Time for the Synopsis

I've finished my edits and revisions in my current WIP. It's printed, and my four trusted readers are flipping through my pages as we speak.

Now comes the hard part. Condensing 55,000 words into a 5 page synopsis. UGH! Have I told you how much I detest writing these things?

I've never been good at summarizing. I'm much too long winded for that. I remember writing book reports in grade school where I always ended up retelling the whole story in nearly the same length as the book. Fortunately they were shorter books back then.

One submission I made to an agent required a one page synopsis for my first manuscript. ONE PAGE! for my 88,000 words!

So, what did I do?
I searched the internet and found this great webpage with directions for writing a one page synopsis. The directions are written for screenplays, but works just as well for novels. If you ever find yourself needing to write one of these beasties, check this webpage. I found it extremely helpful.

Writing Tip 101

At the first writing conference I ever attended, I heard the most important writing tip. READ!

In order to find my place within my genre, I need to know who else is out there and what they are writing. There is a lot to learn by studying the work of other writers – how they handle descriptions, inner thoughts, love scenes, conflict, the final words on the final page, and so much more.

As I write my current WIP, a contemporary romance, I keep several books within that same genre on my desk. When I get stuck, I flip through one of the books and see what the author before me has done. Like how many pages should this kiss last? And what vocabulary is appropriate for this imprint line?

I heard at that first conference that if I didn’t have time to read, then I didn’t have time to be a writer. I make time for both, and I watch a whole lot less TV!

Time Management - The Myth

We all have the same 24 hours in the day, as I'm sure you've heard before in numerous discussions on how to better manage your time. But finding the time to write or do whatever else is important to you is not really about finding time or making time. Rather, it is about Energy Management.

Our bodies have a natural energy cycle. Some people are 'morning people' and feel energetic as soon as they bounce out of the bed in the morning. Whereas, other people don't begin to feel a surge of energy until lunchtime or later in the day. Of course, we can force ourselves into a false sense of energy by using stimulants like caffeine.

Throughout the day our energy ebbs and flows. Certain things in our life, besides caffeine, can give us more energy, like laughing with our girlfriends or feeling the sun and wind on our faces. And other things can drain our energy, like naughty children who make us yell and scream at them. (Not that my angels would EVER make me yell at them.) The biggest energy drain for women is doing things for other people. How many people or commitments in your life do you take care of? Husband, children, parents, friends, school, work, laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping...

So what does this have to do with Time Management?

If we are constantly giving away our energy reserves to others, we won't have energy to do the things for ourselves that matter to us, like writing. We may find ourselves with an hour in the afternoon alone, but with no energy to concentrate on writing. And a nap will sound so much more productive, or TV, or reading a relaxing book, or browsing the internet, or eating...

So, really what we need to focus on is managing our energy. Don't give away more than you can spare. Learn to say no. And find something that recharges your energy reserves when they get low, preferably caffeine free. (Don't get me started on the dangers of caffeine.)

All I want for Christmas...

is Pioneer Woman's cookbook.

Well, that and the 2 tickets to the Chicago Bears v. Detroit Lions game that I already bought yesterday.

Food and football.

They are just meant for each other.

What are you hoping to receive for Christmas?