you should kill your now meme

2 min read 16-04-2025

The phrase "kill your darlings" is a well-known piece of writing advice, often attributed to William Faulkner or Stephen King (though its origins are debated). It means ruthlessly cutting content, even the parts you love, if they don't serve the overall piece. This applies to all forms of writing, from blog posts to novels, and even extends to other creative fields. This article explores why "killing your darlings" is not just good advice—it's essential for creating truly impactful work.

Why We're Attached to Our "Darlings"

We get attached to our writing for various reasons. Perhaps a sentence is particularly clever, a paragraph perfectly captures a feeling, or a section represents a significant amount of time and effort. These are our "darlings"—the parts we're most proud of. However, this attachment can be detrimental.

The Problem with Sentimentality

Sentimentality blinds us to flaws. That brilliant sentence might disrupt the flow. That evocative paragraph might be irrelevant to the main point. That section, despite the effort, might bore the reader. Our emotional connection prevents us from seeing these weaknesses objectively.

The Importance of Objective Editing

Successful writing demands objectivity. We must detach from our emotional investment and evaluate our work critically. Ask yourself:

Does this contribute to the main point? If not, it needs to go.
Is this repetitive? Redundancy weakens your message. Cut it.
Does this engage the reader? If it's dull or confusing, revise or remove it.
Is it clear and concise? Wordiness obscures your message. Simplify.

How to Kill Your Darlings

It's difficult to cut content we're emotionally invested in. Here’s how to approach it:

Distance Yourself: Take a break from your work before editing. A fresh perspective is crucial.
Read Aloud: Hearing your work aloud reveals awkward phrasing and unnecessary words.
Get Feedback: Share your work with trusted readers for honest critiques. Their perspective can be invaluable.
Start Small: Begin by eliminating minor issues. Gradually work your way to larger cuts.
Don't Be Afraid to Cut Entire Sections: Sometimes, an entire section needs to go. It's better to have a concise, focused piece than a bloated, rambling one.

The Benefits of Killing Your Darlings

The results of ruthless editing are remarkable:

Improved Clarity: Removing unnecessary content strengthens your message.
Enhanced Flow: A streamlined piece reads more smoothly and engages the reader more effectively.
Increased Impact: A concise, focused message is more memorable and impactful.
Greater Efficiency: Cutting unnecessary content saves time and resources.

Conclusion: Embrace the Cut

Killing your darlings is not easy. It requires discipline and a willingness to sacrifice parts of your work you're attached to. However, it’s an essential step in creating impactful writing. By objectively evaluating your work and making tough choices, you'll create a stronger, more compelling piece that resonates with your audience. Remember, the goal isn’t to keep everything you've written, but to create the best possible version of your work. So, pick up your metaphorical axe and start cutting! Your readers (and your writing) will thank you for it.