As a political thriller writer, I’ve come to realise that crafting a gripping narrative often requires making tough decisions and facing the inevitable need to “kill off your darlings.” In other words, being prepared to bid farewell to our most cherished passages, plots, and even beloved characters becomes a crucial aspect of the creative process. In this video, titled “Kill Your Darlings,” I want to share my personal experience with having a benign attitude towards my favourites and embracing an open mind to change while writing.

During the creation of my latest work, “The Mallee”, a riveting tale exploring the complexities of water rights and the manipulation of political power, I encountered a significant challenge. As I delved into the manuscript, it became apparent that I could no longer adhere to my original ending. While it was disheartening to let go of my initial plan, I soon realised that the essence of compelling storytelling lies in the ability to adapt and evolve.

In this presentation, I’ll delve into the process of how I rethought the story arcs and endings, showcasing the critical moments when I had to make difficult decisions for the greater good of the narrative. By sharing my journey of revision, I hope to stir fellow writers to consider their own closeness to their writing and the potential of growth that comes with having an open mind to change.

As we embark on this exploration of the creative process, I encourage you all to join me in embracing the necessity of letting go of our darlings to forge a path towards a more compelling and cohesive story. Let’s uncover the significance of a benign attitude towards our favourites, and together, discover the transformative power of embracing change within our writing.

A short The Mallee summary

Rose Dowerin, the federal member for Mallee’s preselection is under threat. Farmers and the community want access to water denied to them by the Persian Water Company unless they pay exorbitant fees. The community of not confident Dowerin has a strong enough voice to fight the company and campaign for a new voice to represent them. As candidates begin to step forward they just as quickly fall to foul play.