God I just love how Steven King can contribute a
soundbite topic title and writing discussion fodder in
one fell swoop. I also like the opportunity to use the
word fell. It doesn't come along often and when it does I
beat that horse into glue.
Anyway on to the topic King in his book "On writing" says to take this tack when revising. You must "kill your darlings." No matter how much you love that scene, quote, joke, etc If it doesn't advance the story, kill it.
I'm currently in the middle of a rewrite of a very old fanfic featuring two generations of Azrael and I have to admit I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on some parts. anyone else have this problem? If so, how do you deal with it?
I keep saying "This MUST go!" then my red pencil hovers uncertainly over the paper and asks "Do you really want to do this? I mean that scene sets mood. It's well written. Look at the color it adds." Aside from mentioning to the doc I need some meds to make the talking writing implement be silent I realized I have a definite problem here. I'm breaking another rule of rewriting. My story may actually get longer instead of shorter. Gahhhh!!! Curse you editing pencil and your niggling doubts! Help me out folks either tell me its ok, or give me the support and peer pressure to look into the cute pleading eyes of my original piece and drop the hammer when I need to.
Anyway on to the topic King in his book "On writing" says to take this tack when revising. You must "kill your darlings." No matter how much you love that scene, quote, joke, etc If it doesn't advance the story, kill it.
I'm currently in the middle of a rewrite of a very old fanfic featuring two generations of Azrael and I have to admit I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on some parts. anyone else have this problem? If so, how do you deal with it?
I keep saying "This MUST go!" then my red pencil hovers uncertainly over the paper and asks "Do you really want to do this? I mean that scene sets mood. It's well written. Look at the color it adds." Aside from mentioning to the doc I need some meds to make the talking writing implement be silent I realized I have a definite problem here. I'm breaking another rule of rewriting. My story may actually get longer instead of shorter. Gahhhh!!! Curse you editing pencil and your niggling doubts! Help me out folks either tell me its ok, or give me the support and peer pressure to look into the cute pleading eyes of my original piece and drop the hammer when I need to.
