Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Otherwise, I'm Carving
When I write I begin with a brain dump, in which I simply start typing and see what emerges. There’s no structure, rules or judgement in this phase. And it can be a mess. But hidden somewhere inside that mess is my final draft. I just have to find it.
From there I use the delete button like a butcher’s cleaver; hacking off chunks of whatever doesn’t belong—the unnecessary, redundant or awkward bits—gone. I routinely delete entire paragraphs; nothing is safe.
The final step is to swap the cleaver for a scalpel. This is where I focus on definition and detail; making the piece as lean as possible without sacrificing the message. In this step, I only write more when absolutely necessary—otherwise, I’m carving.
I’ve learned that by thoughtfully removing everything that doesn’t belong, I’m automatically left with what does.
Both in writing and in life.
“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don't.”
― Joshua Becker
P.S. Scroll down for the YouTube video of a song that's been stuck in my head for about 2 months straight. It does contain a few curse words, so be warned if that sort of thing offends you.
Enjoy!
