Synopsis, Schynopsis

Synopses have always terrified and perplexed me. How in heck can I compose a three-page summary of a book that hasn't been written yet?

Really, people. Come on.

But not too long ago a friend and I were emailing each other about our stories and as I was describing what I wanted to happen between my characters I had a great revelation about what would make their seemingly impossible relationship work. She said, "Yeah, that's what's great about writing the synopsis. You get these ideas that you wouldn't get otherwise."

Holy cow, THAT's what the synposis is supposed to be? Brainstorming?

I thought it was a *term paper.*