Your Best Story tip #7 — Self-editing like Orwell and Tolkien

What is the secret of great writers like Orwell and Tolkien?

Self-editing!

Master writers—in fiction as well as business writing—know how to kill their darlings.

In this video, I compare a few early drafts of works by Orwell and Tolkien with their final, published versions.

Enjoy!

What is the secret of great writers like Orwell and Tolkien? Self-editing! Master writers—in fiction as well as business writing—know how to kill their darlings. In this video, I compare a few early drafts of works by Orwell and Tolkien with their final, published versions. Enjoy!