Killing Your Darlings: Why Letting Go Is the Secret to Better Writing
It’s the one piece of advice most authors don’t like to hear: Don’t be afraid to kill your darlings. What?? But I’ve worked so hard on every single one of these characters, scenes, settings! How am I supposed to kill them?
What Are “Darlings” Anyway?
A darling is any part of your work that you adore: a quirky character, a vivid description, or an exciting subplot. You’re emotionally attached to these babies because you poured your heart into them.
The problem? Sometimes they just don’t fit the story. They might slow the pacing, confuse the reader, or simply distract from your main plot.
Why “Killing” Them Matters
You want your story to be the best it can be. That can mean being ruthless about what stays and what goes. You need to be willing to cut or rewrite those beloved parts when they don’t serve the story’s greater good.
No one said it would be easy. But holding on too tightly can hurt your book. It’s like wearing shoes that look amazing but hurt your feet—you might love the style, but they’re not helping you move forward comfortably.
How to Know When to Kill Your Darlings
Here are a few questions to help you decide:
Does this advance the plot or deepen the character?
If it doesn’t push your story forward or reveal something essential about a character, it might be expendable.
Does this maintain the story’s pace and tone?
If it slows things down unnecessarily or clashes with your book’s style, it’s worth reconsidering.
Would a reader find this confusing or distracting?
If your “darling” creates questions or confusion that don’t add mystery or intrigue, it might be time to cut.
Can You Save Your Darlings?
Sometimes, you don’t have to kill your darlings outright. They might be salvageable with a rewrite or a new placement in the story. The key is brutal honesty—ask yourself if the change really improves the overall work or if it’s just making you feel better about keeping something that doesn’t fit.
Killing your darlings isn’t about destroying your creativity—it’s about protecting your story’s integrity. It’s about making your writing clearer, tighter, and more compelling. So, the next time you find yourself clinging to a favorite passage that doesn’t quite work, take a deep breath and consider: Is this helping my story, or holding it back?
Let your darlings go and watch your writing soar.
If you need some help just reach out and let’s talk. My coaching programs can help you get unstuck when the writing gets tough.
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