Murder: How sharp's your knife?

I spent this week reading through The Demon Chaser, doing some rewriting and I added a new chapter from my antagonist demon's pov, (point of view).

Then, I came to the little darling chapter where I introduce my quirky cops.

After I wrote the two chapters involving my cops, I blocked. Yep, writer's block. It didn't last too long. Just a week or two, but I think it would have gone on indefinitely had I not figured out what was fractured in my story.

The problem with the cop chapters wasn't in the writing. Actually, I thought it was pretty good. The problem was,I subconciously knew if I kept it, I'd be writing myself into a corner.

Originally, I planned on having the protagognist's brother be implicated in the hit and run of her best friend. Heck, that's even in my blurb for the book.

But, I didn't need it there and would have one heck of a time getting him out of that later on.

I could probably pull it off with a lot of thought, but I didn't need to.

Bailey already has a huge motive to keep his sister frantically trying to find him. A motive much stronger than cops trying to get to him. I won't give it away, just in case, God willing, this baby actually makes it to the book shelves.

There's already a ticking bomb. Adding the second, weaker, bomb just muddied the waters.

Two chapters written had to be cut. Two chapters edited-- gone. Two weeks worth of work bites the dust.

But you know what? Without batting an eye, I highlighted said chapters and clicked on the scissors icon. See ya.

I did save those chapters to a drafts folder. I may be able to use some of that in my next novel. (A mecial thriller swirling around my mind).

It didn't used to be that easy for me to murder my darlings. In fact, I refused to do it. But I've learned through experience that it is far better to cut the gangrene than to lose the whole leg, or worse--have the work die completely.

Is there a piece of writing you've been holding on to that others have told you is dead weight?

Do yourself a huge favor and cut it. Give it a month and go back and read it. Chances are, you'll realize how much healthier your ms (manuscript) is without it.

Fellow writers: sharpen your knives and don't be afraid to use them.