The Dreaded Synopsis

Synopsis writing is really difficult. I don't enjoy it--not until I start writing at least. 

While I'm writing I have a ball. My head is full of 'this is fun', 'oh good phrase', 'yes, this is going to work'. 

Then, when I'm finished, I read through it and come crashing down. I've written an outline--again. 

I know the rules: 

1. Hit the emotional highs and lows. 
2. Don't get caught up in chronology. 
3. You don't have to put in or name every character. 
4. Keep it simple but don't leave any important things out.
   
5. Write the beginning and the ending with a kick.

I've been working on the synopsis for Just the Way You Are, the book I finished last week (#4 in the Just Life series). The synopsis sounds like it's a farce but, although it has some comedic elements, the story is serious. I've decided to edit a few chapters of the book to see if it's going to stay serious or lighten up a little. Then I'll look at the synopsis again. 

Meanwhile, here's the beginning of the first draft of the synopsis:

It took ten years of abuse and a near fatal stab wound for Jonathan Watson to leave Anthony. Now that he’s out, he plans to stay out. Unfortunately, Anthony doesn’t agree. Even injured and in hospital, Anthony harasses Jonathan, demanding that he come back.

Jonathan has moved out with the help of rugged removalist, Ben Urquhart, and into a small third floor apartment that Anthony, in his wheelchair, won’t have access to.  His life doesn’t become the quiet recovery he wanted.

First, his family has to help him unpack. His cousin Liam and his boyfriend, Mark, unpack Jonathan’s bedroom. His aunt and uncle organise the living room and bathroom. His neighbours, chain-smoking multi-divorcee, Neridah, and Sally-homemaker-super-cook Thelma constantly rearrange his kitchen.

If he didn’t escape with Ben, Jonathan would go mad. Not that he wants to start anything with another man already. He’s only just got out of a toxic relationship and it’s been so long since he’s made a decision of his own, he doesn’t know how to do it anymore. Doing anything with Ben would be a really bad idea. That might be why he ends up in bed with Ben before the week is done.