Editing
How to Know What to Cut (Without Losing Your Mind)
Ah, editing—the part of writing that’s a bit like spring cleaning. You love your clutter (it’s your clutter, after all), but deep down, you know some of it has got to go. Cutting is where good writing becomes great writing. It’s also where writers weep softly into their coffee. So how do you decide what to chop without accidentally slashing the soul of your story? Let’s dive into the art (and occasional heartbreak) of knowing what to cut.
1. Remember: It’s Not You, It’s the Story
Your writing isn’t a diary entry; it’s a piece for an audience. Every sentence should serve the story, not your ego. That gorgeous paragraph about the sunset? If it doesn’t move the plot or deepen the mood, it’s dead weight. Save it for your next masterpiece—or your Instagram captions.
2. Spot the Duplicates
Think of redundancies like wearing two scarves: unnecessary and vaguely annoying. If you’ve already shown your character is furious by describing their clenched fists, there’s no need to add that they “yelled angrily.” Choose one strong image and ditch the rest. Your readers aren’t goldfish—they’ll get it.
3. Kill (Some of) Your Darlings
Yes, yes, every writer knows the phrase, but let’s really talk about it. Sometimes, you write a line so brilliant you imagine it embroidered on a throw pillow. But if it’s not pulling its weight, it’s got to go. Cutting those “darlings” isn’t betraying your talent—it’s showcasing it. Save them in a “Great Lines I Might Use Someday” file if you’re feeling sentimental.
4. Trim the Backstory Jungle
We get it: your protagonist has a rich, complex history. But do we need 12 paragraphs about their childhood fear of clowns when they’re fighting zombies? Probably not. Sprinkle in backstory like salt—just enough to bring out the flavor without overpowering the dish. (Nobody likes a salty writer.)
5. Fix the Slow Lane
You know that part of your story where the action grinds to a halt, and you suddenly feel like checking your phone? That’s the slow lane, and it’s time to merge back into traffic. Whether it’s a meandering subplot or an overindulgent description of the wallpaper, ask yourself: does this keep things moving? If not, snip-snip.
6. Don’t Over-Explain—Readers Are Smart
There’s a fine line between guiding your readers and holding their hands like they’re lost toddlers. Trust them to connect the dots. If you describe a dark, stormy night, don’t follow it up with, “It was a scary evening.” They get it. Trust me.
7. Evict Weak Words
Adverbs and clichés are the freeloaders of writing. Words like “really” and “very” rarely add anything of value. Instead of saying “he walked very quickly,” say “he sprinted” or “he bolted.” And as for clichés—well, if your character is “as brave as a lion,” it’s time to grab the metaphor broom.
8. Keep Dialogue Snappy
Real-life conversations are full of “um,” “uh,” and “you know?” But in writing, dialogue needs to be punchy and purposeful. If a character’s line doesn’t reveal something about them or push the story forward, it’s just white noise. Don’t be afraid to let them sit in silence—it’s dramatic and efficient.
9. Ask the Audience (a.k.a. Beta Readers)
You know that one friend who loves to critique movies? They’re perfect for beta reading your work. A fresh pair of eyes can spot the boring bits, the confusing bits, and the “why-is-this-here?” bits. Just be prepared: their honesty may sting, but your story will thank you.
10. Play “What If It’s Gone?”
When in doubt, delete. Seriously. Cut that sentence, paragraph, or chapter and reread the piece. If the story still works (or works better), congratulations—you’ve just Marie Kondo’d your writing. If you miss it desperately, it might still have a place—but only if it earns it.
11. Endings: Stick the Landing
We’ve all read those endings that just won’t quit. You think it’s over, but then there’s another scene. And another. Don’t be that writer. When you’ve delivered the emotional punch or the big reveal, close the curtains. Leave your audience wanting more, not less.
The Final Cut
Cutting isn’t about destroying your work; it’s about finding its best version. Think of yourself as a sculptor chipping away at marble. The masterpiece is already there—you’re just removing what doesn’t belong. So grab your editing shears, pour yourself a drink (coffee or wine, your call), and get cutting. Your readers—and your future self—will thank you.
MORE BETTY - WIN-WIN (a continuing story)
by Liz Dubelman
The global headlines were impossible to ignore. The story broke in every major news outlet: “Terminally Ill Activist Takes Down Corrupt CEO in WinWin’s First High-Profile Match.” The details were both horrifying and, in some corners, inspiring.
Mark Kessler, a whistleblower diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, had matched with a small-town pastor whose church had been decimated by the very CEO Kessler targeted. Armed with a manifesto and a shocking video diary, Kessler orchestrated the takedown with surgical precision. The footage, leaked to social media, was equal parts rallying cry and PR nightmare.
In the WinWin offices, the team gathered in a tense huddle around Sheila’s laptop as the news played out.
“We knew this was coming,” Betty said, arms crossed but voice steady.
“Not like this,” Sheila shot back. “Do you see the trending hashtags? #WinWinWins, #VigilanteJustice, and, oh, my favorite: #DeathUber.”
Betty waved a dismissive hand. “It’s publicity. Publicity is good.”
“Publicity gets subpoenas,” Sheila said dryly, pointing to her screen. “Look at this.” She clicked on an article featuring an official statement from the Department of Justice: ‘We are investigating any potential illegal activity tied to the app WinWin, which appears to operate in a moral and legal gray area.’
The room fell silent. Even the most idealistic coder on the team, a twenty-something wearing a hoodie that read Code Until You Die, looked uneasy.
Betty broke the silence. “Okay, so the heat’s on. We knew it would be. This doesn’t change the mission. If anything, it proves we’re addressing a real, unmet need.”
Sheila leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “You’re not worried about prison?”
Betty shrugged. “It’s not illegal to match people based on shared values. We’re not putting weapons in their hands. If the DOJ wants to waste time on us, let them. They’re just mad we’re doing their job better than they ever could.”
Sheila raised an eyebrow. “Bold. Also, delusional.”
But Betty wasn’t backing down. “We stick to the plan. Keep refining the algorithm, focus on securing our funding pipeline, and double down on vetting matches. If anything, this spotlight gives us an opportunity. People are talking about us. Now, we control the narrative.”
The team got to work. Marketing leaned into the controversy, releasing a carefully worded statement: “WinWin empowers individuals to take control of their narrative in a world that often leaves them powerless. We do not condone illegal activity, but we do believe in ethical action and personal autonomy.”
The media frenzy had unintended benefits. Downloads of the app skyrocketed. The server crashed twice in the same week, overwhelmed by terminally ill users eager to leave their mark and activists who saw WinWin as a tool for justice. But with the growth came the risks.
One night, Betty sat alone in her office, staring at the glowing city skyline. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
It was Sheila, holding a manila folder. “We have a problem.”
Betty gestured for her to sit. “What is it now? Another think piece calling me the tech world’s Dr. Kevorkian?”
“Worse.” Sheila dropped the folder on the desk. Inside were printouts of screenshots and email exchanges. “This guy,” she said, tapping a photo of a clean-cut man in his early thirties, “was matched with a user who died last week. He’s a cop. An undercover cop.”
Betty’s stomach sank. “You’re sure?”
“Positive. He’s been building a case against us for months. I think he used the app to lure someone into a setup.”
Betty’s mind raced. “If this gets out…”
“It will,” Sheila said bluntly. “It’s not just about the cop. He’s part of a task force working with the DOJ. They’ve been watching us since Kessler’s stunt. This is a ticking time bomb.”
Betty exhaled slowly, her resolve hardening. “Then we stay ahead of it. We get legal involved, find out exactly what they have, and—”
“Betty,” Sheila interrupted, leaning forward. “This isn’t just a PR problem. This could take us down. Are you sure this is worth it?”
Betty didn’t hesitate. “It’s worth it. If we cave now, we lose everything. The app, the message, the chance to actually change something. I’m not quitting. Not now.”
Sheila studied her, then leaned back with a resigned sigh. “Fine. But when this blows up, I want it on record that I told you so.”
Betty smirked. “Duly noted.”
As the investigation intensified, so did the public fascination. WinWin became a cultural flashpoint, spawning memes, podcasts, and heated debates on talk shows. To some, it was the ultimate act of personal agency. To others, it was Pandora’s box, unleashing chaos under the guise of justice.
And then, the unthinkable happened: a second high-profile match made headlines. This time, it wasn’t about justice. It was a personal vendetta that left two people dead and a community reeling.
Betty watched the news in silence, her expression unreadable. The reporter’s voice echoed in the room: “Critics are calling for the immediate shutdown of WinWin, as questions mount over the app’s role in enabling violence. Company founder Betty Greer has yet to comment.”
Sheila walked in, holding a stack of papers. “Betty, we need a plan.”
Betty didn’t look away from the screen. “We need more than a plan. We need a miracle.”
For the first time, the unshakable confidence in her voice wavered. But only for a moment. Then, she turned to Sheila, eyes blazing.
“Let’s get to work.”
On point, Liz
Dear Liz, the rewrite lesson makes me want to withdraw my murder mystery from publication and to write it all over again. But short of that, maybe I just won’t write another one. You make things so clear and although a few of the things that you wrote about, had been touched on before by others. I think the clarity writing really adds something to it as well as your humor. And speaking of humor I just love what’s going on with Betty. It’s getting curiouser and curiouser, and I can’t wait to read the next chapter of what should’ve been a book. Although I’m too busy for my own writing right now, I certainly am never too busy to read yours.
With all sincerity and hugs, Judith