Nov 12, 2011

Book, Query, Synopsis, Oh My!


by Cindy R. Williams

I used to think writing a novel was the hardest thing in the world. I was wrong. Finishing the novel was the hardest part. After three years, the beast was finally done.

Then I began the query and thought it was even harder than writing a novel. After six months and 102 versions, (really) I have a query I actually think says what I want it to, so now I am working on the synopsis.

Now I am telling you that the synopsis is the hardest thing to write. How in the world am I supposed to cram 80,000 really important necessary words into 5, 3 or 1 page as different agencies request? It's like cutting off parts of my favorite hand made quilt.

What's your take on the writing process? Which do you find the toughest or most enjoyable?

6 comments:

  1. Whatever stage I'm in seems to be the worst. Wonder why that is?!

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  2. Very interesting. I am not at those stages; my writing has been essays, short stories, grants, and scholarships. I see the results rather quickly when the money is granted to the agency.

    The novel process has been fun for me so far (also why I have not completed any yet :-))

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  3. I used to think it was finishing, but I am quickly learning otherwise. I have been discovering that really coming to understand what the central conceit of the story is really helps with the entire process. It gives me a direction for the outline--at least the "where I am now and where I want to be" part.

    A well written "thesis," so to speak,will also serve me well in my query and synopsis.
    just the thoughts I had as I read your wonderful post. Thanks for making me think on this!
    hugs~

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  4. I had to laugh at your 102 versions of your query. I haven't kept count, but I'm probably in that same neighborhood. Yee haw!

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  5. I wish all of you luck on whatever part of the writing process you are at. Yikes!

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