Removing Unnecessary Characters
Writing a fantasy novel was one of the most interesting and fun experiences I’ve had. But as any author will tell you, the road to a finished manuscript is filled with unexpected twists and turns. One of the most challenging yet necessary parts of this journey is the editing process, where tough decisions must be made to bring the story to its full potential. While editing down you may find certain thing you originally believed were crucial and well put, were actually just unnecessary at times and easily taken out.
Before I created the world, I first drafted the characters. Among these characters was a lovable man who provided comic relief in the midst of tense situations. His way about life was meant to bring a smile to audiences face as it added a layer of levity to the narrative.
As the story unfolded, my word count grew beyond my expectations. While it was a testament to the depth of my world and the intricacies of my plot, it also brought about a new set of challenges. My editor and I realized that some parts of the story were becoming a bit bloated, and the pacing needed some adjustments to maintain a gripping pace. It was during this stage that my editor pointed out that this particular character, despite being a source of comic relief, didn't contribute significantly to the overall arc of the story.
The decision to let go of a character who had become so dear to me was not an easy one. However, as I delved deeper into the story's structure, I began to understand the necessity of his removal. Many of my friends who the read originally drafts were at first against the removal of him, but once they had a chance to reflect, they understood it made sense. A story, no matter how enchanting, must be streamlined to deliver a compelling and focused experience to readers.
Rather than dragging out his presence throughout the story, we chose to give him an exit early on. This not only streamlined the narrative but also allowed his departure to leave a lasting impact on the characters and the readers. It was a difficult process, but it helped tighten the plot and make every moment count. In retrospect, I've come to appreciate the necessity of these tough decisions. As authors, we must be willing to chisel away the excess to reveal the best possible finished product.
And there was an unexpected silver lining to this decision – the word count of my novel decreased slightly, making it more manageable without sacrificing the essence of the story. This showed me that sometimes, the removal of a seemingly minor element can have a ripple effect that enhances the overall experience.
In the end, the journey of writing a fantasy novel is as much about growth and adaptation as it is about imagination and creativity. My experience with cutting down certain story plots and aspects of the book is necessary for the greater good of the story. Additionally, all the ideas you may have aren’t always the best.
