To begin my outline, I first come up with my concept: A brief synopsis. I do mean brief. This is not going to be the synopsis for the book. It is just a starting point. For example, A young girl finds a necklace in the garden and it starts her discovery of who she really is. This brief synopsis can allow me to brainstorm ideas for what could or should happen in the book.

Once I have some ideas brainstormed, I can begin to formulate a more detailed synopsis by even adding in names.

Don’t overlook the idea of creating a synopsis. In fact, I have a notebook filled with synopses for multiple book ideas, plus a file. When I’m stuck for ideas, I will visit those written synopses to find a fresh idea. It also helps to use what is going on around you to trigger ideas for future stories to be told.

The post Writing Tip Wednesday: Planning a Book Using a Synopsis appeared first on Martha L. Thurston.