Audio available in app
Edit ruthlessly from "summary" of How to Be a Writer by Ruskin Bond
I once heard a wise old editor say, "Your first draft is just the beginning. The real work begins when you start editing." And I couldn't agree more. Editing is where the magic happens. It's where your words come alive, where your story truly takes shape. But editing isn't just about fixing typos and grammar mistakes. It's about cutting out the unnecessary, tightening up your prose, and making every word count. To edit ruthlessly means to be ruthless in your approach to cutting out the dead weight in your writing. It means being willing to let go of those precious paragraphs, those beautifully crafted sentences, if they don't serve the greater purpose of your piece. It's about being objective, about looking at your work with a critical eye and asking yourself, "Does this really need to be here? Is this adding anything to my story?" Editing ruthlessly requires discipline. It requires you to be willing to kill your darlings, as they say in the writing world. It's not easy, I know. But trust me, it's necessary. Your writing will thank you for it. Your readers will thank you for it. And most importantly, you will thank yourself for it. So how do you edit ruthlessly? Start by reading through your work with fresh eyes. Put some distance between yourself and your writing. Take a break, go for a walk, do whatever you need to do to clear your mind. Then come back to it with a critical eye. Look for any words, sentences, or paragraphs that don't add anything to your story. Cut them out without mercy. Be on the lookout for repetition, unnecessary adjectives, and passive voice. Look for any clichés or overused phrases that might be weighing down your writing. And most importantly, keep asking yourself, "Does this really need to be here?" If the answer is no, cut it out. Remember, editing is a process. It's not something you can rush through. Take your time, be thorough, and don't be afraid to make big changes. Your writing will be all the better for it. So go ahead, edit ruthlessly. Your writing will thank you for it.
Similar Posts
Finish what you start to fulfill your potential
To start finishing is to commit to the process of completing what you start. It's about embracing the idea that seeing things t...
Find beauty in simplicity
Simplicity is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. In its purest form, simplicity offers us a sense of tranquility, a res...
Punctuation helps clarify meaning and structure
Punctuation plays a crucial role in making written language clear and easy to understand. By using punctuation marks correctly,...
Incorporating conflict and resolution
Conflict and resolution are essential components of a compelling story. Conflict is what drives the narrative forward, creating...
Break problems into manageable steps
Breaking problems into manageable steps is a fundamental skill in problem-solving. When faced with a daunting issue, it can be ...
Shortest and longest words in the English language
In the vast expanse of the English language, there exists a fascinating dichotomy - the shortest and longest words that one can...
Building good habits is essential for maintaining selfdiscipline
To maintain self-discipline, it is crucial to establish good habits. Habits are the foundation upon which self-discipline is bu...
Invest in yourself before seeking external opportunities
The foundation of lasting success lies not in external opportunities but in oneself. To truly thrive in today's ever-changing w...
The impact of language and tone in essays
Language and tone play a crucial role in shaping the overall impact of an essay. The words chosen by the writer and the tone in...
Successful writers learn from rejection
Successful writers understand that rejection is an inevitable part of the writing process. They know that not everyone will app...