WRITING THE BLURB AND SYNOPSIS WORKSHOP

REGISTRATION DATES: OCTOBER 25, 2023, THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2023 

WORKSHOP DATES: DECEMBER 1 - 29, 2023

REGISTRATION FEE: $30

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

Writing a marketing blurb can be difficult—you want to put so much into it, but the point is to intrigue the reader. It needs to be short, interesting and set the tone for the reader.

On the other hand, a synopsis needs to cover the entire story—the point of a synopsis is to let an agent or editor know you have a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. All the major plot plots should be included, but it’s got to be short enough not to bore a reader.           

A synopsis can also keep you from getting stuck—It can save you days or weeks of revision, and in these days of self-publishing it can be the foundation you need for marketing your novel.

This workshop will cover:

• What Needs to be in a Synopsis.
  • Theme, Protagonist/Antagonist, Character Goals, Motivations,
  • And the Ending!
• Hooking the Reader with Sizzle—the Blurb
  • Opening lines, Opening Paragraphs
• Tone and Tension in the Burb and the Synopsis
  • Use of Sub Plots and Other Characters
• Going Past Clichés
  • Tired Phrases and Fresh Modifiers
• Polish, Polish, Polish
  • Tense, Editing, Format
• A Short Checklist

Examples will be used from synopsis and one-page pitches that have sold books. This is a great class for anyone who struggles with a synopsis—or for anyone who struggles with plotting. By doing the writing exercises, you’ll come out of this with a marketing blurb and a short one-to-two-page synopsis.

This workshop is text-based which means all lessons will be provided within the WFWA Workshop Community Platform to read and view. You will also be provided with a PDF download of each lesson. There will be no live or pre-recorded video.

You will have 2 lessons posted each week. You have the option to comment and partake in writing exercises within this workshop as well. Shannon Donnelly will also offer feedback to improve and focus the blurb and synopsis.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: SHANNON DONNELLY

Shannon Donnelly’s writing has won numerous awards, including the Indie BRAG Gold Medallion, a nomination for Romance Writers of America’s RITA award, the Grand Prize in the "Minute Maid Sensational Romance Writer" contest, judged by Nora Roberts, and others. 

Her writing has repeatedly earned 4½ Star Top Pick reviews from Romantic Times magazine, as well as praise from Booklist and other reviewers, who note: "simply superb"..."wonderfully uplifting"....and "beautifully written." Her Regency romance, Lady Chance, and her Regency romance novella, Davinia's Duke, were each awarded the Indie BRAG Gold Medallion. Davinia's Duke also won the Bookseller's Best award for best novella, judged by readers and booksellers.

In addition to her Regency romances, she is the author of the Mackenzie Solomon, Demon/Warders Urban Fantasy series, Burn Baby Burn and Riding in on a Burning Tire, and the SF/Paranormal, Edge Walkers. Her work has been on the top seller list of Amazon.com and includes the Historical romances, The Cardros Ruby, and Paths of Desire.  

She lives in New Mexico where she is a licensed EMT-I in what is one of the few "frontier" areas in the US, with room for horses, dogs, and sustainable building.

Shannon can be found online at www.shannondonnelly.com

 REGISTRATION COMING SOON