Deanna Biloski

Imagine settling into your favourite writing nook, warm drink in hand, ready to dive into the art of editing. It’s not just about cutting words; it’s about shaping your story into its best form. Here’s how to embrace ruthless editing with a twist.

Write Freely: When you start writing, let your creativity flow without restraint. This often leads to repetitive words and ideas, but that’s okay! Just write until the story feels complete, letting your imagination run wild. This free-flowing approach allows you to explore ideas without self-censorship, capturing the essence of your thoughts and emotions on the page.

First Pass—Trimming the Excess: Once the draft is done, switch into editor mode. The first pass is all about identifying redundancies, correcting spelling errors, and closing any plot holes. You’ll likely cut or rewrite sections, transforming the story into a cleaner, more concise version. This stage is crucial for setting the foundation of your narrative, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Second Pass—Dialogue Dynamics: Focus on dialogue next. Ensure it sounds natural and aligns with your characters’ personalities and development. Sometimes, this means adding new characters or merging existing ones to strengthen the narrative. Dialogue is not just conversation; it reveals character traits and advances the plot, so take the time to refine it carefully.

Final Pass—The Ruthless Edit: This is where you get down to the nitty-gritty. Ask yourself, “Do I need this section, or is it just filler?” Be prepared for significant cuts or rewrites, even if it means deleting whole chapters. Remember, editing is essential for improving your work. This phase is about honing your story to its core, removing anything that doesn’t serve the narrative or emotional impact.

Finding Balance: While editing, it’s crucial to know your limits. Perfection isn’t the goal—growth and improvement are. Don’t be afraid to make bold changes, but also recognize when it’s time to let your creation be. Understanding when a piece is finished is an art in itself; trust your instincts and embrace the imperfections that make your work uniquely yours.

Celebrate the Process: Editing might seem daunting, but it’s an opportunity to refine your story and make it shine. Each revision brings you closer to your vision, allowing you to see your story from different angles. Embrace the process, and watch your story evolve into something truly special. Remember, every great story is the result of multiple drafts and revisions.

Happy editing!