The Beauty of Small Endeavours

It’s hard to believe we are again embarking on another lap around the sun. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been much into making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I prefer to set some loose, and I mean very loose, goalposts upon which to strive. As you can probably guess, I’m not a rigid planner; a pantser, as it is coined in the writing world, who likes to ease into new things with arms wide open, ready to embrace the magic of the unknown and the unexpected and wherever the path might lead me.

Speaking of magic, I finished the first draft of my second novel just before the festive season began. It was perfect timing—an unexpected triumph that filled me with warmth and joy as I whispered, 'There you are, little story; I’ve given you life.' I did manage to take a day or two off to relax, decorate the Christmas tree, and pop a party popper or two on New Year’s Eve. However, for the most part, while everyone else was enjoying beach outings and soaking up the sun, I chose to embark on an ambitious decluttering project and completely transformed my house.

Those who know me well understand that I have a passion for collecting, and the more, the merrier! I’m a self-proclaimed maximalist and do not subscribe to Marie Kondo’s minimalist philosophy. Everything from antiques and patterned fabrics to jewellery, art, and, of course, books brings me joy. I can’t imagine sipping tea while staring at a blank wall; in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever lived in a space that had one. For the record, I’m not experiencing a mid-life crisis, nor am I planning a complete purge. What I’m aiming to do is to eliminate the clutter that occupies valuable space, preventing my more beautiful and high-quality items from shining through. I’ve wanted to do this so-called ‘radical declutter’ for some time now. However, the task has always felt too daunting and time-consuming amidst my writing and hair and makeup work— that is, until the other day when, somewhere in that strange time between Christmas and New Year, I felt inspired to pull out a small dusty box from under the bed and make a modest start.

With a structural edit approaching, I suppose the takeaway from my long-winded story is this: just start—anywhere, no matter how small. And if things are not serving you both in your writing and life, get rid of them. As Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly says, ‘From little things, big things grow.’ In my case, I hope 2025 brings a polished manuscript that remains focused on its core story and, dare I say it, an organised home.

Happy New Year everyone!

J x