For the last two weeks I have been logging onto my computer every
morning to read my assignment for
The course is called Necessary Parts, and covers the four
texts that writers dread--the log line (for the subject line on an email), a
query paragraph (and letter), a one-page summary, and a two to three page
synopsis (the worst of all). I have yet to meet a writer who likes writing a
synopsis, and it's easy to understand why.
The first question anyone who knows me might ask is this: "Susan,
why are you taking this course? You've published ten novels and two nonfiction
books with four publishers." And indeed, one of the other participants
commented on how surprised she was to see my name on the list of students. But,
to everyone's surprise, except Ramona's, I've never had to submit a synopsis to
sell a book.
When I submitted my first mystery novel to Scribner's in
1992, my agent sent in the entire ms, and we waited. When I switched to Five
Star, a division then of Thorndike Press, again I sent in the entire ms. For my
first book, a bibliography for G.K. Hall, in Boston, I wrote a proposal, which
was accepted. Twelve books and not a single synopsis. It was time to face the
nightmare and learn how to write one.
When I finished graduate school and took my degree, I was
glad to be done. But I have always loved workshops, taking courses on a variety
of subjects, exploring new ideas, and learning to see things from a different
perspective. Even as the executive director of a small nonprofit, I knew there
was plenty to learn and signed up for all sorts of special trainings.
No matter how many books I've written, or anyone else has
for that matter, I believe there is always
something more to learn. And of all
the workshops, courses, lectures, and trainings I've attended over the last several
years, Ramona's online course Necessary Parts has been the best. If you have a
chance to take this, I highly recommend it. There's nothing like finding out that the great fear (of writing a synopsis or anything else) is nothing but a matter of arranging words on a page. Thanks, Ramona.
The arrangement of words on a page is not writing necessarily; but then it is for a synopsis ...briefly done.
ReplyDeleteI don't have friends or employer and this is how I stay in the buoyancy of others.
Thank you, Susan! The course works best if participants are willing to share their work and are open to suggestions and review. You were both, and generous with responses in the round robin. The group makes or breaks a course, and this group was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what to expect at the start, Ramona, but I will continue to be grateful to you and the course. There's nothing like wrestling the tiger of a synopsis down to a kitten. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteActually, this sounds like a course I could use. Is there a link to a sign up page?
ReplyDeleteThe course was offered through Sisters in Crime New England, so I would check their website. But Ramona Defelice Long, who offered the course and is an excellent teacher, commented here. You could click on her comment above, and email her directly. Hers is the second comment.
ReplyDeleteMy comment got away from me. I strongly recommend the class, Anne, and best of luck with your work.
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