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Worn out, but satisfied with the latest manuscript, I sent it to my agent, happily a guy who critiques the work of his clients. As I handed this package to the USPS clerk, I took comfort in the fact that I couldn't think of anything more that I could do with this story. The time had come for Mr Agent’s review.
That day I made an appointment to get my hair trimmed. As with the novel, there was not much else I could do with my mane. In my obsession to get the work in progress done, I’d put off a hair appointment for too long.
Two weeks later, I return home with my hair cut to an email from my agent. Hurray and phew, he gave the novel his seal of approval, but he suggested that I do a bit of trimming.
At first I wondered What to cut? and What if I lobe off too much? Funny, these were the same thoughts I had about my hair. As with my locks, though, I realized that cutting was a necessity, not an option. So, I sharpened my tools and opened up the novel file. I started to read, I started to snip. And snip. A light trim here, surgery there. By the time I finished, my novel had lost weight. It gained flow and body. Sort of like my hair after it had been hacked. That's when I realized that although cutting can sometimes be scary, it is often necessary.
What do you think?
Congrats on getting your agents seal of approval! I'm sure the MS is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI do agree, trimming can be hard but it can make a huge difference. When My critique group suggests that I cut something or change it, I'm often reluctant, but once I get to work and snip, snip, snip, the MS always turns out better and stronger than it was before.
Great post!
That's something I'm learning for sure... and also adding to make things clearer.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great you have a distance of a couple weeks...the fresh look will turn up places to trim, I'm sure. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteOne of my best friends, also a writer and who used to head our local writer's group, often told us not to be afraid to "Kill your darlings." Editing (cutting) can be a curse, but also a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI hope your hair and your manuscript turned out just right!
ReplyDeleteI agree, trimming can be necessary and I wish more authors did trim. The tricky part is making the decision where and how much. (And I just got my hair trimmed today!)
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Christy!
ReplyDeleteYes, Bish, adding just the right something is the other side of the cutting. Such a balancing act. : )
You're so right, Anita--the distance made a huge difference. It always does for me.
That's right, Sabrina, "Kill your darlings" is a requirement that writers have to keep in mind, like it or not. : )
Thanks, Kelly--I'm not sure which needed more work! Ha!
Ooo, MG, I hope the hair looks gorgeous! It is tricky knowing where and when to cut, isn't it?
Thanks! You inspired a blog post for me. My writing seldom need a trim, but it frequently needs to be plumped up.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Shannon, plumping up is the other side of the cutting situation. Cutting and adding material can be a bit of a balancing act, I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Now I'm off to check out your blog post. ; )
I usually go into panic mode when I have to cut stuff, wondering where to start. Getting started is the most important part of the process. Once I do, it's easy from that point on.
ReplyDeleteI agree that getting started is the hardest part, j.L. Which explains why procrastinating becomes so easy. : )
ReplyDeleteI used to be so afraid to cut from my manuscripts, and now I happily do so. Taking out all the extraneous things makes the writing stronger.
ReplyDeleteI also used to be afraid to cut my hair. Most of my life my hair has reached my waist. Last summer I cut it shoulder-length and it felt liberating.
Wow, Medeia, I'm impressed with your ability to cut both your manuscripts and your hair! Being brave enough to snip is liberating in more ways than one! Thanks!
ReplyDelete