Tyler Has Words is the blog of Tyler Patrick Wood, a writer/musician from Texas. You'll get free book excerpts twice a week. On the other days, you'll get words. If you would like an original take on everything by an expert on nothing, this might be a cool place to hang out.

About Fixing Things

About Fixing Things

Post 124:

            Today I might dive into some nooks and crannies that I usually don’t explore. It’s probably because I’m proofing a final copy of my upcoming book. It’s such a weird thing. If you’re even remotely honest, back when you made the thing, you were giving it your best shot. Then you look again and realize how imperfect you can be. It can be disheartening; at the very least, frustrating.

            Then again, it ain’t all bad. Not bad at all, if you want to really get happy-pants with this. Every time you edit or try to fix the flaws it’s another opportunity to get better. When you’re a writer this is pretty cool, because it’s a controlled environment, one that you created yourself.

            In life it’s cool, too. We’re all crazy assemblages of the stories and experiences we’ve gone through. Rarely do we have a perfect day at the office, so to speak. Always room for some rewrites, tweaks, etc. Improvement is the point, so don’t shy away from editing, painful as it might be. Improvement is destruction and creation; another word for it—work. There’s nothing crappier than more work, but usually nothing we need more. Fan that sentiment out into whatever nook or cranny you want; it’s one of those expansive thoughts—at least I think so.

            That things can be fixed is an easier idea for some than others. I don’t have a mechanic’s mentality, I suppose. Not naturally. Never that good at restoration or refurbishment. Not of things. Maybe that’s why I’m in my mind so much, trying to force it into the right spaces, make it do the right stuff. Not sure.

            All I know is that it’s never going to be perfect. People may say the job you did was perfect. A new love might say you’re perfect. You may kill it one day at work and plop down on the sofa thinking, “perfect.” But it’s just something we say. Everything could use some more work. It sounds like a bit of a downer, I’ll admit. But really, it’s a reason to keep going. Hell, it may be the reason. That and Mexican food. Without Mexican food, all of this is pointless. Cheers you animals.

            See you after.

About Looking Back

About Looking Back

About Henry Fellows

About Henry Fellows

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