Crafting Compelling Loglines: Captivating Readers with Concise Story Summaries
A well-crafted logline is a powerful tool for authors; it encapsulates the essence of a story in a concise manner. It provides a roadmap for the writer and acts as a captivating pitch when conveying the story to potential readers. In this article, we will explore the art of writing loglines for novels, ensuring they contain a character description, a hint of conflict, and information about the antagonist.
Character Description
Begin your logline by introducing your main character using a descriptive term that immediately sparks curiosity. choose words that convey the essence of your character and their role in the story.
Here are some examples:
"A plumber…"
"A detective…"
"A fighter pilot…"
Conflict Clue
Next, offer a clue about the primary conflict the protagonist faces throughout the novel. This element should pique readers' interest and create a sense of intrigue.
Here are some examples:
"…discovers a trans dimensional universe in her childhood tree house"
"…makes friends with the ghost of a clown living in the attic"
"…leaves Earth with an alien recruiter."
Antagonist Insight
Add depth to your logline by including information about the significant obstacle your protagonist must confront. this antagonist insight establishes the stakes and raises the tension of your story.
Here are some examples:
"…must face a quorum of six demons."
"…sets out to defeat a totalitarian dictator."
"…to expose the mass corruption of her boss."
Remember, loglines are not only a summary but a guiding compass for authors. By memorizing and referring to your logline throughout the writing process, you can stay focused and ensure your narrative remains on track.
Additionally, a well-crafted logline becomes an invaluable tool when pitching your story. With just one or two sentences, you can captivate potential readers, agents, or publishers, and possibly entice them to learn more about your story.
A True Story
I sat at a restaurant table an editor and a group of fellow authors, enjoying lunch. The conversation flowed naturally until someone posed a question that would soon reveal the importance of a well-crafted logline.
"What is everyone working on these days?" It was a simple question, but set the stage for a series of storytelling pitches.
As we went around the table, each author took their turn to share what they were working on. However, instead of offering a brief logline, they all launched into long-winded synopses that began at the start of their stories.
The first author began with something like this: "My story is about a young woman who walks into her house and finds her father dead. She decides to investigate and learns that her father was mixed up in a world of magic and demons. One of the demons is a master over an organized group of demons who focus on taking the world down by infiltrating businesses, and so on and on …"
And so it went, each author droning on and on, we collectively lost interest in a seris of meandering pitches. I couldn't help but notice the editor's polite nods
When it finally came to my turn, I kept it simple and concise. I took a deep breath and said, "I'm working on a story about The Allied Zombies for Peace, a group of civil rights warriors for the undead, who march in a 1968 Veterans Day parade only to spark a huge riot between them, a group of Vietnam War Veterans, and a hoard of hippie passivists."
Everyone laughed; my logline had exacted a response. After lunch, the other authors cornered me to ask questions about my novel. They wanted to know more. My one-sentence logline had captured their imagination.
When it comes to pitching, it's not about sharing every detail of your story; it's about offering a tantalizing glimpse that leaves your audience eager to dive into your world.
Loglines play a vital role in the writing process. They serve as concise summaries that embody your novel's character, conflict, and antagonist. Mastering the art of crafting captivating loglines will keep your writing on course and provide a compelling pitch that entices readers into the world you have created.
Your Assignment
Write at least 3 loglines for your story, novel, or screenplay. Be sure to include the three elements: Character description, Conflict Clue, and Antagonist Insight. Pick your favorite one and memorize it.
Happy writing.
Watch a Novel Grow in Realtime
Here are five loglines for the novel-in-progress, Thornhill: Strange Love. I have put my favorite on top.
Leaving behind his affluent family, a young heir finds refuge in a traveling carnival. But, as he immerses himself in his new world, he stumbles upon a dark truth: the carnival's proprietor harnesses eerie, supernatural forces that enslave the show’s performers.
A wealthy heir escapes his opulent life to join a nomadic carnival, only to learn that the carnival's owner wields supernatural powers that fuel the show. He must decide between returning to his high society family or confronting the malevolent forces lurking under the big top.
A rich heir joins a wandering carnival. But beneath the dazzling light, he uncovers a chilling reality: the carnival's leader possesses sinister powers, fueling the spectacle with dark, supernatural forces.
A wealthy scion abandons his family's elite circle to join a traveling carnival. However, he stumbles upon a nefarious secret: the carnival's proprietor taps into malevolent, supernatural forces to maintain its allure, forcing him into a perilous moral dilemma.
Seeking freedom from his affluent lineage, a rich heir flees to join a nomadic carnival. But, beneath the colorful façade, he unearths a haunting truth: the carnival's enigmatic owner harnesses dark powers to sustain the spectacle and to entrap the performers.
