Get Messy

Life is the messy bits.

This is a quote from a movie, the 2010 RomCom Letters to Juliet with Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.

I’ve always loved this quote, especially as a reformed / recovering perfectionist. 

And if you think about it, the messy bits are the interesting parts in stories. If your character has no flaws, they’re boring. If your essay about your life doesn’t include the weird, niche details of the color of the cookie jar from your grandmother’s kitchen, your reader can’t paint a true picture. 

The messy bits are the best bits, sometimes. Especially when it comes to your writing. So, if you’re working on a draft that doesn’t feel quite right, take a step back and look for the mess. If your characters aren’t growing, chances are they aren’t flawed enough and haven’t had enough obstacles to overcome. If your memoir pages are feeling flat, chances are you aren’t digging deep enough with the messy details to really hit home. 

A reminder, if you’re working on writing projects and would like a little guidance, I offer 1:1 writing coaching and am able to take on four new clients! I’d love to help you see your writing dreams become a reality. Email me if you’d like to schedule a call to chat more!