I was reading one of my favorite wordsmiths, KM Weiland, and came across this nugget of wisdom on editing. As we all know, editing is a vital part of the writing process, but sometimes, we “miss things” that disrupt the flow of the story.

Article: Getting Better at Self-Editing Your Fiction – 8 Vital Steps to Follow by Ali Luke
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-get-better-at-self-editing-your-fiction-8-vital-steps-to-follow/

Happy Tuesday, Everyone,

KM Weiland puts it perfectly:
“The thing about good editing is that really it’s good writing.”

Editing is essentially writing—done well. But it’s also about making hard choices: is this working, or should it be cut (ouch!)?  It’s tough to delete parts we worked so hard on, but sometimes, for the greater good of the story, it’s necessary.

In many cases, it’s not about cutting by “tweaking” by adding foreshadowing, revealing a clue or red herring, or providing insights into a character that will influence their decision.

Every story has a main plot; most have a secondary plot and sometimes a third plotline. Yet, all of these plotlines must work seamlessly together. All.

A secondary plot doesn’t always have to push the MAIN PLOT forward to be valuable. Here’s how to think about it:

• Character Depth: Subplots offer crucial insights into a character’s motivations, background, and personality, helping readers connect with the characters and understand their decisions in the main story.
• Subtle Impact: Developing a character using a secondary plotline indirectly influences the main plot as to how the character will react to the central conflict. A fully developed character makes the main narrative feel more authentic.
• Thematic Resonance: A subplot focused on character growth reinforces a story’s overall theme, even if not actively driving the plot.
• When to Cut or Revise: If the subplot slows the flow of the story or seems out of context, it may be time to cut it or introduce elements pertinent to the main plot.

A secondary plotline may not directly advance the plot, but it can deepen character development, reinforce themes, or provide important context for the story. Even minor contributions help make the story more cohesive and compelling.

Finally, remember that the LAST LINE you (may) write is the first line in the book. The opening line of your book is crucial—it needs to HOOK the reader right away.

You could say: “World War II started,” which sets the stage, or you could say: “Hitler invaded Poland.”  Both convey the same information, while one is more impactful. That is the effect you want for your opening line, as well as the end of every chapter — something that hooks the reader and propels them forward through the story.

I hope this helps,

Suz