Katherine Rawson

[Credit: Where’s the Beef? is a Wendy’s trademarked slogan]

We’ve all been there as readers, right? When we get to a paragraph that describes the mood, furnishings, ambiance, etc., we’re tempted, if not compelled, to skip it. Worse yet, every chapter starts with two to three paragraphs setting the scene.

Get to the good stuff!

Writers are world builders, I get it. I love describing the people and places I envision in my head. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written a beautiful sentence or paragraph describing a place, a person, or a feeling. Then, I have to edit and ask the most important question:

Does this improve and/or move the story forward?

With a forlorn heart, I realize the beauty of what I wrote is just that, beautiful fluff. It’s not integral to the story and ends up slowing the pace. I find that not paying much attention to word count helps address this. If I’m not trying to meet some arbitrary word count per section/chapter, I’m less likely to add filler that I need to edit out later.

Something I’ve come to realize, born out of my love for reading, is that there is something to be said for a writer leaving certain things up to the reader’s imagination. What I, as the writer, envision isn’t necessarily the only way to see it and I need to trust the reader to fill in the gaps. At the end of the day, is it really important where the sofas are positioned or how many paintings are on the wall?

It’s not all bad though!

That filler sometimes fits in other areas and, when applied in small doses, helps enhance a scene. It probably doesn’t matter what a bathroom looks like, or does it?

“What have I done?” she whispered.

Her eyes squeezed shut, tuning in to the silence beyond the door. It was a brief respite, allowing her mind to race through strategies—how to swiftly dress and make her exit without stirring any unwanted attention. She tiptoed across the slate floor, each chilled step amplifying the urgency in her stride. A shiver ran through her as she perched on the antiquated, old-style toilet, biting her lip to stifle the sigh that begged for release. Relief washed over her in a wave, but her elation dulled as the sound of the metal chain grated against the antique subway tiles.

The rush of water from the archaic tank, rattling against the walls, cut through the stillness, a foreboding signal that undoubtedly jolted her lover from his slumber. Heart racing, she cautiously turned the door knob, revealing her best friend, patiently waiting on the other side.

I guess I could have just said my character was sneaking out after a regrettable one-night stand but she had to pee really badly. I kind of like the bathroom scene though.

Editing is hard. Good luck writers!

Copyright © 2023 Katherine Rawson