Why Stories Are Like Bodies

[deborahjross]

From The Physiology of Foreshadowing, guest blog by Alina Klein.

1. Every component must serve a purpose (or two).

2. Padding, no matter how luscious, is best kept to a minimum.

3. Bits that aren’t working should be removed like the gall bladders they are.

4. Characters=kidneys, it’s okay to remove one if the other can do its work.

5. Neither a novel nor a body needs an appendix.

Comments

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Similarity no. 5 is especially apt :-)

[manawolf.livejournal.com]

5a. Unless you're Tolkien. Which you aren't.