Hi WWers,

I'm trying to write my synopsis for my teenage novel, Tash and Kev. The novel has a prologue in present tense which basically tells you what happens at the end, then the chapters are in past tense and relate all the events leading up to that.

My question is how do I put the prologue bit into the synopsis? Should I just write what happens chronologically in the synopsis (so it's not the same as in the novel) or do I somehow put the fact there is a prologue in the synopsis too?

My added difficulty with this is that in my draft synopsis I've put it all in present tense.

I hope someone understands what I've written here!!

Cath

Cath, mmm, yes, awkward. Can you sum up the prologue in one sentence, without utterly giving it away? And then imply - or at least think to yourself - a sort of 'So how did they get there?' question, before going into the main story? Particularly if you add signposts of time

I can only really explain what I mean with a truly naff example, sorry to borrow your characters:

'Today, Tash is leaving on a train - leaving her whole life, leaving Kev, behind - because of what happened.' Then maybe new para: 'Tash's story begins four months earlier. She has just arrived in London...' or whatever. That way you get to keep present tense, which does always seem more sensible in a synopsis.

Emma

Yeah, that makes sense, Emma. I'll try it and let you know how I get on! Thanks!

Cath

Cath, Emma’s suggestion sounds good. Synopses are usually written in present tense. Try and keep the prologue to one short paragraph – one sentence, if possible - and give it a good opening hook.

Have a go at it and then upload it… see what feedback you get.

Good luck!

Dee

OK, I've posted a draft - not sure I managed to do what Emma suggested, though! All comments appreciated!

http://www.writewords.org.uk/archive/11538.asp

Cath

Cath,

I have posted a suggestion underneath your synopsis... perhaps that should have been here.
Len