I’m re-reading the first draft of my second book now, and a suspicion is confirmed: I believe that I have a lot of cutting to do. I don’t think that the story really starts until about half-way through, but there are a lot of scenes that I really like in the first half of the book. The refrain “kill your darlings!” keeps echoing around my head.
Having never really done it before, this is the way I’m preparing to slice and dice: As I write, I’m writing a number (1) and a short title of what or where the scene is (“Suite,” for example, or, “Meets Doug”). I’m fairly confident that I’ll remember which ones I like but be able to kill them if they are rendered unnecessary. Fairly confident… 🙂
After everything is read and beautifully numbered and titled, I will switch those sections around like a puzzle. And some of those puzzle pieces will probably include new titles like, “New Scene in the Library,” or “The Rest of Everything.”
This should prove to be interesting. Once I’ve got the front half in order, I have faith that the back half will come.
PS- I just read Stephen King’s book On Writing, and it was awesome. I was so encouraged. I sometimes feel like an inferior writer because I’m not a plotter (although from my latest project, it looks like a little post-first-draft plotting may be incorporated), and guess what-he’s not a plotter either! And he takes short amounts of time on first drafts! Of course, he also writes all day… but you know, I’m getting there. 🙂 Anyway, it was a great read and highly recommended. Especially good if you’re a pantser.
PPS- I woke up this morning and one of my eyes was red. Pink Eye? Allergies? 6-month-old contacts that are only supposed to be in for 3 weeks? No matter the reason, I’m wearing glasses today. I have an eye doctor appointment on Thursday.
My Shakes kids keep telling me I look like Harry Potter. *sigh*
Laura Lee Anderson 
Good luck with the edit! I read On Writing last year and I have to agree…awesome book! I may have to reread it soon 🙂
His book really made a lot us writers feel “normal.” I understood what he meant about just letting the story write itself, sometimes. But it’s also a dangerous proposition. I think plotting is an important thing for many new writers, because they are still learning the craft. Stephen King had been writing seriously since high school, and was published in magazines several times before becoming a best selling author. I think writing is like music – the more you practice, the better you get, until one day, you can sing on demand, no plotting required.
What an awesome analogy! Definitely inspires me to practice more. 🙂