I’ve made a big effort on my garden this year, and little by little, the yard has transformed. My daughter recently added a lot of flowers. I’ve taken to wearing a hiking hip pack for watering. I slide my phone into the side pocket to listen to audio books, and keep snippy scissors in another pocket for deadheading. I’m quite pleased with my system.
I planted a potato vine a year ago and yesterday, while watering and snipping off brown parts, I thought about the parallel with editing: chopping clutter often helps the story show through, and can allow beautiful lines to form. Just like trimming plants, it can give writing new life.
Obviously I’m not the only one who’s made this comparison, as you can see from the Joyce Carol Oates quote at the top, though neither gardening nor writing is always selfless. I like the thought that my efforts might please others, but I wouldn’t do either if it didn’t give me pleasure.
Instagram pics:
Marie Judson 