I’ve been trying to get a synopsis under way. It’s really a critical thing to have for a number of reasons, the best one I can think of is it gives you an overview of the plot. It can be as detailed or not as you like. And it’s great to have on hand when it’s time to think about query letters –where you need to be able to condense the plot down to the elements quickly.

But I have another particular reason for working with a synopsis. I’m testing out some other versions of reality. I’m wondering about my lead. Wondering how the story changes, based on what he knows at the beginning of the story. It’s kind of interesting how different the plot becomes.

If he knows nothing at all, the story is more like a mystery, where he figures it out as he goes.

If he knows quite a bit, then it changes to suspense, where he conflicts with his adversary much sooner and much more forcefully.

In the first version, just as a person, he feels…very pure. As if these things that happen to him are persecution somehow.

In the second, he feels…more capable, tougher, maybe even a little cynical. It’s more of race between himself and his adversary to get to the damning evidence first.

Very, very different feels for the same the plot–in theory. I suspect that maybe some big plot line changes will take place depending on which way I go.

A synopsis should  be able to help me see just how intense the conflict becomes…I think it most certainly will change the ending. Well, it would give me a real choice then I suppose.