Randy Rooney
An Agent of Change
I was talking on the phone with my literary agent when the line began humming in a funny way. In my busy household, this usually means that one of my family members has picked up the phone.
“Who’s on the line?” I asked.
Silence.
“Something going on?” my agent said.
“I think someone else just picked up the phone. I think we’re about done, anyway, aren’t we?”
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It’s
tempting to cut the odd bits of a story that don’t fit—a character’s
idiosyncrasy, an unusual setting detail, an unexpected plot twist.
Although seemingly strange facets of a story can distract without
adding redeeming value, when they’re valid and handled well, they can
enhance or deepen the story by enhancing or deepening an element—plot,
character, or theme.
