Writers struggle with writing a 300 word query letter, then the one-page synopsis. Thanks to Brenda Drake's innovated idea, writers can now shrink their 300 page manuscript down to about 25 words. Yes, it's intimidating, but if you know your story well, not only will it help you on Twitter, but also for your query and synopsis.
Composing the #Pitmad pitches made me think about my current project. Really think, not just on the surface level, but what the real story is. What the main focus should be. What story do I really want to tell? Women's Fiction focuses on the emotional journey. The character arc and how she goes from point A to point Z.
"After trusting the wrong parent, a woman held hostage by her past must right her wrongs and fight for the neighbor kids' safety.
My main character Lanae was put up for adoption when she was nine years old. Never adopted, she aged out of the system and suffered through horrible traumas and abuses. When she learns that a neighbor left her (husband and) children for three months before returning, Lanae falls apart and must finally face her past. The heart of the story is Lanae's battle within herself.
Can you narrow your entire story down to 25 words? I challenge you to give it a try. Make sure you leave room for #pitmad and your genre (#WF) in the pitch. Concentrate on the center of your story. Who's your main character? What does he/she want? What's at stake if he/she fails? Share your examples in the comments.
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