So, I've been revising a book and told my agent I'd send it.
"Good," he said. "I'll need a synopsis with it."
No problem, I figured. I've done them before. It's easy. Introduce all the main characters, hit on all the plot points, tell the ending, and, if possible, state the theme. One or two pages, third person, present tense.
Ah...yeah...about that...
I start off strong, using great verbs and succinct sentences. And then, in the middle, I hit the wall. You know that wall--the one with bricks of despair and mortar of I-can't-do-this? That one.
See, this book is written in two voices, with roughly parallel story lines. A lot happens. A LOT. Trying to get that into one or two pages? Well, let's just say I'm better at writing novels than short fiction....
So, out of desperation, I have come up with a strategy. I'm speed reading my ms, and writing down the major plot points. Then, all I need to do is weave them together into a compelling, brilliant, succinct synopsis.
No problem. Sigh.
If you have a strategy for writing a synopsis, please share it. I've pulled out most of my hair and can't afford a wig.