Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Cleaning up Before the Maid Comes Over

I don't have a maid. But if I did, she would be useless, because I would clean the place spotless before she got there. I mean, do I really want her to see how dusty and doghair-y and dirty clothes-y my house really is? NO WAY. I want her to come and say, "My goodness, what a neatnik... she hardly needs me at all!"

The reason I bring this up is because this behavior of mine crosses over into many aspects of my life, including my writing. I recently was lucky enough to win a 3-chapter editing job (thank you Justine Dell and Candice!), and true to form, I am cleaning the dang house before the maid gets there. I can't help myself!!

Do you do this too? Madly editing before you're supposed to show it to someone? Or are you of the school that says, "why should I clean the house, that's what I paying for"?
(or winning contests for, as the case may be)

Just wondering.......

8 comments:

yokohamamama said...

You *know* I'm like that:)) It's congenital...
(be sure to check field notes this friday, k? :))

ann foxlee said...

ooh, ooh! friday field notes, can't wait!

Matthew MacNish said...

Absolutely. I don't go crazy with major changes or anything but I sure as hell do line edit like a madman before I show someone.

Sarah Ahiers said...

ohhh heck yeah. I definitely clean house for the maid

Southpaw said...

I would probably straighten up first, but leave the actually cleaning to them. I would love a house cleaner. BUT for writing I would go over and over and over and over it before sending it out. Weird I know.

robertga99 said...

I would totally be like that. She can do the deep cleaning but I don't want her to think I'm a pig. Although, I don't have a maid so I guess I will have to do the deep cleaning too. Dang it!

I loved your comment on my blog about Project Runway. So true!

yokohamamama said...

Good morning and Happy Halloween! from your sis:))

LARCHMONT said...

It sounds to me like a very good habit, and I think editing, in any form at any stage, is a good thing. I don't think it'll necessarily mean less work editing for the editors, but it'll certainly free you up later and allow you to focus on other things.