The Advantage of Pruning Unnecessary Stuff!

Writing a novel can be like recovering from a destructive deep freeze. Over the next few weeks, and on into Spring, I’ll get out my handsaw, shears, and rake to clean up all that is dead and no longer adding beauty to my yard. The lifeless vegetation will then be piled at the curb and removed by the city.

Similarly, after receiving feedback from my beta readers on my manuscript, I will use a handsaw and shears to prune away anything that detracts from the plot or the character arcs. I will then rake them away and out of sight, making my manuscript immensely better!

You see, consistent and accurate pruning in the natural world ensures that shrubs and trees (as long as the roots weren’t frozen to death!) come back stronger, healthier, taller, wider, and more majestic. The same activity can be applied to making a novel more effective, compelling, and pleasing to our precious readers.

Just an aside, personal pruning to improve ourselves is also necessary if we want to finish life with the mindset of expanding our experiences and relationships. Don’t let bad thinking, habits, or attitudes undercut our vitality and growth. Remove them permanently. Otherwise, we will wilt away in the darkness of a cold life, collapse into a heap, and be carted off by the Grim Reaper at an unexpected time.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. (Romans 5:3-4 TLB)