I’ve figured out that one of my stumbling blocks as a writer is that I can’t sum up what my story is about in a few well-chosen words.

My dh asks me about my new story and I launch into a rambling account of this’ and thats’ which include lots of back history but leave out the character’s name.

Not Helpful.

When it comes time to propose a book this will be a large problem, if left uncorrected, but even at the short story level I think it’s important to know precisely what the story is about if I am to avoid re-writing the silly thing thirty times over before I begin to edit.  It also helps me reach an authentic character and voice.

Nancy Fulda has been discussing this on her blog under the topic of Hooks and Tag Lines, and has (unawares) generated assignments in my writing group to come up with fascinating, succinct and accurate blurbs for our stories. 

So . . . if I carve out a good one I’ll post it here.  In the meantime, my husband will smile and ask me to clarify just what the point is again?