Monday, June 3, 2013

Leave Out Your Darlings

 In writing, leaving out is just as important as what you put in.  New writers sometimes get bogged down by too much material.  If your descriptions do not advance the story, leave out.  Separate what is essential.  Set aside the rest.  Move your narrative forward, choosing only what burnishes the page.

The time to do this is in the editing stage.  Revision, revision, revision.  Be willing to lose something, often referred to as "killing your darlings."  What you think is profound and literary may be unworthy of your piece.  You will be a better writer for turning aside from anything that distracts from the story.

Focus on being concise and readable.  Not self-indulged. 

catherine@catherinealexander.net

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