Every author has his or her own writing habits that they fall into. Repetition, overuse of the same body language, tired, worn out cliches, that type of thing. These habits are okay for a first draft, but when you're in editing mode, as I've been these last few weeks, it's time to take the scissors to the manuscript, and cut all these bad habits from your work. Word count goes out the window in favor of producing an end product that's lean, where every scene advances the story line, where every word and every paragraph is essential to the story.
The same scenario is playing out in my life as well as in my manuscripts. My home was placed on the market last week, with the end goal of downsizing to a single story home that's more easily navigable for those of us with joint problems, and easier to take care of. So, I've started paring down my possessions and decluttering the house. I've almost got a handle on the clutter, but the paring down of what's accumulated over the years will take awhile. My rule of thumb is if I haven't looked at the box or item, or worn the article of clothing in the six years I've lived here, it's time to toss it. I'm cutting out all the repetition, all the worn out cliches, all the paperwork from years ago, etc. It's time to get mean and lean, since I'm hoping to decrease my floor space by about half. I will brutally edit all extraneous material from my life, just as I do with my manuscripts.Big changes are coming in my life. My edits went back yesterday to the publisher. Book 8 in my series–A Widow's Salvation–was the most difficult book for me to write in the series, but I think the end product is one of my best.
Now I can only hope the move to a smaller house, which will be the most difficult move of my life,
will end up being one of my best decisions ever.
Becky, good luck with selling of the house, downsizing is good. I just moved from renting to buying my own house (small of course) this past winter. and soon experienced frozen/ broken pipes. I made the comparison between owning your own house and taking the training wheels off the bicycle. We're special folk that can look at these situations in unique ways. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteI'm still getting the hang of downsizing. My hubby isn't a possessions person at all, so it's taken me some time to get on the same page as he is. I'm sure you'll love your new home. Stairs are a pain.
ReplyDeleteVery good analogy, Becky. For me it is easier to edit words than it is to edit my household possessions and memorabilia. Clothing is the easiest to divest but deciding the fate of all the items with sentimental value is a tough call.
ReplyDeleteExcellent analogy! I've spent my adult life in apartments and condos. I love the convenience of this low-maintenance lifestyle. Best of luck with the move. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone. I'm trying to go through one box a day and deciding what stays and what goes. Just as I've had to do with each chapter of my manuscript. Tough calls all around.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Becky! Change is so hard. I don't know what is worst, saying good-bye to items I think I need or cutting words, paragraphs--even chapters I just love. You love your new revised story. I have no doubt you will come out happier and more content in your new home.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Christy. We've lived in our house for 44 years, and the attic is about to cave in. We've been thinking like you going to a ranch or one floor condo. But the thought of getting rid of all that stuff scares me to death. Besides I have a lot of my mother-in-laws things since she moved into a senior center. I have to take lessons from you on both counts. Extreme editing and decluttering. Maybe there's hope for me yet. Great post - as always
ReplyDeleteLove the comparison, Becky. It's so true how paring down is difficult, whether it's words or possessions. I think the effort will be worthwhile, though. A clean manuscript feels as good as a clean house! Best of luck with your move.
ReplyDeleteDecluttering, be it of a manuscript or of a house, is something we all need to get better at. I'm trying to look at everything and assess its value before I keep or toss. It's exhausting, on both fronts.
ReplyDeleteI have downsized my life considerably the last 7 years. The only things I've really held on to are my research books. My daughter tells me I can get all the information (and more) on the internet, but there's something about books that make a place home for me. Good luck with the pare down and sale! Fingers crossed for you!
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