How to know what you can leave out/not dramatize
Ever heard of the term 'killing your darlings'? Just like a seasoned gardener knows when and what to prune to allow their plants to flourish, so should a writer know what elements to leave out for their story to truly shine. So grab your metaphorical secateurs and let's get snipping!
Understanding what to omit
Before we start making cuts willy-nilly, let's establish one thing – not everything in your narrative needs to be explicitly dramatised. As Anton Chekhov famously advised, if there's a loaded rifle hanging on the wall in Act 1, it should go off by Act 3. In other words, every element in your story should serve a purpose.
Now, here are a few key aspects to consider:
Redundancy
Redundancy is one of the most common culprits when it comes to narrative clutter. If a scene, character, or piece of dialogue isn't adding anything new or useful to the story, it might be time to show it the door. This doesn't mean every scene has to advance the plot. It could deepen our understanding of a character, add richness to the setting, or heighten the overall mood or tone. But if it's just there to repeat what we already know, it's likely not needed.
Tangents
A subplot that wanders off into the wilderness and never returns; a character backstory that reads like a history dissertation ... These are examples of tangents – offshoots of your main narrative that end up going nowhere. They might be interesting in themselves, but if they're not serving your story, they're probably best left out.
Pacing
Pacing is a crucial element in storytelling. If your narrative is getting bogged down with lengthy descriptions, drawn-out dialogue, or unnecessary scenes, your readers might start to lose interest. When in doubt, remember the golden rule of narrative pacing: keep it moving.
'On the nose' dialogue
Subtext is a powerful tool in writing. Not everything needs to be spelled out for the reader. If your characters are constantly saying exactly what they're thinking or feeling, it might be time to dial it back. Leave room for interpretation and trust your readers to read between the lines.
Doing the chop
Now that we know what we're looking for, it's time to start pruning. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Take a step back: Before making any cuts, take a break from your work. Fresh eyes can make all the difference.
- Be objective: Look at your work critically. What's essential? What's not? Be honest with yourself.
- Cut, but save: When you decide to cut a section, save it in a separate file. You never know when it might come in handy.
- Review: Once you've made your cuts, review your work again. Does the story still make sense? Does it flow better?
The final snip
Trimming the narrative fat isn't about mindlessly cutting away every non-essential element. It's about honing your story, focusing on what's truly important, and ensuring every element serves a purpose. Remember, every word should count. Every scene should matter. And as you trim away the excess, you'll find your story becoming clearer, sharper, and more engaging.
