A personal experience of “writer’s freedom” that you might also have experienced or that might help you in your own struggles, dealing with publisher word limits and editor feedback
It was a totally new and very freeing experience for me. I approach reading my other writings much more relaxed now and with no hesitation to remove the gunk. Hee!
I spent something like 4 or 5 years planning the below story in my head, but I could never actually get it out onto paper until I completely cut my planned intricate opening and just got straight to the point. After that, the story flowed out like it was nothing.
Holy mac, here I was feeling proud of the story I recently wrote (Darkspire Conspiracy) and this was amazing! I actually don't usually read such lit but was spellbound. You've some serious talent, I feel like I know this pastry shop. I've known countless shops like it in my childhood (or from my visits to French locations) et, whenever they would close down I remember feeling an ache and a pang in my chest. I never thought the owners lazy but rather almost wept, as they were often a home away from home.
You awoke that old sorrow, that old sentimentality I daresay that this chocolate shop in your story feels as alive and as though it has a personality all its own as surely as Middle-Earth, or Hyboria or any other such place I have visited in literature.
Wow, you're really a bloodthirsty editor of your own work! It's great to see how other authors work. Thanks for the glimpse!
It was a totally new and very freeing experience for me. I approach reading my other writings much more relaxed now and with no hesitation to remove the gunk. Hee!
Good timing! I am about to open an old WIP to do streamline some of the plot and cut out the excess. This was helpful!
Hope it goes well, and enjoy the experience!
I spent something like 4 or 5 years planning the below story in my head, but I could never actually get it out onto paper until I completely cut my planned intricate opening and just got straight to the point. After that, the story flowed out like it was nothing.
https://joshtatter.substack.com/p/fate-of-an-empire
Ah, yes, a good opening. Right into the action!
Holy mac, here I was feeling proud of the story I recently wrote (Darkspire Conspiracy) and this was amazing! I actually don't usually read such lit but was spellbound. You've some serious talent, I feel like I know this pastry shop. I've known countless shops like it in my childhood (or from my visits to French locations) et, whenever they would close down I remember feeling an ache and a pang in my chest. I never thought the owners lazy but rather almost wept, as they were often a home away from home.
You awoke that old sorrow, that old sentimentality I daresay that this chocolate shop in your story feels as alive and as though it has a personality all its own as surely as Middle-Earth, or Hyboria or any other such place I have visited in literature.
Not sure if you're referring to the longer version or the cut down version, but thanks anyway. So good to hear!
Both were great!
I adore cutting. It is absolutely my favorite part of revision. And way easier than adding!
Yes, indeed. I found the experience quite thrilling. And that was very unusual for me. Happy cutting!