Let’s talk about something that happens to every writer, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at this for years.
You’re deep in your story, everything’s flowing, and then you hit a paragraph that just… doesn’t work.
Maybe it’s beautiful writing, maybe it’s a great character moment, but it slows down your scene or takes your plot in the wrong direction.
Don’t hit the delete key.
Copy those words into a “Scraps” file.
What Exactly Is a Scraps File?
Think of a scraps file as your writing’s recycling bin, but better.
It’s a place where you save all those bits of writing that don’t belong in your current project but are too good to throw away.
We’re talking about:
● That description of a sunset that doesn’t fit your urban thriller
● The witty dialogue between characters that’s great but doesn’t advance your plot
● An entire scene you loved but had to cut because it killed your pacing
A scraps file isn’t where writing goes to die.
It’s where it goes to wait for the right opportunity.
I’ve seen writers pull things from their scraps that were written years ago and use them in completely different projects where they suddenly fit perfectly.
I got the idea for my next romance series from reviewing the scraps file for one of my previous novels.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
We become attached to our words.
We spent time crafting that paragraph, we found just the right metaphor, and we nailed that character’s voice.
Cutting it feels like you’ve wasted all that effort.
Nothing you write is ever truly wasted if you save it into a scraps file.
That description you cut from chapter three might be perfect for chapter twelve.
The dialogue that doesn’t work for your protagonist might be exactly what you need for a side character.
Or it might end up in a completely different story a few years from now.
Having a scraps file changes how you approach editing.
It moves you from the pain of deletion to the joy of repurposing.
It’s easier to cut things when you know they’re not disappearing forever.
Set Up Your System (Keep It Simple)
The best scraps system is the one you’ll actually use.
Don’t overcomplicate this.
Here are a few approaches that work:
The Simple Document Method: Create a document called “Scraps” in whatever program you use for writing.
When you cut something from your main project, paste it into this document with the date and maybe a quick note about where it came from.
That’s it.
No fancy organization needed.
The Folder System: If you like things more organized, create a “Scraps” folder on your computer.
You can make subfolders if you want—maybe “Character Stuff,” “Descriptions,” “Dialogue”—but honestly, even one big folder works fine.
Save each piece as its own file with a descriptive name.
Using Apps: If you’re already using something like Notion or Evernote, create a scraps section there.
The advantage is that you can tag things and search through them later.
Plus, it syncs across your devices, so you can access your scraps whether you’re on your phone or computer.
I create a separate scraps file for each book I write in Google Docs for this reason.
Pick one method and stick with it.
No need to spend hours setting up an elaborate system.
How to Use This Thing
To make a scraps file work for you, you need to actually use it.
When you’re adding stuff: Don’t just dump text in there.
Take five seconds to add a date and maybe a note like “cut from chapter 2 – too much backstory” or “great dialogue but wrong character.”
Future you will thank you for these little breadcrumbs.
When you’re looking for material: Make it a habit to check your scraps when you’re stuck.
Need inspiration for a new scene?
Browse through your descriptions.
Dialogue that feels flat?
See what conversations you’ve saved.
Don’t be precious about it: Your scraps file isn’t a museum.
It’s okay to take things out, modify them heavily, or combine pieces from different entries.
The point is to have raw material to work with, not to preserve your words exactly as they were.
What to Keep and What to Toss
Not everything you cut needs to go in your scraps file.
If you cut a sentence because it was awkward or confusing, that’s not scrap-worthy—that’s editing.
But if you cut something because it was good but didn’t fit, that’s perfect for your scraps.
Save things like:
● Descriptions that are vivid but don’t fit the scene
● Character moments that reveal personality but slow down plot
● Dialogue that captures a voice but doesn’t advance the story
● Scenes that work on their own but don’t serve the larger narrative
Making It Part of Your Process
The scraps file works best when it becomes a natural part of your writing process.
When you’re doing a read-through and something needs to go, copy it to your scraps file.
It takes a few seconds and saves you from moments of regret later.
The Long Game
Scraps files become more valuable over time.
A description you wrote two years ago might be exactly what you need for your current project.
A character trait you developed but never used might be perfect for a new story.
I’ve seen writers pull dialogue from their scraps that was written for a completely different genre and use it in their current project.
I’ve even seen writers find recurring themes in their scraps that helped them understand their own writing better.
It’s about building a repository of your own creative voice.
You’ll start to see patterns in what you save, what you reuse, and what resonates with you as a writer.
Just Start
Don’t try to be perfect or go back and try to recover everything you have ever deleted.
Start with the revision or editing of your current work-in-progress.
The next time you’re about to delete something that feels too good to throw away, give it a chance to find its proper home.
Your future self—and your future stories—will thank you for it.
Every piece of writing you’ve ever done has taught you something about your craft.
Your scraps file is your safety net, your idea bank, and sometimes, it’s your creative lifeline when you’re stuck and need inspiration.
Create a scraps file.
Your words deserve better than the delete key.
And, by the way, I saved the bits and pieces I cut from this article.
You never know what I might need for future writings. 😉
P. A. Bumpass is a bestselling author. She writes sweet romances and cozy mysteries from her North Carolina home, usually with a cup of coffee in hand – hot, iced, whatever works. She believes in happily-ever-afters because we need more of those in our world. Her love stories deliver meet-cutes and slow-burn chemistry that make you believe in love again.
She writes about real people who find love, solve mysteries, and figure out life one cup of java at a time. Find her books at https://luckyturtlemedia.com/.
