I was so utterly pleased to have my schedule opened up enough to do something in my writing life. I opened a copy of my last novel. Finally finished several months ago. Within one page I found some horrendous problems. Places that when I’d finished editing something slipped in the ole computer brain and left some scattered problems. I edited twenty-nine pages before being required to stop by other life requirements. This work has been edited over fifteen times…by multiple people. Why? How could it have been in such bad shape? The only ones who know are the fates. What made me open it to begin with? Last I knew it was ready to send off to the ball, all shiny, eager-faced, ready to dance. Fate interfered and enabled me to take a last look and escape deep gouging embarrassment at the hands of an unforgiving agent or editor. Whether you call it editing or pruning, a little judicious work in that department can make things better for us. My mom, recently departed from this mortal coil, always strove for improvement, somewhere, anywhere, for life comes undone easier than it is done. It is time to edit. Whether it is activities you don’t enjoy as much, people you don’t enjoy as often, things perhaps, and that even comes down to the tiny things. How long has it been since you replaced your wallet? A lamp? A skillet? Your towel? Found the floor of your car’s trunk? Had lunch in the park, a different park? Editing/Pruning/Changing can help us find clarity in our thoughts, charm in our words/work, comfort in our lives. My twenty-nine pages so lifted my spirits, I was able to deal with impending harvest news, feeding twenty people per day for twenty days. Did I mention I don’t like to cook? How did it lift my spirits? Because though I was disturbed that the story was messed up, I was also pleasured by the way it flowed forward. Do some editing, you won’t be less for it. I promise.
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