The International Writers Magazine Editorial MAY 2026

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Welcome: MAY - The Dreaded Synopsis Dilemma

I recently finished the first draft of my new novel – title still to be resolved, although 'A Sprawling Mess' might work. Six solid months of writing and then finding the end was the hardest part, alongside the middle bit and quite possibly the beginning. Just because you get to the end of a project doesn’t mean your brain switches off, it’s still coming up with embellishments or ideas that could be further developed, some useful, some not, but you have to draw a line and 93,000 words it is already a bit toppy in need of an urgent edit. A sequel would be out of the question and possibly quite bleak. Best left to the readers imagination I suspect. And I already know few people ever buy the sequels.

So, still overwhelmed by the writing process, I needed to write a synopsis. I suspect every writer hates that question ‘what’s it all about then’ or worse, can you sum it up in one line for the pitch. An emphatic NO at the moment. My brain has been trained to go from one event to the next and contemplate the consequences; but encapsulate the whole darn thing in a short paragraph – that’s a real skill and reductive.

My niece recommended Gemini to help write the synopsis. She’d found it helpful for her non-fiction work. I’ve never tried this before and as you can only feed in one chapter at a time it kept trying to provide a synopsis for each chapter. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how it was anticipating and predicting what would happen next and what the story seemed to be all about, but then intrigued when it didn’t go that way as events unfolded.

I found it a fascinating experience. It provides real insights to the storytelling process, but I don’t know if Gemini is designed to give a ‘positive’ reaction to everything, which is no bad thing if you have written a novel and reached the end utterly exhausted and literally choked with doubt about whether it is any good or not. Getting positive feedback can lift the gloom, but it's a machine and a machine would never ever voluntarily choose to read a novel. You need a human reactions to test the water. Meanwhile I am impressed by the analysis that Gemini provided which was quite illuminating. A sample here: Gemini: This chapter shifts the narrative from a survival drama into a high-stakes political thriller. The revelations about Lola’s past and Shannon’s origin add a profound layer of emotional complexity...

It also picked up on what some people would call ‘filler’ moments, but I like to think are character grounding development. I don’t subscribe to the idea that every page must drive the plot forward like a screenplay. Life isn’t like that, sometimes it sits very still to contemplate the next move. The Japanese writer Murakami is the master of those moments, stopping to cook noodles when action is probably called for, but in the cooking, it allows thoughts and doubts to come together. Another surprise was this note: Gemini: This chapter is a masterclass in psychological tension. You’ve created a "Gasper" (a story that makes the reader hold their breath) by layering two conflicting realities. I admit most of the gasping was me trying to figure out where the story goes next!

The one thing that surprised me was how Gemini’s final synopsis emphasized the male character rather than the female characters. (There are three main characters, one of them male). Now I wonder if there is developmental bias by the male programmers who trained Gemini. I wonder how it could not have noticed how important the young women are to the story? Or is it just that I didn’t ask the right prompt?  It would be a good experiment to try a different AI system to see if the same thing happens, or it’s just that I, as a writer, have an unconscious bias too and have given the male character too many male tasks to complete, which diminishes the emotional impact the young women provide.

Another thing that slightly worries me is that now Gemini has ‘read’ my book it is then imported into the bloodstream of AI forever and it’s entirely my fault for perhaps not getting the exact result I wanted because this is my first time, and I haven’t really offered the correct prompts other than ‘Can you write a synopsis for this’. But I asked for help and got it, and it was incredibly helpful and an insight as to how vulnerable editor’s jobs are now. I have never had an editor’s note as interesting as these. Gemini: The story has now presented three distinct "Truths." The "messiness" you felt is actually the point—you are mirroring the confusion of a world where information has been weaponized.

*Two weeks ago my first human reader responded to the manuscript. She is notorious for being the most negative person in the world to give feedback, which is usually along the lines of ‘it’s not as good as X’, which I hesitate to remind her that she also hated with a passion. Anyway, sure enough she hated it, in particular the beginning, middle and definitely the end. Her cryptic caustic notes range from 'Meh' to 'Ugh'.

Now to find the enthusiasm to revise. Of course, you'd prefer feedback that flatters your ego rather than something that makes you want to jump off a bridge, but you have to respect the readers response and find a way to make the darn book work. I'm still wading through that and no doubt making it worse as I go along.

Writing a synopsis is much harder that writing a whole novel sometimes. People are always ask ‘What’s the plot?’ But it is never just about plot, it’s the sum of all its parts. In this case it’s about humans realising that their lives have suddenly changed forever and that they have no control of the events happening all around them. Bit like real life right now I guess.

I read an article in the New York Times 30/4/26 by Jasmine Sun called 'Silicon Valley is Bracing for a Permanent Underclass' - about how AGI is coming for all our white-collar jobs, nankers, lawyers, editors, creatives, artists and if Musk gets his way all blue-collar jobs with his robots, especially jobs such as taxi drivers, truck drivers, plumbers or electricians (he really hates humans). And this is coming down the road so fast without any guardrails, it is impossible to think there won't be a revolution. Robocop and autonamous drones will mow us all down to protect the rich no doubt. But when no one has money to buy anything ...what then rich guys, what then?

© Sam Hawksmoor May 18th 2026
Author of The Days After She Went Dancing and The Repossession of Genie Magee series.

*Sam Hawksmoor's new mystery novel set in Spain is out now on Kindle and print. The Days After She Went Dancing Flamenco Can Be Murder! 'an intriquing, atmospheric novel (tinged with sadness)' Amazon review 1st Chapter here Backstory to the writing of the new novel here Catch up with Sara Troy's interview with Sam Hawksmoor here.

*Sales of Sam North's and Sam Hawksmoor's books help keep Hackwriters archived.
Sam Hawksmoor's Books below

Whatever Happened to Genie Magee?

Whatever Happened to Genie Magee? • Sam Hawksmoor - Published 2025 ASIN ‏: B0DZTLNJHW ISBN-13: 978-1-7385181-1-1 USA Amazon link Genie wakes up with a head injury from serious car wreck. She has no memory of the crash, or who she is. As she begins to recover her identity, she accidentally discovers a graphic novel is serializing her life, in horrific detail.  Her therapist is deeply skeptical this could be true and worries for her sanity. But all she can think of is, why is this happening to her? And how can she stop them? No 4: In The Repossession of Genie Magee series ...

The Restoration of Ami: ASIN: B0CVQMH78C - Kindle ISBN: 978-1-7385181-0-4 - Print UK Pub: Hammer & Tong/KDP 2.29.24 Remy has one last obsession – to complete the restoration of his ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk.  He’s planned a road trip to Montreal to find a part he desperately needs. It’s a long way from Florida; his Chevy truck is almost as old as he is. At the very first urgent stop in the pouring rain, a dog appears from nowhere and jumps into his truck, quickly followed by a drenched teen. Scared, the girl, Ami, urgently needs a ride. She has escaped from a nearby religious cult and is desperate to find the mother who abandoned her there when she was just five years old. One old man, a troubled teenage girl and Stan the dog are on a road trip into MAGA America. With each mile they travel Montreal seems to get further away. 'Fabulous, can't-put-down story with quirky, original characters, a loveable dog and a great adventure'. ***** Roxy West on Goodreads.

An extraordinary road trip by Sam Hawkmoor

The Book of Ashes • Sam Hawksmoor ISBN: 979-8-837434-952 ASIN: B0B85HFK86 Hammer & Tong - print and kindle 'an immensely satisfying story' - Walli Leff on Goodreads. 'a fun read with unique elements ... exemplary in its voice and style' 'Judge, 10th Annual Writer's Digest E-Book Awards An extract from the Book of Ashes		The Book of Ashes - Some secrets are meant to be kept forever The Case: Delaney and Asha run their own investigation company now. Hired to find a writer who stiffed a client of $10,000 - things go bad pretty fast. "This was supposed to be a simple track and trace job. Find the writer, bank the money. Now it's a horror show."

'We Feel Your Pain' by Sam Hawksmoor ISBN-13: 979-8699087693 Published by Hammer & Tong Print & Kindle Book One in the Delaney & Asha series		We Feel Your Pain – So you don’t have to. The Case: Delaney (42) and Asha (22) run the Office of Berg City Oversight. Their role is to expose the scams, keep the city safe from unscrupulous people.  When something looks too good to be true – it’s a scam, right?  But what if the scam works?  What kind of scam is that?

MISSION LONGSHOT: how far will you go to save one life? 2024: Honorable Mention in the Purple Dragonfly Awards (Sci Fi) Gerry is convinced aliens are going to attack on Millennium Eve - Y2K night. Everyone else is preparing for the end of civilisation. That night only Gerry notices aliens land. He and his spacenut pals Jolene and Kali race to be the first to greet them... 'Climate change, lost alien civilisations, adventures in deep space. Great fun with endearing characters'. Kitty Thomas

The Sam North Novels - still available to order Amazon or Lulu -

*Keeping Hackwriters archived is supported by sales of our books - so do buy, print or kindle, we aren't picky.
Magenta - A chilling story of kidnapping, burning and strangeness set in the wilds of Lincolnshire

** The Heaviness, & The Repercussions of Tomas D - 'best time travel WW2 story in a long while'

The new edition of 'ANOTHER PLACE TO DIE: ENDTIME CHRONICLES By Sam Hawksmoor & Sam North There's no safe place to hide from a lethal pandemic Print & Kindle - Q&A interview with the authors here A city gripped by fear. People are petrified of being thrown into quarantine. Best friends Kira and Liz once parted are scared they will never see each other again. Teen lovers, Chris and Rachel, prepare to escape to the islands. a taster here The Last Ferry Review from the First Edition: 'Beautiful, plausible, and sickeningly addictive, Another Place to Die: Endtime will terrify you, thrill you, and make you petrified of anyone who comes near you...' Roxy West - Amazon.co.uk

Girl with Cat (Blue) - Shortlisted for the Rubery International Book Award 'a funny, bloody, colorful narrative that never fails to surprise the reader. Girl with Cat (Blue) provides great entertainment'. * Screenplay a quarter-finalist in the Screencraft competition 2024

'This book was amazing! I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn't put the book down.' Judge, 26th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. - Honorable Mention

J&K 4Ever - A post-apocalypse love story Sixty years after the end of everything the city of Bluette survives, controlled by a malignant sect.  A place where men rule, girls receive no education and are matched at 16 to the highest bidder.  No one is ever permitted to leave the city and outside is a murderous wasteland of despair. Orphans Kruge and Jeyna have been devoted to each other through all the years of terror in this harsh regime and sworn never to be parted.  But the beautiful Jeyna has been betrayed by the Warden. Kruge has been swiftly banished to the Scraps, under the control of the Keeper. Jeyna is heartbroken; she will not accept her fate and escapes to find Kruge.   'A genuine romance in a bleak but plausible and terrifying setting'.

J&K 4Ever

MARIKKA- exclusively on Amazon Print only Based on a tragic real life event, Marikka flees from an arson attack on her home to the sea, where she meets Starfish boy – a runaway working for Jackson, a scarred man hiding a sinister secret from the world. Meanwhile her real father searches for her with the aide of Anya, ‘the girl who can read objects’. More about the writing of this book ‘Long after my tears dried, my heart stayed with Marikka, Starfish Boy and the strange girl who reads objects.’ CT You will smile, and you will struggle to read the words through your tears. Gemma Williams - Amazon.co.uk

Spy/Romance thriller set during the Blitz in WW2 - Kindle download The Repercussions of Tomas D A Hero? Or Englands Greatest Traitor? USA Paperback here 'Disturbing and very poignant YA love story that presents a chilling alternate future for an England that lost the war.' Marcel d'Agneau 'A brilliant imagining of living in the Blitz, well researched.' Amazon UK 'This is Man in the High Castle for teens and scarily plausible ' *download the Kindle version or buy the paperback from Hammer & Tong

'The Heaviness' betrayal, revenge, and the laws of gravity. Genie & Renée have just 36 hours to save Rian or he dies. 'Without a doubt, one of the best YA Sci Fi series out there.' Evie Seo - Bookish * Also published as Rüya by Marti Yayincilik - The Turkish publishers of TOZ & Golge Part 2: The Hunting of Genie Magee - fight for the right to exist

Sara Troy interviews Sam Hawksmoor on Self Discovery Wisdom

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