Must you murder ALL your darlings? - Writers Forum

Shadowa · 12-30-2006, 02:32 PM

I have a question for you guys:

How much in a story needs to have a USE, a POINT, a REASON for being there? I've read quite a few books and articles on writing, and again and again the authors have said, "Strip down. Only have what is necessary. Whenever you write something, think, Do I NEED this? Can the story go on without it?" They say that if you answer no to the first question or yes to the second (or both) then you shouldn't bring in whatever you were going to involve--whether it is a character, an event, or an entire scene. Some say: "Murder your darlings." It's an important rule for writers: if you don't need it, even if you like it, cut it.

I used to follow this rule blindly, but lately I've been having second thoughts. I read my writing, and I come to a certain scene or event, and realize that if I took it out, the story would continue fine. However, I do feel that the event is there for a reason: to build an atmosphere. I think this is a more subtle, elusive art than building elements into a plot, and what works to build atmosphere won't necessarily be essential for building plot. For example:

Let's say I'm writing a story. In the story, a child has been kidnapped. To move the plot along, the man from whom the child has been taken must get a note. To get the note, he must be walking in a certain part of town where the kidnapper catches sight of him. So I send the character to that part of town. The sending may seem random to the reader at first, but it's actually essential.

THAT'S the kind of thing that you have to keep, no matter what. It's not random, even though it may at first seem that way, and soon the reader will catch on. This is plot-building; simple and clear-cut. No darlings to be murdered here.

Then there's atmosphere.

Example #2:

I'm writing the same story. It is set in a certain time period in a certain country when and where there is a lot of social and political unrest. A new art movement is being born as the result of the people not being happy with their government. As a writer, my goal is to carefully build the mood of the story into one of stirring rebellion, of budding creativity among the underground artists, of new, rebellious art forms being created and brought out of the sewers and into the light, where they will shock, offend, and intrigue. To do this, perhaps I decide to have a certain book be published in the story. It is a short book, perhaps more like a pamphlet. It is "revolutionary," both in its style and content. The book comes out. Society is offended. The main characters, who are rebels, hear about it and feel pleased with how the art/politics rebellion is going. The story goes on, with one of the main characters being the man who is still trying to get back the kidnapped child.

Now, here is a darling that some might murder. The revolutionary book being published is not an essential part of the plot; however, it could be a very useful part of the mood/tone/atmosphere of the story. Should I keep it or chuck it? Or should I try to involve it in the plot, even if it ends up seeming awkward or like a "quick fix"?

Thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing your opinions!

Magnum Opus · 12-30-2006, 02:50 PM

You know, I am not so sure that I have ever held to that aspect. Of course I have always been long winded, and like saying way more than I need, but seriously I have found that everything I write is atmospheric, and fits for a particular reason.

I mean I will go back and look to see if it fits after I have written, and sometimes I do find that I have put something that doesn't certainly fit in the paragraph. At that point I will delete said part of the story.

Now this isn't to say that all things should be deleted if they are more than the direct plot. I personally like reading a story in which there is a little extra. Why? Because it gives you a sense of being there, and that's why I read.

What I think they mena though is not exactly what you used as instances. The things you said seemed like neccessities to the story, because they put a real point to the antagonists, or protagonists. It seems beneficial for you to have those things you pointed out.

Again this is coming from a person who thinks most things belong.

mwd · 12-30-2006, 03:18 PM

I'd keep in mind that a scene can be essential to the story without furthering the plot one bit. The scene could be important in terms of developing characters, or theme. If you cut out everything besides the plot you would have a pretty lame story. At the end of the day you have to decide what contributes to your story (your story, not necessarily your plot) and what doesn't.

mammamaia · 12-31-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

How much in a story needs to have a USE, a POINT, a REASON for being there?

all of it!... your examples didn't disprove this, they reinforced it...

Shadowa · 01-01-2007, 05:25 AM

Great points...thanks guys.

Cynic · 01-01-2007, 09:03 AM

If you can satisfy the questions by showing how the atmosphere affects the characters, then it's useful. Other times, the key to keeping your darlings is to figure out how they can be made useful, if they aren't already.