Embracing the Synopsis

Dates: August 15-27, 2005
Instructor: McKenna Jeffries

Course description:

Once that manuscript is finished and polished until it shines, the next step is writing the synopsis. Usually this is viewed as a daunting task and to be avoided as long as possible.

Wrong.

There are many ways you can look at it. Look at this as another challenge like writing your book was. With the right frame of mind a synopsis is not a daunting task. It is fun and exhilarating. This workshop takes you from beginning to end of writing a synopsis. Embracing it for what it is--a way to sell your book for the great work it is. This workshop has five parts after which you will have a lovely synopsis. At the end of each part is a homework assignment so you can put the information into practice.

Part One: Writing the killer hook.
In this section you will learn how to build a hook with one sentence to start off your synopsis with a bang.

Part Two: My Hero who is he really?
This section discusses who your hero really is. This is where you sell the agent or publisher your hero. Making them love your hero as much as you do. We go into detail on how to bring out your character’s best to make him real to your targeted audience.

Part Three: The truth behind my heroine
This section discusses your heroine. You have to be able to sell your heroine and make her real to the agent or publisher. Make them feel her as you do. We go into detail on bring out your character’s best to make her real to your targeted audience.

Part Four: MIND BEN
This section uses a technique I like to fondly call MIND BEN. It shows how to go for the emotional jugular and get all your points in you novel across with the limited space you have.

Part Five: Wrapping it all up in a fancy bow
The last line will stick with you. So instead of the standard, go for something memorable. This section deals with ways to make the last line in you synopsis count as much as much as the first one did.

This workshop will include an assignment after each part. I will read and look over each assignment and offer feedback.

About the Instructor:

McKenna Jeffries has been writing since she was a child. Writing her own fairy tales as a child and entertaining her friends and family, she kept on doing what she loved--writing that next entertaining tale. It wasn’t long before she read her first romance novel and was hooked. Years later, she decided to write her own. Writing about living breathing characters and sweet and spicy novels is a passion that keeps her very busy.

McKenna writes spicy contemporary, emotional mainstream fiction and nail biting mysteries. You can read more about McKenna at www.mckennajeffries.com.