Lost Loves

There are phrases, scenes and dialogue in my manuscript that I simply fall in love with. As I write them, the words really speak to me adding just the right context, tone, inference and information to my story. Then comes the second or even the third draft and though I once loved those words, I realize they have to go. I know my writing will be stronger, my story tighter, my readers more engaged if I don't make them wade through words that don't add much, however poetic they may be. There was a gifted writer in a class I recently took – her writing was pure poetry and some of her phrases were actually breathtaking. The problem was that I got so lost in the beauty of her descriptions that I'd forget the point she was making or I'd lose track of the story she was telling. I found myself re-reading passages and pages and after several of these episodes the beauty became a burden.  The revelation I had from reading her writing made me more cognizant of the need to give my readers prose that keeps them on track and moving forward. No wandering off into the surrounding scenery, unless it truly adds to the story.

Every writing teacher I've ever had has said essentially the same thing about writing – a good writer has to be skilled at using a pen and a knife. The pen for creating – the knife is for editing.  A writer's skill at both will ultimately be determined by those who read your writing.

I'm editing sections of my novel now and the process is sometimes be painful. Other times, when I make just the right cut, it can be exhilarating. As I carefully pare down my prose I keep a file with the precious remnants created by the pen and cut by the knife. Perhaps they'll work for another story or I'll retrieve them should I have second thoughts, again.  For now, they are lost loves and just like other lost loves – remember the really good guy you thought you loved but didn't marry – they were once perfect but in the end - they just didn't make the cut.

Comments

[Donna]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. It is so gratifying to know that other writers share what I'm feeling.

As for Linda's comment on not being able to wait for my book - I can hardly wait either! I'm writing as fast as I can!

Thanks for reading everyone!

[Linda]

I agree that the cut words should be put away for another day, time or story. God gave you those words to share and you just have to find the right venue for them. I can't wait for your book, I've read some of it on your link.

[Kayedsc]

You can fall in love with a word or a phrase. I know I have. Like you I find that after the second or third reading no matter how beautiful the words flow together in that particular phrase they just don't always flow as smoothly in the entire text so, you cut and while it sometimes hurts to let them go you know it was for the greater good.

As for the old boyfriends, well, that often hurts too but, as you said, they just didn't make the cut.

Great one!

[KJ]

The romantic metaphor really captures the emotional aspect of the editing process. The photo is so lovely.

[Poietes]

Donna,
I can really appreciate what you are saying about using the knife. Now that I do not edit full time, I find my own writing to be overblown. Cutting is hard. Cutting is painful. Cutting is necessary.