…writing a synopsis would cause so much physical pain? Apparently everyone knows this. I knew this to be true but I did not truly understand until I began avoiding my computer at all costs when the blank document mocked me from my computer screen. I even saved it as “Synopsis.” I just had nothing to put in it. So I stalled.
I cleaned my office. I unpacked boxes (we only moved in a year ago. I guess now is as good a time as any to start unpacking). I cleaned the kitchen. I did laundry. I even, gasp, made dinner! I haven’t done that in two weeks! And now, I am blogging. How pathetic. I just need to write a few words! I’ve already written the story, why should a few words telling it be so difficult?
I heard an explanation of sorts tonight. Writing creatively draws heavily on the right side of the brain: you show the story in vivid detail. Writing a synopsis is the antithesis of creativity. It forces the writer to go against everything she has learned, crafted, honed, struggled to capture in her writing: tell not show.Â
I am learning a vast deal about this process. I don’t want to. I wish I could just go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and pick up the Cliff’s Notes for Synopses. Or better yet, a fill in the blank form. I can see it now:
My hero/heroine (circle one) is named _________________. He/she (circle one) has a crisis when ______________________. He/she (circle one) _______________ then he/she __________________. The story ends when__________________.Â
Can’t get much more telling than that, I suppose.
And all this time, the blank page has not moved. “Still here!” it taunts. “Take your time! I’m not going anywhere!”
Great. Now it has its own voice. Who knew?