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'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
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
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