopsis due in two weeks, I thought I'd share my process with you. Disclaimer: this may not work for you or even resonate with you. We all have our own methods, and this is simply mine.
Let's say I don't even have a glimmer of an idea for my next romantic suspense. What I do know is that there will be a hero and a heroine and either a murder or a threat. I focus on the people first. I list out a description, their job, and what they want in the beginning of this book. I will also try to come up with at least one reason why the hero and the heroine cannot be together.
After the basic character sketch, I spend a few moments on the setting. Fictional town or real, where it is located, what kind of place it is. Time of the year, and the duration of my story. (Two weeks? A month?)
That done, now I can finally list out my plot. Please understand, I don't do all this in one setting. I have to let it percolate a bit. I might spend time one day working on my heroine and hero, the next day the setting. And then I have to think about the plot. Not only what's going to happen externally (the threat, the murder, whatever,) but the progression of the romance between the couple.
Usually for a 70,000 word Harlequin Romantic Suspense, my synopsis is 6-7 pages long. Single spaced. Early in my writing career, I'd try to be a vague as possible, citing the fact that I was a "Pantser" and liked to write by learning as I go. I'm working on my 59th published book (yikes!) and my 49th Harlequin and if there is one thing I've learned after writing all these books, the more I know before I begin, the better. The characters will still find ways to surprise me, I won't get bored, and I won't spend time trying to figure out how to get out of a corner that I'd managed to write myself into.
And I learn a lot when I writing a synopsis. I write down random things that might happen and see if the book will need them. It's easier to plot the entire story in advance and then write it, especially since I have such tight writing deadlines. My next venture, writing a new three book series for myself to self-publish (while continuing to write for Harlequin,) won't require a synopsis for each book. But guess what? I'm going to write them anyway!
Happy writing!
PS - check out one of my short Pack stories - on .99 to buy on Amazon or free with Kindle Unlimited! I just love this cover!
Mate of the Wolf
Karen, I love reading how people write their books. Always different for everyone. Interesting how you went from dreading your synopsis to seeing it as helpful. Keep writing those books.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind synopses. Unfortunately, my characters don't like them and keep wandering off script.
ReplyDeleteEven worse than the synopsis, is writing the blurb. I can write 100K easily enough but make me tell you what the story is about in a few paragraphs, ugh!! A synopsis is only slightly worse. Maybe you should rent yourself out to write other people's synopses!!LOL
ReplyDeleteAs a pantser, the synopsis was a process. I wrote it for the editor to approve, not to help me write the book. Maybe I missed out on a good tool.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive. And you sure know how to write a book.
ReplyDeleteMy contact info: adissidente [at] gmail.com
Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletecrossnstitch2 at aol dot com
I always love hearing the processes of other writers. I'll definitely have to try this method out!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm not sure I could write the book before writing the book!
ReplyDeleteI think we all start out hating synopsis writing, but eventually we get over it. *g* You're right about gaining insights as you struggle to tell a 70K story in 7-10 pages. Great post, Karen. (Btw, did you design the cover?)
ReplyDeleteGet your reader fans to help you 😍
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your process with us
iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💗💜💗
I can see how a synopsis could be invaluable.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
A Synopsis has to have just the right touch to get the interest piqued. Great post.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at hotmail dot com
Such a great post. It's funny, I hate writing a synopsis for myself but I don't have any problem writing a synopsis for other people. lol!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of writing it before I start writing the story. I will have to do it for my next book.
MRS N
Great post! I've written one after a book was done and also before. Before definitely works best for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool how everyone's writing process is so different. I'm soaking it all up bcz I've been entrusted with all of my father's writing's and hope to one day publish them.
ReplyDeleteMsredk at AOL dot com
harperyn [at] outlook [dot] com writes:
ReplyDelete59 published books!!! Did I read that right? *faints*
You sure are one tenacious & talented lady.
I've found some authors with series tend to repeat a lot of things when it comes to describing their characters. :( As if they felt pressured to just release something under their contract.
I'm glad you always find something to get excited about in your characters. :)