My opinion about the importance of attending writing conferences is already documented, so in the spirit of my last post (Just Say 10 Words and Shut Up), I will simply share the best two pieces of advice I took away from Left Coast Crime: Booked in L.A.
#1. Tim Hallinan: When pushing through a story outline or synopsis, try writing brief opening lines of dialogue for each scene and then summarizing--briefly--how you see the rest of that scene or chapter going. Then move on.
#2. Twist Phelan: For short stories, think about a character you wouldn't want to spend a whole book with. Or maybe find the one exciting thing that happens in the life of an otherwise normal person.
Both food for thought.
Here's a picture of Tim and I. Can you tell I adore him? In a few weeks I'll be guest blogging for him, talking about my "writing process." I hope the piece will generate some discussion here because I'm always keen to learn how others make up their stories.
My goal for March is to write a synopsis for Book #3 so I'll report back how Tim's advice works out for me.
Share on Facebook
Synopsis writing is to me akin to performing surgery on myself. A brutal and bloody process that leaves me wishing I could just die to get it over with. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, Chris. Surgery on self with blunt object...
ReplyDeleteHhmmm...very interesting tip on the synopsis writing. I have a great system for getting the synopsis down but I'm going to try his tip for what I call my scene list. Dialogue is typically my jumping off point anyway so I can really wrap my mind around this idea. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGinger, for the love of everything that is good in the world, please e-mail me your great system.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these tips are great! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you out here, Bethany. I saw on Facebook that you're spending a lot of time at the (loud) library. Hope you're getting in some good writing time!
ReplyDelete