Diva Jefferson

Dear readers, thank you for sticking with me through everything. As I write more query letters for agents and  fine-tune the synopsis for editors, I cannot help but notice how little is posted about the latter. What is it about the synopsis that scares writers? The best way to get over the fear is to write it first. If you know the plot of your story, then you should have no problem dishing out the details. I think it even works better than an outline in some cases.

Remember: The synopsis isn't a sales blurb, neither should it leave the reader in suspense. So, when writing a synopsis, tell all.

So, we all know a synopsis is a description of the best parts in our books, but did you know there are different kinds? Have you ever wondered what the difference between a brief synopsis and a full synopsis is?

A brief synopsis is a detailed description in present tense usually 350-450 words and between 1-2 pages long. Don't confuse this with a "brief summary" which is better known as a pitch. 

A short synopsis is a detailed description in present tense usually two to ten pages long, and five pages at the most.

A full synopsis is a detailed description in present tense of the whole book with each page representing a whole chapter or one synopsis page for every twenty-five manuscript pages.

The most popular request I've seen from editors/agents is a brief synopsis of about 1-2 pages. This doesn't mean you shouldn't write a longer one. Sometimes the best way to choose the best lines is seeing a bigger picture of your work, a broader landscape.


Here are some synopsis writing tips for fiction writers:

• Take one step at a time. 
• Read through each page of your manuscript and write a summary of each chapter or so on.
• Look for themes and symbolism as you read.
• Take out the most important plot points and characters, anything that moves the story forward, and put them in the synopsis.
• Capitalize the main character's names the first time they are mentioned in the manuscript.
• Double space like you would your manuscript.
• Write to entice the reader. Think: Hardcover book jacket blurb meets enthusiastic movie description.
• Write in present tense, third person.
• Edit, edit, edit.
• Remove as many adverbs and adjectives as possible and replace them with action.
• And please don't leave the reader in suspense.

(For more information about these tips and more, please visit: How To Write A Synopsis by Marg Gilks and Writing A Synopsis by The Literary Consultancy [TLC])

Writing a synopsis can be a scary endeavor, but anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

I look forward to seeing you all on St. Paddy's Day for an Irish recipe and a giveaway!
What better way to celebrate the one year anniversary for the release of To Love An Irishman by Diva Jefferson? Take care.



Happy writing!

Have you ever had a long week? Where no matter what you do you can't get anything done? Or, so it seems. Class starts next week and I'm pulling hair out trying to finish my work in progress, The Earl's Son, and an editing project for a client. Who thought writing a love scene would be so hard to do? Especially when it makes or breaks your character's relationship with each other. This is why I put them near the end. It's almost like a finale. You know, when all the fireworks go off at once during the Fourth of July celebration and lots of pretty colors appear at once. To me, this is how those love scenes reflect on the paper. In a romance, they are the character's right of passage. Of course, sometimes they start the problems, not end them. I think a good balance is in order when this happens. Stronger relationships on all levels lead the reader to a much more fulfilling HEA.



<----We all feel like this sometime. Am I right?

Anyways, I've got lots of ideas in my head and I'm experimenting with several at a time to see what works and what doesn't. Writing isn't something you do overnight. It takes time like everything else important in your life.When you find yourself at the lowest of the lows and completely at a loss for words, just remember one thing:

There are a lot of writers, but only one YOU.

Yes, it's true. No one can write like you do, no one can create worlds in the same way.

Never give up. Never surrender.
Your readers are counting on you.

Thank you for all of your support! I really appreciate it. :)



Happy writing!
Diva J.

If you've ever finished a manuscript, you know what I'm talking about. Of course, once you are past the middle it's almost smooth sailing. I think beginnings and middles are the hardest parts to write because so much rides upon these scenes. The beginning is what readers/editors see first. It is what grabs their attention. Middles can also make or break your book. Its the part in the story where your hero/heroine must make an important choice or is a turning point for the plot in the novel.

When we get to this point, sometimes the story may sag a bit and we lose focus on where our characters are headed. Don't give up, though. When I get stuck in the dreaded middle, I start working on the structure of my work in progress. If I make the plot go this way, then how will it affect my characters?

I've learned a new technique for making sure the characters' background is revealed during the turning points in the novel.

Karen's Tips:
1. Count the number of pages you have, or "projected" pages you should have if you aren't finished with the book. Remember that certain genres have specific word counts. Let's say Regency Romance has a general word count of 70,000. To find out how many manuscript pages that is divide 70,000 by 250 words per double space page. This is about 280 manuscript pages.


2. Divide the page number by four. (280 divided by four equals 70.)


3. Mark off your pages by that number into three parts. In a 280 page book, mark pages 70, 140, and 210.


4. Within those chapters should be a turning point for one or both of your main characters. They must make a decision, or come to some kind of conclusion. In the rest of the chapter or chapter after that, one or both must then take some action because of that decision or conclusion.

Usually if you are stuck on a certain passage in the work in progress, then it means you either don't know or haven't decided what that crucial decision or conclusion your character has made or will make in that scene.


Ask these questions to learn more:
-Look at the scenes individually: What decision does the hero and/or heroine have to make here?
-How will that decision/conclusion make the hero and/or heroine act?
-How will that action move one or both of them to the next major decision point?
- At the middle of your book: In what way will this decision get them in trouble by the third turning point or "dark moment"?
-Have I included enough background and history to give my reader a good idea why my character (s) have to make their decision?
-Does their thoughts and emotions reflect this decision?


Next time, when you hit the middle of the book blues, you'll be prepared. Thank you so much for reading. Do you have any tips on overcoming writer's block? Please share in a comment below.



Happy writing!
Diva J.

As I write this blog, I will officially be halfway through writing my work in progress (the unofficially named The Earl's Son). I've been working steadily for almost 6 months on this novel and this is a big accomplishment. Of course, after I hit the 45,000 word mark, I could stop, but I think this might be a 60-70,000 word book. It's predecessor was over 70,000. There is something about large books that fascinates me. Maybe because they take so much longer to read. In my spare time, I've been reading 200-page Regency romance books that I bought for cheap at the flea market, due to their out-of-date nature. I love them to death, but I could read one in two days (not reading all day mind you). Even if I loved the story so much, I wouldn't be completely satisfied. That is why most authors write series. So they could have a shorter story in multiple volumes. I'm used to reading Stephen King. Although, I don't have enough ideas to fill 1,000-pages worth, I really enjoyed the story better when it took me longer to finish.

One such work is from Lavyrle Spencer called "November of the Heart". I read this book over 5 years ago without a literary standpoint, and the story line pulled me in. When I reread it this week, I realized the author used omniscient POV (Oh, no!), head-hopped, and used more dialogue than tags--you know, the she said, he said action bits. Despite these overlooked errors, I absorbed the book's wonderful story line, plot, and character development that inspired my early work so long ago. Pretty Lorna Barnett grew into a lady before our eyes, and handsome Norwegian boat builder Jens Harken showed her what was most important in life...love and family...despite their different social statuses. I felt satisfied when I closed the book and this is ALL that matters to me. Of course, part of the upstairs/downstairs romance plot is you never know if the h/H will have a HEA. I love these types...

I apologize reader, if I got carried away...you get my drift though, right? :)

As I get closer and closer to finishing the first draft, I start planning my revision process. I will admit, it's not my favorite part, but it's a crucial part of the creation process. You might even find pleasure in it. Here are some tips I've found that will help me along the way:

1) Plan your revisions before you finish writing the book. Some people make a list, while others use sticky notes to go through each scene and do the necessary repairs. I use index cards where I write the name of each chapter, which point of view the chapter is in, who the main characters are, what the setting is, then I list and describe the plot(s), list the key information, and lastly, I write how many pages the chapter is. This can be done before or after your novel is complete. Of course, if you wait until after you'll have all the chapters written already!

2) Once the book is complete, wait a couple weeks before reading it, again. The old adage 'time makes the heart grow fonder' is so true. We may love our work now, but once we forget what we wrote (focus on another project or occupy your mind elsewhere), we look at the work with a whole new and different perspective. You'll want to go over the story several times afterwards.

3) In the first draft, focus on grammar and spelling correction. We must spot what is easily seen before we delve much deeper into the story and really understand the meaning. Missing commas, misspelled words, etc., could stop any further revision in its tracks.

4) In the second draft, go over the plot/conflict/dialogue/theme. Some people use the sticky notes, lists, or index cards for this exercise. I place each index card in order and if something is out of place I'd move them around until they made complete sense with the story, then I make the changes in my draft. I've heard some authors make a storyboard, where their lists are expanded to display more information like character information, including their thoughts, feelings, etc., and the author would reorganize this as well. Usually to combat this, the plot description I write on the card includes the main character's feelings, thoughts, and dialogue to reflect what happens around him or her.

5) In the third draft, cut unnecessary words and sentences. According to "On Writing", Stephen King tells the writer to cut 10% from their finished project. You may wonder, why so much?, but some people say you should cut more. The reason being, if you have a large work, most of what you include is probably not needed. Unless every word you write furthers the plot, at least try to tighten some of your work. When I say "tighten" I mean condense. When you evaluate your re-worked scenes, there are questions to ask yourself like: Would this bore the reader? If yes, cut it! Does this scene further the plot, up the stakes for the characters, or provide conflict? If no, cut it! Finding the right questions to ask is the easy part, choosing what to cut on the other hand could make even the most stoic writer shed tears. If you get rid of a sentence or line you hold dear, paste it into another word document to reformat for use in another story. You'd never know it belonged until you tried!

As you can see, even YOU can revise a novel. If you have any more tips or tricks, I'd love to hear them. Just leave a comment below. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!



Happy writing!
Diva J.

Hello, readers! I just wanted to let you know that this will be another short post. For this, I am sorry. I would really like to get back to giving more detailed writing craft tips with examples, but I've been so busy with wedding planning, college starting, and of course, finishing my work in progress.

Today, I'd love to talk about voice. Unlike what the cartoon suggests, your author voice is not spoken aloud. It is what makes your novel unique. Our influences contribute at least 50%, but what carries your words is actually YOU. There are exercises you could use to help you along, if you still don't think your author's voice is developed enough. No matter what you choose to do in any situation, just be yourself.
Isn't this what I preach all along?

Here are some helpful tips on establishing your voice as an author:
-Write poetry.
-Transcribe conversations you can overhear in public places.
-Copy a couple of pages from a scene by a writer you most admire.
-Write a lot!
-Use music (or whatever else gets your creative juices flowing) to get the words out.
-Know your characters. (Remember the interview I did with the hero from To Love An Irishman, Ciaran O'Devlin?)
-Learn how to self-edit.
(For more information on author voice, please visit this site: Finding Your Voice)


Remember, these tips are intended to help you. Every one has their own method for success. Would you like to share your way of discovering your author's voice? I'd love to hear it in a comment! 


As always, thank you so much for reading.



Happy writing!
Diva J.

I've heard many people talk about the importance of words in a novel. The way we write them in determines their meaning and could add emphasis to the message we convey. Some writers, especially those who like history, would never let an 'okay' slip from their characters or allow them to respond with an 'awesome'. I know I certainly try not to.

I've always had a fascination with the English language. One of my dreams growing up was to go to college and get a degree in the subject. Every time I am interested in something, I don't stop finding out as much as I can about it. I guess you can say I endeavor to persevere.

Today, I wanted to show you ten words that have changed meaning over the years.

1) Decimate - The original meaning was "to reduce by one-tenth", now it means "to destroy a great number of". Ex: The population was decimated by a plague.
2) Disinterested - This word used to mean "not interested", now it means "not influenced". Ex: ...a disinterested decision by the referee.
3) Enormity - Some know it as "outrageous or heinous character", now people refer to it as "greatness of size, scope, extent, or influence". Ex: The enormity of such an act of generosity is staggering.
4) Fortuitous - It used to mean "occurring by chance", but now means "lucky". Ex: ...a series of fortuitous events that advanced her career.
5) Fulsome - Which used to mean "abundant, generous, full", but now means "disgusting; sickening; repulsive". Ex: ...a table heaped with fulsome mounds of greasy foods.
6) Ironic - Which used to mean "counter to expectations or what is appropriate", but now means "coincidental". Ex: It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.
7) Literally - It used to be confused with "figuratively", but now it is used "in the literal or strict sense". Ex: What does the word mean literally?
8) Notorious - It originally meant "widely and unfavorably known", but now people use "infamy". Ex: An infamous gambler.
9) Peruse - Which used to mean "to use thoroughly", now it means "to read through with thoroughness or care." Ex: ...to peruse a report.
10) Plethora - Its original meaning was "overabundance; excess", but now it means "abundance". Ex: ...a plethora of advice and a paucity of assistance.
(Words found on Daily Writing Tips and in the Dictionary.)

Of course, all these words are listed in the dictionary with both meanings, but when it's spoken in modern-day conversation, you'll better understand their relation to the sentence in which it's used.


Do you know any words that have changed their meanings? I'd love to know your thoughts in a comment below.



Happy writing!
-Diva J.

Hello, everyone! There is so much to talk about in the world today. A lot is happening right now and it's hard not to state my opinions on so many pressing matters. Luckily, this is a blog about writing, and I love talking about that!

I am a romanticist. I write about the incredible power of love and how it can change someone's history. The wedding theme has surrounded me throughout October.


Last Wednesday, a couple who'd been married for seventy-two years, died only an hour apart. The story hit the media in full force and many posted it all over their Facebook and Twitter feeds. If only writers could be as steadfast as that marriage?

In a time where love is fleeting and passion is displayed in reverence to what everyone wants instead, so much rides upon a person's perceived notions. We assume the roles of statues and models, acting like everyone else. We do what others do to look the right part. We write to impress agents, publishers, editors, critique groups, reviewers, friends, and family. Do you ever write to impress yourself? Are you truly happy with what you write the first time? After all, art is "the quality, production,expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance." (www.dictionary.com)


Your work is truly unique and don't use others poor judgments as an excuse not to show the world what you are capable of.


Upcoming events:
-I received the 2nd-round edits for To Love An Irishman. I am currently working diligently on those.
-www.youtube.com has asked me to create a revenue account. They will place ads on my video blogs and I will receive a percentage of the income. So, therefore, I am in the process of creating several video blogs to post a month (probably once a week) so viewers will be able to tune in regularly to my updates.
-Some content featured on the video blogs will be: my journey on the publishing/editing process, read excerpts of my past novels and upcoming ones, and an explanation of historical facts...


If there is anything you'd like me to talk about or if you have any questions, I will start a live Q&A session where I answer your questions in a video.


Thank you so much for reading...and until next time...


Happy writing!


-Diva J.