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Writing Tip #22: Cut the “beginnings” out
A writing tip a day every day for 2025
Sarah began to eat breakfast.
Sam decided to go for a run.
Steve started to wonder if he should make a decision about saving the world.
Sarah ate breakfast.
Sam went for a run.
Steve saved the world.
Usually, cutting the “beginning” or “deciding” out of your sentences will be better for the story overall. Particularly if the feedback you’re getting says that the character doesn’t feel proactive enough or like the audience can’t connect with the character.
Of course there are exceptions to this; perhaps, for example, Sam making the decision to run is the action that matters. Maybe he’s been stalled emotionally and unable to make decisions. Maybe he’ll be interrupted before he gets out the door. Maybe he should have chosen something else entirely and making the wrong decision is, in and of itself, the momentous action.
But probably not. You can probably improve your line-level writing by cutting off the beginnings.
began, started, decided, realized, etc
Gina Denny is an author, editor, and publishing professional. She helps you make your writing better. Long videos available on YouTube. Shorter ones on Instagram. Both on TikTok (for now). Office hours, podcast episodes, and hour-long classes available on Patreon.
