I’ve just picked up the poisoned chalice that is the world of synopsis writing. The Synopsis and Outline group is very small at the moment. I’d like to invite anyone who is at, or approaching, the point of needing to write a synopsis, to join the group – even if only temporarily. I see the group as being very fluid. We only think about writing a synopsis when we are forced to. So feel free to drop in and out of the group as you feel the need.

Having said that, and given the difficulty we all have with writing a synopsis, bear in mind that all novelists have to go through this process. So, if you can stay with us and help the rest, it will strengthen the group.

Dee

Hi Dee,

Nice one, I'll sign up. I'm a few months away from the synopsis stage but it will be great to get a feel for how it's done.

Cheers

Harry

That's great, Harry. Welcome to the group.

Dee

Hi Dee, I'll apply too. I've just had to resubmit the Worm Machine and decided to cut my synopsis right down. It was only two pages long, but I'd sort of cheated by using single spacing and a small font. When I re-read it on Saturday I realised that it was waaaaayyy too long so I pulled out my scythe and chopped away. I got it down to 575 words from 1400. Quite a task. The novel is 93,000.

Colin M

I applied to join 3/4 days ago and have yet to hear!

Colin, welcome to the group. I’ve just read your synopsis – I’m impressed.

Jai, there are plenty of vacant places so it must be a techno-hitch. If I were you I’d sent DB a reminder.

Gosh! Three new members in 24 hours… that’s great!

Dee

That was a fast comment! I've added another paragraph, but it's hard not to get carried away because as soon as I started that I felt myself wanting to go into other details.

Colin

<Added>

For some reason it didn't update. I've done it again. Word count is about 679 or something now.

Hi Dee,

I'm currently working on a query letter and a dedication. I looked at this group but I take it that these are not what it's about?

Will neeed to do a synopsis eventually but a little early for that though.

Brian.

Brian, as far as I’m concerned, the focus of this group is to help each other prepare a submission to agents and/or publishers.

So, in that spirit, feel free to join. You’ll be very welcome.

Dee

I'd say that counts too. Maybe we could change the name of the group to "Synopsis, Outline and Pitch".

Right then, I'm in!

Sounds like fun.

Brian.

Yes, Colin, I'm going to have a word with DB.

Dee

sorry Dee what with one thing and another I've not participated as much as I should but that should change next week - honest injun.

No probs, Jai. Like dental appointments, this group is no-one's priority!