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Jeni Hankins's avatar

“Start as far into a scene as you can. And it’s probably further in than you think. We writers do a lot of warming up. And that’s okay! Just be aware of it and go back and see what you can cut out.”

I’ve been thinking about a scene and wondering if it’s too far in, but this gives me encouragement. I can always decide about that later. Best to write!

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

Yes, save those decisions for when the whole manuscript is done. Then you'll be able to tell much better. For now, keep writing!

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Marna Jones Hopkins's avatar

Bits and bobs sometimes hit me just right - and I need to remember that in my writing, too! And your four-year-old Netflix show analogy is perfect. Instead of getting that cat up a tree and throwing rocks at it, set a toddler in front of the TV and get lost in the Netflix forest. So memorable! Thank you, as always!

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

Yes, the four-year-old toddler will win every time! Thanks Marna!

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