OK. Let’s try this a different way.
I recently tried an exercise that had you write the synopsis of your story as if it were the narration of a movie teaser trailer. (“In a world where stuff happens, your main character must do things before bad stuff happens!”)
So, because my previous post may have been too long and wordy, let’s try this instead: Read the brief “teasers” below and tell me which one sounds the most interesting. (Imagine Morgan Freeman narrating, and crank up some dramatic music while you’re at it ; )
1. The Wolf and the Sheath: In a world where women inherit, where peasants can rise to the ruler’s advising council, and where wolves can be trusted more than those you counted as allies, a young noblewoman must find her place and lead her people before her new realm loses everything all over again.
2. Bright Fire: In a world where suspicion and hunger can overpower sense and family ties, a girl with a frightening power must decide whether to risk her life to save her village – the very people who cast her out.
3. Brinyor: In a world where the old knowledge is hidden, where invaders can become allies, and where your own family can hide secrets, a young priestess and the descendant of her people’s oppressors must work together to protect their land from a new threat.
4. Juliet, Asher, and Ellen: In a world where scholars fight evil and students are capable of unimaginable power, a centuries-old evil awakens to terrorize a university – and only a part-time librarian, a B-rated movie star, and an unexpected guest stand in its way.
5. The Lost Heir: In a world where kings die without heirs and prophecies are a valid means of succession, a royal steward and the palace cook must team up to find the truth – before those who would rather bury the truth have their way.