The big delete

It only hurts for a second

I am thankful the most important key in history was invented. It’s not the key to your house, your car, your boat, your safety deposit box, your bike lock or your private community. It’s the key to order, sanity, and peace of mind. The key is ‘Delete.’ -Elayne Boosler

Dear Writers,

Let’s get away from the world for a little . . . and celebrate women. Because women help me be a fearless writer. Because I hope I can help other women do the same. Because when you’re not in the room, I’m usually bragging about you. Or sharing your books. I want to live in a world where we boost each other!

Sound good? Let’s get to the meat of this post. Deleting. Getting rid of stuff you don’t need…to leave space for MORE. It’s something I enjoy doing.

On any given day…

I delete my darlings.

I delete what is not working.

and I even… delete a whole draft.

Every once in a while, this part of my process comes up in conversation, and it never fails to elicit a gasp. Or two. Or at least one “I COULD NEVER.”

It may be my favorite part of my process. The most impactful.

Here’s how my brain works: When I think I have a story in me (pb or novel or nonfiction), I think for a while. I do research, if necessary. I walk with it. Journal about it. Draw. When I’m feeling legitimately curious, I start to write.

This writing is ALWAYS BAD. So what? I call this draft my “discovery draft.” And I keep writing and discovering until I know who my MC is, what they want, need, fear, and how their story MIGHT end. I write out of order. I write what moves me. I create some scenes. And some interiority. I examine what might be the lowest moments.

And then, I say BYE. I delete it. The whole thing.

The first time Cynthia Leitich Smith told me she did that, I shook my head. And then I tried it.

True story: I had a novel that wasn’t working. But I still liked it. So after reading an old draft, I deleted it, wrote it over, and sold it.

Why is deleting my version of freedom???

If I know the character, I can find a better story.

My first drafts are always wrong. The draft I delete serves one purpose: to help me figure out what I want to say. And getting to know my characters.

When I know my characters, my brain swirls. I find better stuff. Chucking the old stuff is EASY.

Need more proof? Are you a writer that would do anything to keep a good line? I was, too. That didn’t help me! It just let me write in circles.

Is this too much? Can you delete on a smaller scale? What if, the next time someone tells you that something isn’t working…you delete it. And give yourself the space to explore?

Are you ready to reach???

I bet you think I’m going to tell you to delete. NO. If you’re not ready, it’s okay. But let’s start a new document.

On that document, make a list of all the things you love about your character. Then write the first chapter WITHOUT looking at the old one. What did you discover? What did you learn? What did you not include this time?

Starting fresh INVIGORATES me…especially when I’m feeling stuck. So give it a try!

And have a great writing week.

xo Sarah (with a special request):

For CELEBRATE WOMEN MONTH….and my birthday (March 23): Can we raise some money for the Jane Addams Peace Association? (I’m a proud member of the board.) The money will help pay for the BOOKS IN THEIR HANDS program which gives books to kids in Title One schools. And this month, all our donations get doubled! So if you can, a little goes a long way! Thanks! Here’s the link!

You want a prize? I like prizes, too:

Give $250: I’ll critique your Picture Book ms.

Give $300: I’ll meet with your critique group. (virtual)

I hope that’s an arm twist! Let’s get some kids some books!

Thank you!!!!