“Trim the Tree”
How to Edit Your Stories and ‘Kill Your Darlings’ This Holiday Season.
Critiquing is one of the most important things we do in a writers’ group.
With Christmas almost here in December, I felt inspired to offer a posthumous critique of Irving Berlin’s work.
In case you don’t know, Irving Berlin wrote the movie “White Christmas,” released in 1954. He not only composed the music for the film but also contributed to its screenplay. The film features several of Berlin’s classic songs, including the iconic title track, originally debuting in his earlier work, the 1942 film “Holiday Inn.”
Truth be told, nobody wants to watch a movie with me. Why?
As a storyteller, I dissect movies. Since I penned my first novel, I can’t help myself. I am told by those who know that I should smoke pot before watching a movie so I can sit back and enjoy it.
Since I don’t smoke or do drugs, I guess I will have to be me and watch movies or read books as a solo act.
Like any artist or tradesperson, we learn from watching others and doing.
I went to see a theatrical production of White Christmas last weekend. The film’s soundtrack and other elements were all very memorable. I vividly remember every dance’s choreography and performance. The problem is that I also dissected the play and the film throughout the performance.
If we examine the plot points of the movie, they are:
War Flashback: The film opens with a flashback to Christmas Eve in 1944, where Bob and Phil perform for their fellow soldiers during the war. This sets the stage for their strong friendship and shared experiences.
Post-War Success: After the war, Bob and Phil establish themselves as a popular entertainment duo. They enjoy fame and success in the show business world.
Meeting the Sisters: While in New York, they meet a sister act, Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen), and become romantically involved with them. The sisters are also aspiring performers, which adds to the story’s dynamic.
The Vermont Inn: Bob and Phil learn that their former commanding general, General Waverly, is struggling to keep his Vermont inn afloat during the winter season. They decide to help him by organizing a Christmas show at the inn.
Planning the Show: The duo travels to Vermont with the sisters to put on a spectacular Christmas performance to attract guests and save the inn. They face various challenges, including weather issues and the general’s pride.
Romantic Developments: Throughout the film, romantic tensions build between Bob and Betty, as well as between Phil and Judy. Their relationships evolve as they work together to save the inn.
The Big Show: The climax of the film features a grand Christmas show, where all the characters come together to celebrate the holiday spirit. The performance is filled with music, dance, and heartfelt moments.
Resolution: The film concludes with a heartwarming finale, where the inn is saved, and the characters find love and happiness, embodying the spirit of Christmas.
If you or I wrote a novel with that much Serendipity, no agent would touch it.
If I’d written it, I would have done a better job describing the Haynes sisters and their cousin. Several times, the’ dog-faced boy’ is the comic relief or the glue that binds the sisters’ connection to their army buddies.
What are the odds they all end up at an inn in Vermont that just happens to be owned by General Waverly, whom the guys respect and love?
By the way, army folks help me out. Would you love a commanding officer who puts you in harm’s way?
Why not connect the dots?
How about making the dog-faced boy related to the general, which is how the Haynes sisters got the gig in the first place?
Why am I picking on a show I have loved my whole life?
Within our field, the regrettable necessity of forgoing cherished elements is unavoidable. As a result, all editing options continue to be available. We refer to this as killing our darlings.
Dissecting the movies or books you loved as a child or even today will make you a better writer.
Read, Dissect, Reflect…
As we gather around our loved ones this holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on our creative journeys. Just as we carefully select ornaments to adorn our trees, may we also embrace the art of editing, trimming our narratives to shine even brighter.
Remember, every cut you make is a step toward clarity and impact in your writing. So, as you cozy up with your stories this Christmas, don’t be afraid to ‘kill your darlings’ and make room for the magic that truly resonates.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and inspiration. Happy editing, and may your words flow as freely as the holiday spirit! 🎄✨
Currently, there are numerous works in progress featuring magic, one of which is a pulse-pounding thriller where a forensic assassin, acting as a hired gun, tracks down villains through dimly lit alleyways and shadowy corners, the city’s heartbeat a constant hum in the background. Make sure to stay tuned for additional details.
Here are the recently penned novels, their covers promising untold stories.
Ephemera Tales of the Fleeting & Profound was just released. This is a book of short stories inspired by prompts from Reedsy.
