3 Reasons to Delete a Scene
post by Michelle Griep
Sometimes you need to ditch a scene, and that's okay. Wait a minute. I see you walking away with that little attitude shake of your head, and I know what you're thinking.
"Girl, please. If I wrote it, I'm dang well going to keep it. Sheesh. That's like throwing away words. Don't you know writers are starving in China?"
To which I respond with a loud, juicy raspberry. Why? (Cue evil laughter) Have I got a handy dandy list for you.
3 Reasons to Delete a Scene
1. Your gut tells you to.
Ever have that sinking feeling when thinking of your current manuscript? Like you know something's not quite right? That something's out of character for a character? Listen to your instincts. Ax the part that's bugging you because your intuition is likely spot on.
2. Your critique partners and/or editor tells you to.
Just because a scene looks great in your head doesn't mean it can transfer over well to ink and paper. You, as the author, are sometimes too blind to see it. When others tell you a chunk of writing is either awkward, unnecessary, or confusing, instead of defending yourself, get rid of it.
3. You came up with a better idea.
Brilliant new ideas don't always happen, but when they do, hop on that pony and ride it into the ground, Hoss. Leave behind good for fantabulous.
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| Here's your permission to chop a questionable scene. |
"Girl, please. If I wrote it, I'm dang well going to keep it. Sheesh. That's like throwing away words. Don't you know writers are starving in China?"
To which I respond with a loud, juicy raspberry. Why? (Cue evil laughter) Have I got a handy dandy list for you.
3 Reasons to Delete a Scene
1. Your gut tells you to.
Ever have that sinking feeling when thinking of your current manuscript? Like you know something's not quite right? That something's out of character for a character? Listen to your instincts. Ax the part that's bugging you because your intuition is likely spot on.
2. Your critique partners and/or editor tells you to.
Just because a scene looks great in your head doesn't mean it can transfer over well to ink and paper. You, as the author, are sometimes too blind to see it. When others tell you a chunk of writing is either awkward, unnecessary, or confusing, instead of defending yourself, get rid of it.
3. You came up with a better idea.
Brilliant new ideas don't always happen, but when they do, hop on that pony and ride it into the ground, Hoss. Leave behind good for fantabulous.