I realized last night as I was trying to pare down the "Jake" pages, that the "extra" stuff in there was over-wordling attempts to explain and include everything. The trouble is ... I get caught in this frantic sort of loop, where I don't want to leave anything out. And s'truth - telling the real-life reason for the story is as important to me as the story-story. That's why I felt compelled to include it all here. Will that help in the trimming? Now that I've told the whole preface here, can I cut out the fatty-padding explanations and descriptions from the story, and be happy with just the bone of it?
Heh. Bone. Dog story. Funny girl.
I'm sure there must be some kind of writer's rule, or helpful guideline to paring down your own work to just the bare essentials needed to tell the story.
Maybe I should take a class.
I have the same problem and try to remember what my story is conveying to the audience and if the extra words help or hinder...are they necessary for the point I'm trying to make, and of course, are they prohibiting the reader from enjoying the story? Self editing is tough! Good luck on the Jake stories!
Posted by: mark | June 13, 2005 at 09:39 AM
Thanks Mark! Self-editing sure is tough. I think it must take a degree of detachment and objectivity that I don't have right now. I'll keep working at it. It's nice to know I'm not the only one having these issues!
Posted by: Christine | June 14, 2005 at 08:31 AM
Yeh, I was about to say the rule is to get a good editor, but then I thought, "Hey! Whadda I know? Like I've written stuff for pub or something?"
heh
With music, I have to decide how long the piece of string needs to be. That is, what am I trying to convey here? What's the purpose of this song? Then cut whatever isn't needed to accomplish that. It's just like tying up a package. Too much string's just a waste, in the way. too little doesn't get the job done. getting it just right? Use a tad too much and trim.
But with a story, I could see how the trimming could be tough for a writer.
Posted by: David | June 14, 2005 at 12:49 PM
After reading Jake's story, I'm sure however you write it, it's going to be a beautiful book. I haven't read anything quite so moving in a long time. Is Jake still with you? He's so handsome. :)
Posted by: Nancy | June 15, 2005 at 10:57 PM
Unfortunately, Jake went on to the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago. He was a handsome fellow, and he had so much character. I used to call him my little man in a dog suit. I dream about him now and then. I miss him a lot.
Posted by: Christine | June 16, 2005 at 08:05 AM
I'm really sorry that Jake's gone; I can imagine how much you miss him. I think your story will be amazing.
Posted by: Nancy | June 17, 2005 at 07:42 AM