…when you look at that paragraph/scene/line that you worshipped, the one that you wrote and immediately afterward had to stand up and walk around the room a few times because you were so full of the sheer joy and pride of its brilliance that you simply couldn’t sit still–
–then you delete it without hesitation, without an ounce of regret, without a tear. Because your agent or your editor or maybe both said it didn’t work, and you realized they were absolutely right.
Yes, dear friends. You’re a writer.
Yup. Do you think sometimes we sort of secretly know (or at least realize later) that it was actually too cute . . . (or is that just me?)
Oh no, that’s definitely part of it–sort of like the fella we were so crazy about who shined a little less brightly from a sufficient distance…Or did I just suggest that we writers are a hopelessly fickle bunch?
I’m not looking forward to that, well, I’m looking forward to having an agent and editor, but not to deleting. But like downith said, I probably already know which will go.
But I hope not that one, it’s my favorite. 🙂
Exactly–especially not THAT ONE…
I’d never thought of it like that, but even I was amazed by my willingness to delete lines that I once worshipped of late. 😉
It’s true, the longer I write, the easier it is for me to recognize what to delete and what to keep.
Isn’t it true, Teresa? Especially when you have the collaboration of an agent and/or editor that you trust and work well with–the suggestion to delete becomes (usually) a no-brainer and best of all, the feeling of confidence over the edit is such a relief!
I am new at writing and I am only at the first stage of queries, where one agent has requested the first three chapters. I’m excited and looking forward to the whole process, but I just need to find that one agent willing to give me a chance. Any tips on that?
Hi cookiemomma–Congratulations on the request for a partial–that’s fantastic! Are you working on a new project while this one is out making the rounds? That would be my best tip–while you’re querying, keep writing–it helps to keep your mind (somewhat:)) off waiting to hear back about queries and an interested agent will want to know if you’re working on something else.
Best of luck to you–you should be very excited indeed–a request for a partial is great news!
I like your definition, for the range of emotion it shows, from the thrill of brilliance to the agony of editing. Don’t be so hasty to delete, however. I save even my edits, because you never know when and how you might be able to recycle your brilliance. All gems are rare and precious.
Exactly, Dave–as a later post shows, I can be a word hoarder too. I’ve come to accept the pack-ratting of words–it’s the bigger stuff in closets and attics that scares the heck out of me…