I finished rewriting one of my short stories last night.
The original version clocked in under 2,000 words.
The new version hit 10,000 words.
I added characters, a more detailed description of the world and a more descriptive narrative. Overall, I think it made it a much more dramatic story, with a bit more depth.
But, I can’t help but feel I might have gone overboard.
I mean, I increased my output by 8,000 words.
Surely, some of that is unnecessary fluff. Surely.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I must draw my most hated tool in writing–the metaphorical scissors–and hack my story to pieces.
It’s a necessity. I know that.
I can’t have a story burdened down by needless words and paragraphs.
But, how do I decide what to cut?
Do I cut this paragraph, because it casts the main character in a bad light? Do I cut this section, because it does little more than establish a deep relationship between two characters–a concept already covered in earlier paragraphs to a lesser extent?
Do I just say “fuck it” and keep it all, assuming that it’s all necessary?
Actually, that sounds good.
Fuck it. It all stays.
I’d like to read some of your fiction one of these days, Chris. Any of them online?
No. I don’t really have any online, other than the excerpts I post here. That being said, I am just about ready to have people read the story this post is about.
(One or two more edits away)
I need people who I know will be honest with me, and have a good grasp on writing. Something, I believe you’d bring to the table. PM me on cX, USH or E-Mail me with the link on the left.
I’d be more than happy to tear your work apart. You know how to reach me when it’s ready.