Cut It Out

I love tight writing. I love to write tight. I try to write as tightly as I can.

Still, I sent my short story to my friend, Jen Elbaum, because the market to which I want to submit only takes up to 6000 words. I simply did not know what else to cut of this 6413-word story.

As suspected, the fresh eyes found some things. Almost 400 words worth by the time I applied her suggestions and did some reworking sparked by the new energy. Then, once I was jazzed up, I began to tighten even more and worked myself into a cutting frenzy, like the hair stylist who wants to chop, chop, chop! Yes, it's a bolder, bouncier narrative!

There was one suggested cut--yes, my most precious darling of the story--that I did struggle to cut. I knew deep down it was integral to my character, yet I was ready to cut it if necessary. But I waited. I cut it. No. Pasted it back in. Played with it. Played some more ... then, bam! I realized I simply hadn't used it in its strongest possible context. It had to be told from a different angle. By the time I rewrote the paragraph it was shorter and stronger. It plays the role it needs to and really packs a punch. My darling is now my absolute love. (I hope Jen agrees!)

Tomorrow, I will pick up where I left off, and I guarantee I can get that baby under 6000 words. I just needed a trusted writer's eye to make that first incision.

Once you become objective enough and start to see the opportunities, cutting can be fun. It can become downright addicting until that thing is widdled to utter smoothness. There is always the risk of over-cutting, so stay aware of the integrity of your story at the same time. That's why I'm not finishing the tightening tonight. But, again, the first cuts have been made. It won't hurt me now to wield that knife and start the cutting again tomorrow.

How do you feel about cutting? Sometimes pain, sometimes pleasure?

Hugs, C