Kill Your Darlings
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
During revision, you must ruthlessly delete those passages or sentences you are most proud of, the most ornate ones, that do nothing to advance the theme or the plot (the darlings). Scaffold role: cutting narcissism. When you preen over having written a brilliant metaphor, stay alert to whether it is dragging the pace. If it exists only to show off your skill, cut it.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Cut narcissism: suspect any brilliant flourish that mainly proves how clever you are. - Protect the pace: ask whether the proud passage actually advances the theme or the plot. - Delete pure showmanship: if it only displays skill, remove it without negotiation.
Anchor fast decisions
A creative term referring to the author's need to painfully delete passages, characters, or features that are cherished but not beneficial to the whole, because partiality can harm the overall work.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/3Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_Your_Darlingsverified
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