Script Lab‘s Ken Miyamoto talks about five screenwriting rules that novices often misinterpret. Number 1 on his list – and one of my most hated pieces of writing advice – is “Kill Your Darlings.” Established authors will often tell newcomers to “kill their darlings” – in other words, to cut out favorite scenes, witty dialogue, or clever turns of phrase. Miyamoto reminds writers that there’s another phrase in that piece of advice that many ignore – Kill your darlings…that don’t fit. If a scene doesn’t support a story or a character plays no meaningful role, you might have to cut them out. Miyamoto advises saving them for another manuscript, which is excellent advice.
I’ll go one step further and suggest that maybe your darling is the real story and your focus should be with it. If a character or scene sparks your imagination, ask yourself if the rest of your story is falling flat. If some snappy banter puts a smile on your face, ask if the rest of your dialogue could be more distinct.
Taken to its extreme, the Kill Your Darlings advice will leave your story flat and uninspired. Do make the effort to fully understand what’s needed in your manuscript to support the narrative. However, also embrace your darlings. Make more of them. Fill your story with darlings. Just be sure you’ve placed them all where they belong.
Some people write like they’re hitting the typewriter with a hammer, but you can do better.
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