Comments on: Harlequin Presents Writing Competition 2009: Maggie Marr’s Synopsis & Editor’s Feedback

By: Joanne Pibworth

Joanne Pibworth — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:21:26 +0000

Lots of luck going forwards with this Maggie, wishing you every success!
Joanne

By: Christine Carmichael

Christine Carmichael — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:33:24 +0000

Well done Maggie.

I’m fascinated by the entire process and read the Editor’s comments with interest.

It all comes down to knowing your characters and their motivations. And having layers of strong internal conflict.

Hmm, if only I could do it myself!!

Good luck with the rest of the journey.

Christine

By: Jane Holland

Jane Holland — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:35:32 +0000

It’s interesting to see actual dialogue used in a synopsis as a shortcut to explaining conflict/narrative in prose. I do that myself when planning, of course, but never considered using it in a synopsis. Obviously I need to loosen up!

The writing style of the first chapter – so slick and sassy, highly colloquial, cutting right to the point – came across like a Modern Heat to me, but the characters – particularly the hero, perhaps – were more straight Modern. It will be interesting to see which way Maggie will swing, but I predict Modern Heat!