Why Editing is Like Clearing Out the Cupboard Under the Stairs
There's too much stuff, everything's broken and covered in spiders
Hey,
So, at last week’s Unf*ck Your Writing hangout, I got to share my favourite writing analogy:
Editing is like clearing out the cupboard under the stairs — it’s got to be done, but there’s always a point you start regretting your life choices.
Sure, sure, you start out pretty optimistic (or at least determined), hauling out out all the shit that’s been crammed in there over the years. You’re going to be efficient. You’re going to be ruthless. But oh, there’s that old coat you used to love, except it’s got a big ol’ tear in the sleeve and you never did get round to fixing it… And why the fuck do you have three broken umbrellas but no actual functioning ones?
You dig deeper, uncovering hitherto unknown layers of understairs hoarding. And after a while, you look around to find yourself trapped in the hallway, surrounded by chaos (cue: regretting life choices). Nut you can’t just walk away and leave all this crap everywhere.
So you really start getting methodical. You make piles: stuff to throw away; stuff to keep; stuff that needs fixing; stuff you’re not sure about but you’re gonna hang onto for now.
Then here’s what you do:
You put everything you’re going to keep back in the cupboard.
You find creative solutions for more effective storage.
You throw all the broken and extraneous shit away.
You figure out if you actually have the brainpower or energy to fix the stuff that needs fixing.
Or you find someone else who knows more than you do about umbrella engineering.
I think a lot of people think they hate editing because they’ve reached that point of sitting on the hall floor, overwhelmed by the mountains of unsorted detritus.
But sometimes you just need to look at it like a big Tetris puzzle.
Sometimes you discover gems that’ve been hidden at the back of the cupboard for ages.
Sometimes you chuck out so much crap that your brain finally has the space to see clearly.
And how satisfying is it when everything is in its right place and you can shut that door again…?
So, if you’ve been avoiding editing, or are stuck mid-draft, or would like to learn a few ways to make the whole process more enjoyable, consider joining in with my next workshop:
The Make It Less Sh*t Workshop
Tues 12th May @ 7pm (BST)
Or, for personalised editorial feedback & advice:
I have a few spots left for one-to-one mentoring this month, and will be re-opening for editing services by the end of May, so if you’re in need of a friendly, objective eye, lemme know!
And I deeply apologise if this has prompted you to start clearing out your actual understairs cupboard, but solidarity to you — whether you’re in the editing trenches or covered in cobwebs...
Happy writing
: )
