Nov. 22: Writing and Using Synopses

In today's reading Fred White talks about what a synopsis is, how to write one, and how to use one to help you develop what you are writing. He states that the writers who use synopsis usually have less trial and error. However, using the synopsis after the first draft is written will lead to writing a new draft which will lead to a new synopsis, "one method helps to refine the other".
In "For Further Reflection" he says that a synopsis allows the editor or agent, to whom the writer is going to pitch his writing, to get the clearest, most concise idea of what the work as a whole would be like. With a synopsis the writer can present them with a "lay out (of) the story scene by scene, focusing sharply on key conflict situations."
The "Try This" assignment:
1. In your journal, write a one-page summary of a short story you've been planning in your head. The summary should include the basic conflict situation, the key characters, the climax, and the outcome.
2. Develop the summary you've prepare for number one into a five-page synopsis. This time, go into more detail about character background and motivation, setting, and the twists and tuns of the plot.