Kill Your Darlings! Should You Kill Them in Fiction? When to Kill Them? And How to Stop Killing Them If You Want
Editing fiction is a delicate balance of artistry and practicality, and nowhere is this tension more evident than in the infamous advice to “kill your darlings.” As a fiction writer, you’ve likely encountered this phrase, attributed to Arthur Quiller-Couch and popularized by Stephen King.
While the term encourages ruthless editing, its application often sparks debates among authors. Should you cut the parts of your story you love the most? Let’s dive into the nuances and uncover how you can edit strategically without sacrificing the soul of your story.
What Does “Kill Your Darlings” Really Mean?
"Kill your darlings" refers to removing elements of your story—whether scenes, characters, or prose—that you love but which fail to serve the overall narrative. These “darlings” may feel essential to you as the creator, but they can slow down the pacing, confuse readers, or detract from the story’s core themes.
For many fiction writers, this process can feel like a personal attack. After all, your words are your babies! But the heart of this advice isn’t about indiscriminately slashing your favorite passages; it’s about ensuring that every element of your story propels it forward.
When (and Why) You Should Kill Your Darlings
Before reaching for the red pen, ask yourself these key questions:
Is it relevant?Does the scene, description, or dialogue contribute to the story’s climax, character development, or theme? If not, it may be expendable.
Does it add emotional resonance?Even seemingly “irrelevant” details can stay if they elicit a powerful emotional reaction. However, if readers aren’t connecting emotionally, the scene may need reworking—or removal.
Does it slow down the narrative?Tangential scenes or lengthy descriptions that don’t move the story forward can cause readers to lose interest. These may need trimming or repurposing.
Relevance, emotional depth, and pacing are your primary litmus tests. If your darlings fail on all three counts, it’s time to consider cutting them.
When You Should Not Kill Your Darlings
The advice to "kill your darlings" is not a blanket rule. In fact, there are scenarios where keeping them can enhance your story. Here’s when to resist the urge:
If they can be made relevant.Often, a scene or passage can gain importance by tying it into the theme, character arcs, or the climax. Consider tweaking the content to give it a purpose rather than cutting it outright.
If they add world-building depth.Scenes that immerse readers in your story’s world, even if seemingly tangential, can be vital for creating atmosphere. However, ensure these scenes are engaging and don’t linger too long.
If they create foreshadowing or intrigue.Adding a subtle question or mystery can make a darling relevant. Readers are intuitive; a single unanswered question can pull them deeper into the narrative.
If they evoke strong emotions.Emotional resonance trumps relevance in some cases. If a scene touches readers’ hearts, they’ll forgive its lack of direct connection to the main plot.
How to Edit Without Losing What You Love
Editing doesn’t have to feel like a massacre. Here’s how to refine your story while preserving its magic:
1. Tie Your Darlings to the Core Narrative
Before cutting, explore how the element might fit into your story’s major arcs. Can it reveal something new about a character? Could it hint at the story’s resolution? A little reworking can turn an extraneous scene into a cornerstone.
2. Infuse Emotional Depth
Readers remember moments that make them feel. If a beloved scene isn’t landing, revisit it with an eye for emotional triggers. Add sensory details, character introspection, or poignant dialogue to heighten its impact.
3. Use Beta Feedback Wisely
If beta readers or editors flag a scene as unnecessary, don’t rush to delete it. Instead, ask why they feel that way. Is the scene too subtle, or does it fail to align with the story’s direction? Use their insights to refine rather than remove.
4. Save Your Darlings for Later
If you absolutely must cut a beloved passage, save it! Create a “deleted scenes” file. These darlings might inspire future stories or be repurposed for later drafts.
Final Thoughts: Editing as a Creative Opportunity
“Kill your darlings” doesn’t have to mean erasing what you love about your story. Instead, see it as an invitation to strengthen your narrative. By making your favorite moments relevant, emotional, and integral to the story, you can keep the essence of your darlings alive.
Editing is as much an art as writing itself. Approach it with creativity, not fear, and your story will thrive.
What about you? Have you ever struggled to let go of a darling scene? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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