Epic novelist James A. Michener, (books by this author) once said, “I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.”
That is the key to the art of writing: EDIT, EDIT, EDIT.
One of my favorite scenes from the Robert Redford film A River Runs Through It starring Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, and Tom Skerritt, involves the boy learning the art of writing from his father. The child comes into his fathers office with his essay, standing at attention while his dad attacks the paper with bold strokes of his red pen.
“Again, and half as long.” The commanding Minister says as he hands the mangled mess back to the boy. This process repeats several times throughout the day, while the child pines for freedom, sunshine and fishing.
Eventually, with barely enough daylight to spare, his father is pleased, and the boy bounces out of the house with pole and pale in hand, free at last to roam the banks of the river he loves.
EDIT, EDIT, EDIT, then reap the wondrous rewards.
For a good read, check out A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean
