Writing Advice Roundup: Kill Your Darlings

Photo by Kelly Sikkema.

Most writers have a character, scene, or plot twist that they absolutely adore—but it adds nothing to the story, doesn’t fit the tone or mood, or doesn’t make sense. If some element of your manuscript just doesn’t work, no matter how much you love it, it’s best to let it go. It may fill you with powerful emotions, but if it doesn’t work story-wise, it would fall flat to the reader—or worse, ruin the reading experience. Don’t be afraid to “kill your darlings” for the sake of a better manuscript.

Podcasts

Writing Excuses 1.3: Killing Your Darlings

Mythcreants: Killing Your Darlings

Articles

What Does it Mean to Kill Your Darlings?

Why You Should Kill Your Darlings

Writers, Grab a Knife: How to Kill Your Darlings

Kill Your Darlings: How to Trim Your Writing to Make it Better