Breaking Up with your Chapter

Molly O’Neil said being an editor is like falling in love. Well, it’s not that different for writers. In fact, cutting out a scene in a novel is very similar to breaking up with your boyfriend.

It’s not you, it’s me.
Your section is really fantastic. It just doesn’t fit into the novel, anymore. It’s nothing against you. Really.

No matter how hard I try, I just can’t make this work.
I’ve reworked your chapter again and again, but no matter what I do it just doesn’t work in this novel. I’m sorry. I did my best. I think it’ll be best for both us if we admit it’s never going to work.

We had some good times, right?
Remember all the good comments we got from the critique group? They really loved you. You made them laugh.

You made me a better person [writer].
This novel wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t written you. I discovered so much about my character’s motivations. Even though the chapter will be gone, your effect will linger on.

I want to remain friends.
I’ll never hate you. In fact, you’ll always hold a little piece of my heart. I don’t want to lose you completely. I know there’s a place for you in my life. Even if it’s on a web page of deleted scenes. Even though you can’t be in my novel, I still want you around in some form.

It’s just not the right time for us.
Maybe we met too early. I think you could really work in book two. Or possibly, three. You just don’t fit into this book.

Okay . . . I’ll admit it. There’s someone else.
I couldn’t help it! Once I thought of the other chapter I couldn’t get him out of my head. It isn’t right to keep you around when I’m really into the other chapter. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen.

I’m so sorry little chapter. You have to go. But I’ll always love you. [Sniff]