The best writers revise, then revise some more, then revise again. They search their draft with a critical eye for the nuggets of meaning and power, using the draft s strengths to form a finished story that readers will want to read, that s clear, simple, focused and understandable. The reader will spot an unfocused story within the first graf or two and turn the page. Read Role-play the reader. A specific reader.
Mom is a favorite for many writers.
If not, maybe you didn t outline, and should do so now. This is no time to be Yogi Berra, unless you want to be funny. Ending Have one when you start. It gives the story a sense of closure. And it can guard against unnecessary trimming.