Question for writers

[jack_ryder]

It happened to ferkster  and I again last night. We were stuck on moving a play forward until we threw out the image that sparked the play in the first place - that freed us up to get the whole thing moving.

Is that a regular occurrence for other writers?

Comments

[catsparx.livejournal.com]

oh fuck yes. The ability to abandon the original image/inspiration in order to better serve the actual work itself is an indicator of professionalism IMHO.

[gillpolack.livejournal.com]

Oh yes. I don't like it, but it happens way too often.

[writers-reign.livejournal.com]

The tip I read was that, when a character or situation no longer suits the story you're writing, don't throw it out altogether but jot it down in a separate notebook for potential future use.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Yup. It's true in screenwriting, and it's true in film editing: your favorite scene/shot will inevitably have to be cut out.

[mrteufel.livejournal.com]

I'm no writer, but I've heard a quote about having to "kill your children" in this context, IIRC. I thought it might pertain to cute turns of phrase, but it could equally apply to this.

[flinthart.livejournal.com]

Hell, yes.

[battblush.livejournal.com]

Kill Your Babies. It's the law.

[kylaw.livejournal.com]

It really does seem to be some kind of actual phenomenon. In 'Secret Paths', it was my favourite supporting character and the single most atmospheric sequence that went, to the great improvement of the book as a whole. 'Necromance' lost a hell of a location/subplot.