Writing a novel is a daunting task even for the most experienced writer. Getting the idea is only the beginning but what can writers use to maintain the pace and their commitment to reaching ‘the end’ One option is not only to start with a novel synopsis, but use similar techniques to write and provide the inspiration for individual scenes. This technique provides writers with a framework to complete any writing project.
What is a Novel Synopsis?
A novel synopsis is a detailed summary of a story from the start, through the middle and detailing the end. Therefore, writers have to know, however vague it may be, where they are taking the reader. A novel synopsis will introduce the main characters; will describe the major conflicts and any sub plots.
Many publishers and agents require a synopsis so they can make a decision about reading a whole manuscript. So like it or not, a novel synopsis is essential for a writer. However, writers can make much more use of a synopsis and given that many struggle writing them, it is a bonus if there are benefits. Using a synopsis format to create smaller scenes can help writers perfect the craft.
What is a Scene Synopsis?
There are some differences involved in writing a scene synopsis. Firstly, it will go into more detail than a full novel synopsis. A writer can write more freely and creatively rather than the factual snapshots required for the full overview. Secondly, the scene synopsis can be written in the tense which writers will be developing the full story.
A novel synopsis is usually written in the present tense – a bit like the blurb on the back of a book. The scene synopsis will be just like writing the story for real. Thirdly, a scene synopsis might not detail the end or solve a conflict. It’s more likely that it will take the reader onto a journey, which hasn’t yet ended. A scene synopsis is a kind of skeleton story, an outline about a chunk of writing, which will be developed to create the story summarised in the formal synopsis.
Key Elements of a Scene Synopsis
- Point of View – a scene synopsis needs characters and a consistent point of view. If the story demands two perspectives about the same scene, write it in two distinct parts. Multiple points of view can confuse readers and spoil the flow of the story. If things are mixed up, don’t worry thought, this can be sorted out during the editing process.
- Setting – a scene synopsis needs to be set somewhere. If this is a new setting and is essential to the story, show the story through some good descriptions. What does it look like, smell of, feel to the touch and what can the characters hear? If the setting is secondary don’t waste valuable words on descriptions concentrate on the characters and their action.
- Action – a scene synopsis will require some kind of action or thoughts about conflict, which helps to move the story on. However, not all problems need to be solved, that might happen later and thought should be given to how the scene ends, with the reader wanting to read on.
Writing a novel synopsis can be seen as a chore, but writers can employ the techniques to help move their story on and get to ‘the end’. A scene synopsis should not be set in stone but it does provide inspiration and motivation to keep going. Writing scene chapters help to provide a skeletal framework upon which the real writing can flow.
