If in doubt, cut it out

If you think you should cut a scene or a line or a word, cut.

All you have to worry about is keeping people’s attention moment to moment.

Keep cutting until all you’re left with is the simplest version of the story. (Yes, cut the too clever twist, the too smart sentence. The word that shines too bright? Cut that too.)

Aim for the simplest incantation of the story.