An Artist's Approach to Writing
Imagine an artist standing before a blank canvas, ready to paint a beautiful portrait. They don't immediately start with the fine details of the eyes, nose, and lips. That approach would lead to disjointed features that don't harmonize. Instead, the artist begins by sketching control lines—a circle for the head, an eye line, a nose line—laying the groundwork for the masterpiece. They gradually fill in the details layer by layer, allowing the portrait to take shape. Once the painting is complete, those initial control lines are erased, leaving behind a beautifully proportioned face.
Similarly, the process of writing a novel, screenplay, or story should follow this methodical approach. Start with control lines rather than diving into the intricate elements of your narrative from the outset. These fundamental elements allow you to build a cohesive narrative over time.
The Power of a One-paragraph Synopsis
One of the most crucial control lines in writing is the one-paragraph synopsis. This concise summary encapsulates the essence of your story, including its beginning, middle, and end. Think of it as your story's blueprint, a guiding light that helps you navigate the creative process.
To harness the magic of a one-paragraph synopsis, jot down a few words or sentences that outline the core elements of your story. Don't overthink it, and don't delve into excessive detail. The goal is to capture the critical plot points and character arcs in a succinct manner.
The Creative Spark
Once you've crafted your one-paragraph synopsis, something remarkable happens in your mind. It's as if you've unlocked a floodgate of creative energy. Ideas and details that were previously hidden begin to emerge. Your plot starts to unfold before your mind’s eye; characters take on new dimensions; settings come to life.
The act of writing down this brief synopsis serves as a catalyst for your imagination. It prompts you to consider the essential elements of your story and how they fit together. As you observe what unfolds in your mind, you'll discover new connections, conflicts, and resolutions contributing to your narrative's depth and richness.
Examples of one-paragraph Synopsis
Dracula, Bram Stoker
Count Dracula leaves his Transylvanian castle to embark on a journey to England, driven by a dark thirst for fresh blood. A collection of diaries, letters, and journal entries reveals the mounting terror as Dracula's presence looms over England, leading to the gradual realization among a group of characters, led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing, that they are facing a supernatural evil. The climax occurs as they confront Dracula in a fierce battle of wits and courage, culminating in a harrowing pursuit back to Transylvania. A thrilling showdown ensues in the vampire's castle, ultimately resulting in Dracula's destruction and the restoration of safety.
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ray Bradbury
The story commences in the quiet berg, Green Town, where the arrival of a mysterious carnival led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark heralds the beginning of a series of eerie events. Two young friends, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, become entangled in the carnival's sinister allure, discovering that it grants the deepest desires of the townspeople but exacts a terrible price in return. The boys and Will's father, Charles, confront the malevolent Mr. Dark and his carnival in a battle between innocence and corruption. In the end, with the help of a carousel that can age or rejuvenate, the trio prevails over darkness, banishing the carnival and restoring the town to its former peace.
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
The orphaned and mistreated Jane Eyre lives under the oppressive roof of her cruel aunt and cousins. She heads to Lowood School, where she befriends the gentle Helen Burns and eventually becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester, with whom she connects deeply. However, their budding romance is disrupted by a dark secret in the attic, the presence of Mr. Rochester's insane wife, Bertha. Jane discovers Bertha's existence and must make a heartbreaking decision to leave Thornfield. She embarks on a new journey, finding refuge at the home of the kind St. John Rivers and his sisters. Ultimately, Jane inherits a fortune and returns to Thornfield to find Mr. Rochester blinded and injured. They reunite in love and reconciliation.
In the world of novel writing, the importance of starting with control lines cannot be overstated. Just as an artist sketches the foundation of a portrait before adding intricate details, authors should begin their creative process with a one-paragraph synopsis. This simple tool serves as a blueprint for your story, sparking the creative energy needed to bring it to life.
Your Assignment
Take a moment to craft your one-paragraph synopsis. After writing your paragraph, let your creative mind wander. You will find that new ideas for your story will come to light. You will begin to think about plot points, characters, and settings. This will prepare you for the next step of your novel-writing process.
Watch a Novel Grow in Realtime
Continuing forward with the novel, Thornhill: Strange Love, here is my one-paragraph synopsis.
Weary of the pressures of his high society family, Charles Thornhill leaves his brothers Cornelius and Bram to join a traveling show. He becomes a roustabout and falls in love with Angelique, the bearded lady, only to be stopped by a class division between the roustabouts and the performers. Clytus, another performer, is also in love with Angelique. Charles finagles his way into becoming a performer to bridge the class gap. Once a performer, he feels a magical force overtaking him. He convinces Angelique that they must leave to maintain their identities. They flee the carnival. Clytus kills Nicholas Noir and takes his place. he uses the traveling show to search the countryside for Angelique. When the carnival comes to town, Angelique is taken in by the magic. Charles follows the carnival and eventually saves Angelique, killing Nicholas Noir in the process. But the struggle leaves both Charles and Angelique in diminished states. Charles and Angelique live out the rest of their years with Charles' family in the Thornhill Mansion in Endicott, New York.
