Simplify?

[Athalia]

So, if a tale is not quite hanging together, if it doesn't quite flow, do you:

a) simplify? or

b) add more detail to explain?

I'm trying it both ways; that dull thudding sound is my head banging on the deak.

I follow a simple rule: I keep adding detail. If it makes the story worse, I know I'm going in the wrong direction, so I start cutting.

It's like that old adage: If you're in a hole, stop digging... unless you think there might be treasure down there. You'll never know for sure until you dig deeper, but be prepared to be diappointed.

 

[46n2]

Abandon it completely.

Why struggle with it when there's so many other available thoughts out there left unsaid?