[stylist] Story of hoodlum/word limit

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Whether writing a novel, short story, fiction or nonfiction, if you have
material that does not advance the plot or work as characterization, it
isn't necessary.  Description and dialogue must have a purpose otherwise
it is just filling space.  Also watch for redundancy.  We don't want to
overstate or regurgitate material.

In my classes, we are told to watch for stuff that if taken out,
wouldn't hurt the story.  This is a good rule to live by.