So what I’m going to do is start out this blog with a question – is it really possible to take a 250 page book and summarize it into 1 page? Of course, while doing this, you must not only capture the essence of the book, you must make the summary mysterious, tantalizing and riveting. And, you can’t give too much of the book away.
In trying to put together a summary of “Adelade”, I’ve learned that I am strictly a novel writer. I like to expand on a situation, look at the reasoning of each character involved, and play with the outcome to further the story. To cut an entire story down to its plainest purpose is proving – well difficult.
Talking about the power of one person, the struggles and hardships of a ruler, the passions of a Queen, the love of a father, the anger and fears of life that blind you, deceit and betrayal, power, control, lust, honor, character, strength of character, and love that breaks all bonds bringing us to the core of our emotions. How does one narrow down which philosophies to elaborate on? How does one decide which philosophies move the story the most? How do you address and introduce specific characters into the summary of a story?
As I write this blog, I’ve realized that the core of my problem is that I’ve fallen in love with the characters in my book, even the bad guys. After spending years putting together a vision seen only in my mind, every philosophy, every character has come to life and is important. To narrow down that importance, at least that’s how I see it, is impossible. I suppose that after following the lives of these characters, to create a summary would be like describing a best friend or a family member – someone I care about. You take their best qualities, some of their quarks that make them who they are, and you sum it all up with the experiences that solidified the relationship.
Hopefully, in the next few days, I’ll figure it out. I would love to see my book published!