Knowing what to fold, or toss out of a story can be a hard decision. It takes great courage to cut something that you may love. But if it doesn't serve the story, or at least move the story forward, it's usually best to cut it.

There's another aspect to this melodic adage. Know when to toss the story. I recently worked on a story for an upcoming concert. I had spent some time crafting it, and practicing it at home. Then I got the story "up on its feet" in front of some colleagues...whoa! Not what I expected. And I don't mean the reaction of my colleagues, I mean my reaction. I didn't like it. It didn't sit well. I got some good feedback about how I could improve the story, but as I thought more and more about it, I knew it was time to drop the whole story. I looked at my cards and knew that the time was right to fold 'em, at least for this hand, at this table.

Sometimes, no matter what the potential might be, you just can't stretch it into a winning hand. It may be best to fold 'em and walk away, at least for the time being.