Remove Clutter from Your Writing

House for Sale

I recently helped clean up and stage a house for viewing. I removed clutter, made sure nothing was in front of the large windows, so the light could get in, and took down some family pictures. This staging allows for the viewers to see what's really there, instead of someone else's stuff. This way, they can project their dreams onto the space. They can better enter the space and imagine it as their own when there's not too much clutter.

Consider telling in writing as clutter. I like to go through my drafts with a yellow highlighter (there is one on the Microsoft Word too), and highlight all the tells. In my. nonfiction, I highlight all the information dumping, where I tell the reader too much about what I want them to know. Clutter. In nonfiction there is likely to be some telling (a few family photos left on the wall), but too much causes the reader to lose interest.

When we write we are staging a scene for our readers. We want them to see what's there, while at the same time be able to experience the scene in their own way. This encourages us to show, not tell, and to give descriptive details that are relevant to the narrative (and theme). Choose what details you develop. Let the light into the scene by clearing out the clutter, while at the same time reveal the authenticity of the scene. 

With all the false and divisive narrative going on right now, it's good to read something real. Something that reveals the truth behind a difficulty or challenge but also gives us a way through. Let the reader be in the room while at the same time inviting them to project their thoughts on what is or could happen in this scene or narrative. Trust your reader. 

Remove the clutter and give room for the reader to engage in their own way.  

Upcoming Writing Events: 

Mind • Body • Word: A Yoga & Writing Retreat this January through the UW, Madison, Continuing Studies..  More information and Sign up.

The Abundant Writer's Life A one day session for 10 writers on Living the Abundant Writer's Life
Thursday February 27th, 2020 at Healing Services on the River in Prairie du Sac. 9:00 till 4:00 .
 Explore and identify unique ways to generate income, capture readers, and live successful and plentiful as a writer. Generate tangible ways to make your writer's life abundant.   Learn more and sign up.