The little things that make me love you...or not.
October 08, 2010 |
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One example is he never opened the door for me, car or building. I’m a southern girl, he is a southern boy, opening the door is a form of flattery that I revel in. Another example, every birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s it was the same dozen red roses, from the supermarket, despite the fact I repeatedly told him my favorite flowers were hydrangeas. (FYI...I’m not the subtle type, I’m pretty straight forward.) These are two of many examples of little things that were overlooked. Alone, they are petty worthless preferences but added together, their sum equaled him losing me.
As I revise my novel I realize I’m pretty picky. Yes, sometimes I overanalyze to the point of stifling myself. But I find as I keep moving forward, I sort out the little things. Things that individually would not cause an agent to reject my book but if you add all those little things up, I will surely end up in the slush pile.
6 comments
I think it's great you're like that. That makes you a great editor (and no doubt crit partner, too). :D
ReplyDeleteGood reminder. I sometimes skim past the little things hoping no one will notice (even though my conscience prickles). You've just reminded me WHY it's important. Don't want to be stuck in slush.
ReplyDeleteSometimes Stina it's a pain but I'm crossing my fingers it pays off in the end. I wonder if my crit partner tires of my details? SHe says she loves me :)
ReplyDeleteCatherine, yes as eager as I am to send it this off, I know it would be tossed to the side like a candy wrapper.
Stina you're right, it makes her an EXCELLENT critique partner.
ReplyDeleteI DON'T tire of your details! I always-always-always love them. And I do love you :)
*Di marks down hydrangeas as Dana's flower of choice*
It's great to be picky for some things, like who you're going to spend the rest of your life with and when you're writing a novel with the hopes of publication! It's important to get it right so being picky is beneficial! Notice I didn't say perfect; no matter how hard we try, nothing is ever truly perfect since perfection is subjective!
ReplyDeleteThe little things are so important! They can make a work SING! Just like the little things can bring us huge amounts of joy--they'll do the same for a manuscript!
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is nothing wrong with being a little bit picky :)
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