 Workshops
The "I hate to write a synopsis" Workshop
Sure some people like to write a synopsis. For most writers, the task is about as appealing as jumping into a frozen lake during sub-zero weather—even though some people like that, too.
This workshop is designed to identify the elements required to put together a solid synopsis. The target audience is any writer getting ready to submit a novel-length work to a commercial publisher. This workshop is designed to cover 2 to 2 ½ hours and is highly interactive so the techniques covered become both personal and useful. Workshop participants leave with a workbook that provides concrete reminders of the steps and the techniques.
In addition to discussing different types of synopses and synopsis conventions, the workshop covers techniques for each of the following.
- Determine what your story is about.
- Identify expectations and conventions of your targeted market.
- Identify the major characters and their roles.
- Map the character growth for your hero or heroine or both.
- Include the setting, both geographic and time frame.
- Describe the inciting incident, turning points, black moment, climax, and resolution.
- Describe the related subplots.
- Identify the primary and secondary themes in your story.
- Write the first draft of your synopsis.
- Refine the synopsis to reflect the tone of your story.
- Write the final draft.
- Polish.
"Sharon's Synopsis Workshop is an excellent how-to explanation on creating a synopsis. Her examples are great tools to help bring the story ideas together. You can read books on writing a synopsis, but Sharon's explanations and instruction help to clarify the underlying foundation in a well constructed synopsis."
--Judy A. Kundert
Workshop Participant March 2002
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