Take Time for Perspective

I’ve been working on edits for this one project for months. And months. Last week I realized that I have lost all perspective on my edits. I can no longer tell if the changes I’m making are making the story better or just different. It also seems to be taking a lot of time to make small changes.

*Step Away From the Manuscript*

Ever since I sent those dreaded first 50 pages out for critique (again!) in early December I have been following through on the remaining pages in anticipation of my critiquer’s suggestions. But now I need to resist the urge to go back in. If an idea pops up, I’ll just have to write it in the notebook for later.

*Cleanse the Palate*

However, I’m having trouble getting into the swing of my next project. My brain seems to be requesting some time to relax before I require it to hold all the new plot pieces and character arcs together. Like eating a cracker between wine tastings to cleanse the palate, I need to do something to reset my mind, to create that blank space and make room for a new novel.

*Take the Time*

Gardening is my writing foil. I find it challenging (most plants die on me) and beautiful (succulents, anyone?) and life-affirming (organic food to feed the fam). I find these same attributes in my writing life, but gardening comes with less pressure to perform. I don’t ever plan to become a professional gardener so I can play and experiment and kill things off, only to plant more seeds and see what happens. And I don’t have to send any of my produce off to an agent or editor!

As writers, we need perspective on life—our stories comment on it. We need perspective on the publishing business—hard to break into it. And we need perspective on our own writing—get far enough away so we can see it for what it is.

Here are some of the succulents I've kept alive for over 6 months. A record!