So currently I’m writing a speculative fiction novel about dragons.
— I know, I know the time for dragons is almost over, but I was a huge Ann McCaffrey fan as a kid and, as Ursula LeGuin once said, “People who deny the existence of dragons are often eaten by them.” There will be more about this later in the month on RobertVarnon — R.D. Varnon.
So I have a passage where the main character learns that his grandfather did something rather extraordinary and is considered a hero in what amounts to another country. It’s a good piece , but I’m going to have to cut it, because it’s come at the wrong time and it’s distracting from the story.
In this case, the character that discloses it is much older than the protagonist, is from another country and has no real reason to trust this boy. The character with the information, is also an investigator of sorts, so she keeps things to herself until there’s a reason to disclose something or until she trusts someone. Since this is actually their first meeting, it was too early for her to provide that information, but there are hints at it. To be honest, I’m not sure if this information will ever be revealed to the main character or not. But it’s there sitting in history.
As I write my third book, I’m getting better at spotting these kinds of things. I will of course save the passages in the notes I keep on the novel, that contain things like history, language and geographical details.
But I think it’s important to be able to cut and keep running with the story.
Keep writing, keep running.
Chalk Creek Writing Outfit 