Exploring
the Writing–Gardening Connection
by
Kelli A. Wilkins
One day after working in the yard, I stood back and
took a look at my handiwork. I had just finished pruning my lilacs and weeding
a huge flowerbed. Everything seemed to be glowing and vibrating with a renewed
energy. The yard looked better and felt better.
I always feel kinda bad about cutting back the lilacs,
but then I thought, “The pruning needs to be done, otherwise everything gets
overgrown and suffocated.”
Then it dawned on me that I’ve been doing the same
thing with my writing—pruning and weeding what’s been long overgrown.
For the last two years I’ve been in a cycle of
re-releasing my romances previously published by Amber Quill Press (while
writing new books). I’m rediscovering the stories and characters after being
away from them for many years. Each book is being revised, re-edited, and in
some cases, parts are completely rewritten.
I’ve deleted scenes that no longer work, added new
ones, and given each story a pruning—of dialogue tags, excess words, too many exclamation
points, and yanking other weeds that need pulling from these gardens. As a
result, the books are stronger and better than ever. (And most have fabulous
new covers.)
If you’re editing a short story or a novel, ask
yourself, “What is necessary to this scene? What can I cut?” You might be amazed
to find that tightening a scene or a chapter makes it stronger and helps the
story flourish in the long run.
But I’m not stopping my “pruning” process with my
books. I’m also weeding out other things in my writing world that are overgrown
and need to go—old market guidelines, bits and pieces of story ideas that I no
longer need, short romance stories that never went anywhere… the list goes on.
I’ve sorted through about a hundred file folders and recycled bins full of
paper. And I’ve extended this to my electronic world by deleting unnecessary
files and updating my blog and website.
It’s refreshing to have less stuff to maintain. I now
have a clearer path to what I want to work on next, and I’m not bogged down
with clutter or overwhelmed by “writing weeds.”
Each spring, I ask myself a few questions about my
flowerbeds: What do I want to plant? Where? What died off over the winter that
needs to be replaced? I’m asking these types of questions about my writing life
too, wondering: What do I want to write next? Do I want to go back to writing
horror stories for a while? Finish my next three romance novels? Should I take some
time off from writing?
I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’ll sit in the
garden and think about them!
Writing a novel or a short story is a lot like
planting a flowerbed. First, you need an idea or a basis for the story (a place
where you’ll plant). Then you start the hard work, writing the book (digging
and planting). After your first draft is finished (your flowers are blooming), you
have to edit and revise your work (weed and prune as needed!). Once that’s all
done, you’ll move on to marketing your story (inviting friends over to see your
flowers).
Writing and gardening take time, energy, and
commitment, but in the long run, the results are worth it. After a long day,
you can sit back and admire all your hard work.
Enjoy the summer!
Kelli
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelli
A. Wilkins
is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19
romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat
levels.
Her third gay romance, Four
Days with Jack, was released in June 2017. Kelli’s trilogy of erotic
romance novellas, Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and
Ultimate
Night’s Delights was published in spring 2017.
Loving a Wild Stranger was published in
January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the
Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.
Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies,
Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy
historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.
Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A
Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide
filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.
Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.
Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more
about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can
sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.
CATCH UP WITH KELLI
Here
are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web
Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/
Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/
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