Write a Great Synopsis - An Expert Guide by Nicola Morgan

Author:Nicola Morgan [Morgan, Nicola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crabbit Publishing (Nicola Morgan)
Published: 2012-01-16T23:00:00+00:00

3.7 Can we have some tips on how to omit unnecessary detail?

Michael asked about this. My advice is to try to forget what happens in your book, as I said when talking about my Crappy Memory Tool in my description of Method Two. Don’t look at your book or any notes while writing your synopsis and then you will find it easy to omit details because you’ll have forgotten them.

3.8 Are there any extra tips about keeping things short and succinct?

This is a bit like saying, “Do you have any advice about writing?” You just do it. I think the reason I absolutely love exercises where you have to shorten word count is that we did this so much at school. It was called précis and was one of my embarrassing pleasures. That and apostrophes. It’s about as analytical and mathsy as I get and is gloriously like a puzzle. But it comes with practice and attention, effort and application. I believe it’s mechanical, not inspirational, and anyone can do it if there’s enough incentive.

My advice therefore is: force yourself to see words as money, money which once gone is gone. I think you will then find it simple to cut to the bone, and very satisfying, especially if you then allow yourself to spend the money in your favourite shop. I have never seen a piece of writing I couldn’t reduce significantly without changing the meaning at all. In fact, give your draft synopsis (in an acceptable state) to me with a) the word loss you require (anything up to 60%) and b) a bottle of half-decent (or, if you prefer, whole-decent) champagne or payment of £50 (which says nothing about the type of champagne I appreciate but a lot about how highly I value it), and I will do it for you. Note: this offer is for the reduction of word count only, not for turning your half-thought-through mess into something of beauty.

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