The Woman in Red

Happy New Year!

We were on the road when 2016 hit. I was desperately clutching for a coffee carafe at a Residence Inn, when I realized there was a woman standing next to me. I moved aside and said we could share the space.

She was dressed in a red sweatshirt and red sweatpants. Very Santa-esque. And she had something that resembled a shower cap on her head. She had one of those smiles that reels you in instantly. I quickly found a way to continue our conversation.

“Another year to grow older.” I winked at her as she fumbled with a hazelnut creamer. I can be quite friendly when in dire need of caffeine, apparently.

She stopped fiddling with the stir stick and looked me directly in the eyes, a serene expression defining her features. “This is going to be a great year for you.”

It’s amazing how much of an impact a stranger can have. I spent the rest of the day in the car with my husband and kids feeling as though someone spiked my coffee. Maybe that’s how they roll at that particular Residence Inn along the coast. Or perhaps it’s that the woman in red gave me a blessing to start my year. She tipped me off to the best way to begin anything—believing in its potential.

Cheers to a great year ahead!

*Happy 40^th birthday to my husband! 

The Link Between Refurbishing and Editing

Recently, I tackled this project.

 

And as I washed, stained, painted, distressed, and searched for baskets, etc. I began to identify strong similarities between my two creative loves.

How so?

Seeing the Potential

I don’t pick up a piece of furniture or invest in a concept unless I have a good feel for what the project could become. Assessing potential is an absolute must when it comes to refinishing furniture or writing novels.

Cleaning off the Dirt

Whether weeding through a rough draft or scrubbing down old piece of furniture for the first time I know going in my hands are going to get dirty. Anything muddying up the manuscript has got to go.

Adjusting the Color, Stain, and Distressing Techniques

With furniture, and with novels, I make changes based upon what I feel will work best for the overall piece. This includes considering color schemes, cutting characters, reworking scenes, and applying a darker stain. I’m constantly stepping back and asking myself what would add value to the finished project.

Taking Time to Let Things Adequately Dry

If you apply multiple layers of stain too quickly it causes the furniture to get sticky and clumpy. This could easily translate with editing a novel, too. It’s essential to take some time away from a manuscript during edits to think through changes and to allow for new ideas to leave an impression. This is where meticulous work pays off.

Hunting for the Perfect Accessories

I found the knobs for this piece on sale at Pier 1 for $2.00 each. But I spent a good deal of time evaluating my options. I held at least five unique kinds of knobs next to the picture I’d taken on my phone of the drawers.

I give careful thought to word selection during the editing stage. I work hard not to settle. It’s worth it to hunt for the most powerful, impactful words that complement the sentences, and overall work.

Filling in the Missing Spaces

It’s clear to see there were just a few things missing with this piece of furniture. I measured. Then I went shopping. While looking for baskets, I thought a lot about what would work best. I’m thrilled with what I found and how the baskets blend nicely with the rich stain of the drawers.

During the editing phase, there are times I encounter notable gaps—places in the novel where more tension is needed or more explanation for character motivation. I don’t just stuff any old thing in those holes. I measure, then do my best to fill the spaces with useful scenes or information. I’m constantly taking the entire novel into consideration. 

Have you ever stepped back to realize two areas you invest your time in are more closely connected than you once thought?