Kill Your Darlings: The Plague of Novelists
“Kill your darlings” is a phrase dreaded by every fiction writer. To cut scenes, which bring readers to our level of knowledge about the characters is painful. However, a book is often stronger if some aspects of the past remain hidden.
Kill Your Darlings: The Plague of Novelists
“Kill your darlings” is a phrase dreaded by every fiction writer. The story that exists in our mind pours forth like water over a breached dam when we begin to write. To cut scenes, which bring readers to our level of knowledge about the characters is painful. However, a book is often stronger if some aspects of the past remain hidden.
Kill your darlings is a phrase dreaded by every fiction writer... #editing #amwriting #authorlife Click To TweetTo Kill Your Darlings Increases Action
Two favorite scenes from my most recent book, Within Golden Bands, never made it to the book. I still feel the lack. After all, those who love my characters would enjoy these scenes as much as I do. They were written well, explained the inner workings of my character’s minds, and filled in some blanks. So why cut them?
In the first place, as fiction writers, we must draw readers in from the first word. It’s called beginning in media res, in the middle of the action. Begin too slow and lose the interest of readers, editors, and publishers. Start with the action. To know all the whys and how’s won’t make readers turn pages.
For example, my newlywed characters, believe they will never have children. Her diagnosis created turmoil in their dating relationship in Land of My Dreams. It’s no spoiler to say that she became pregnant. The back cover copy gives it away. I longed to share the honeymoon scene where their prayers for a child are answered. However, a sweet, sentimental scene doesn’t drive people to discover what happens next. I wrote it. Loved it. And cut it.
I wrote it. Loved it. And cut it. #amediting #writers #fiction Click To TweetTo Kill Your Darlings Moves the Story Forward
The second reason to slash scenes is a nasty element called word count. Every word matters. Each scene must move the story forward.
Readers wanted characters from the first book to return in the sequel. I relished a reunion. When my newly married lovebirds, filled with the joy of a miracle pregnancy, met her former fiancé sparks flew. Animosity leaped from the page. In the analysis, it satisfied me but pulled readers backward. My word count fell. I had more words to use where they counted the most.
Sometimes a glimpse into the past works. Save your cuts in a file. I sprinkled bits of my beloved scenes in where a little reminiscing fit well.
In conclusion, the key to a fast-paced story is to start with action, move it forward with every scene, and don’t look back too much. Be willing to kill your darlings to make a better book.
Start with action, move it forward with every scene, and don’t look back too much. Be willing to kill your darlings to make a better book. #books #amwriting #writingtips Click To Tweet© Norma Gail Holtman, May 18, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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