Deleting Scenes

Through this last month, I have been going through my manuscript deleting all the scenes that do not propel my story forward. When I first began, I was a little heart broken. I was taking away pieces of my book that have been with me since the beginning. Yet, as I have gotten farther into it, I discovered that it's just another adventure I must persevere through in order to reach the finish line.

As I edit and revise, I still smile through it all. It may be difficult, but I know the truth of what's happening behind the scenes. Plus, I have all my supporters and beta readers to talk to about all the minuscule details I have to take out here and there.

At the ANWA Conference on February 23rd, earlier this year, there was a lesson given by Aprilynne Pike on "world building." She spoke about how most of the research done or certain facts about the underlying workings will never actually make it into the published novel, but are still crucial parts of the skeleton. The writer MUST know everything about their book, even if it is not explained throughout the entire novel. If the author doesn't understand what's going on, how will the reader?

So that's what I have been doing. Making sure everything flows and makes sense. It has always been a pet peeve of mine when books don't move along and so I have been constructing mine to not overly describe scenes, but placing just enough in there to entice the reader and bring forth emotion. I have been taking parts out, but it's only polishing the edges.

A novel takes a lot of work, but I know that if I stick to it and keep on writing, that one day, I will be successful.

BUT!

There is one crucial part I haven't mentioned. I am not the only one who has been shinning up my book for the literary agent. I owe much to my beta readers who have given up their time to edit and point out the parts that need to be cleaned up. I could not do it without them. I am extremely grateful for their assistance, for if they were not there, my book would still be outrageously long and rough.

Deleting scenes may dampen my day sometimes, but when I put a smile on face and call upon the help of my amazing beta readers, I'm able to make it through.