I spent most of the day editing a short story today, trying to cut 800 words out of it. Why 800?
- It was close to 9000 words, which I thought was too long.
- I had often heard the advice to cut 10% of a story and thought I would try it, to see what happened.
It seems better this way. I’ve sent it off to two of my favorite readers, Mr. Radley and Mr. Fisher, to see what they have to say. The market I want to send it to has a March 21st deadline, which is Monday, but if anyone else wants to read it I’m happy to send it over. Here’s the first thirteen lines.
The Bound Man
by Mary Robinette Kowal     Light dappled through the trees in the family courtyard, painting shadows on the paving stones. Li Reiko knelt by her son to look at his scraped knee.
     “I just scratched it.” Nawi squirmed under her hands.
     “Maybe Mama will show you her armor after she heals you.” Her daughter, Aya, leaned over her shoulder studying the healing.
     Nawi stopped wiggling. “Really?”
     Reiko shot her daughter a warning look. But her little boy’s dark eyes shone with excitement. She smiled. “Really.” What did tradition matter? “Now let me heal your knee.” She laid her hand on the shallow wound.
Yes, I would like to read it.
-d-
I wish I had followed the link to market before I read your story. I may have to go back and read the story again with that context in mind.
-d-