1. Synopsis A short prose ( 散文 ) summary of your story. Not in script format. Use script font and capitalize same as for a script – character names when we first meet them, points of emphasis, etc... Give the reader a clear idea in their mind of what your story is about; make the reader as excited about your story as you are.

2. A synopsis is mostly action. Explain what happens, but don’t dwell on unnecessary descriptions. Don’t describe the characters except for very basic and important traits. Give character's age in brackets. EX: ALICE (7), XIAO LU (early 20s) No dialogue. PRESENT TENSE.

3. Logline A one-sentence summary of your story.

4. A logline helps you stay focused as you write.

5. In the logline:  Who is your main character and what does she want?  Who or what is standing in her way?  What makes your story unique?

6. Use action words and descriptive words.

7. A woman plans to murder her sister. or A woman obsessed by jealousy plots to murder her sister, who married the man she loves.

8. Two lovers plan to flee from their feuding families who forbid them to marry. or Two young lovers living in a ghetto defy their feuding families' ban on marrying and plan an escape that propels them toward tragedy.

9. A precocious private high school student whose life revolves around his school competes with its most famous and successful alumnus for the affection of a first grade teacher. Rushmore, 1998

10. A lonely young small-town girl is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. The Wizard of Oz, 1939

11. When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an insane and corrupt prince, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge. Gladiator, 2000

12. In Hong Kong and Shanghai during the World War II era, a young woman gets swept up in a dangerous game of emotional intrigue with a powerful political figure. Lust, Caution 色，戒 2007