The Ten Percent Rule

Whenever I have the chance to teach creative writing I teach the 10% rule.

Let me try it right now:

(okay, I cut more than 10%)

And I can do it again:

Distilling your words down to what matters makes them pack a better punch. It makes you a more powerful writer. And then there’s the fact, that people are lazy busy and more people will read it if it’s shorter.

This morning I realized that the 10% rule works for pretty much everything – losing weight, screen time, stuff in your closet, etc.

10% just isn’t that much (ask my daughter whose paycheck depends on tips).

Cutting 10% pretty much anywhere will improve your life, or at least your mental health.

What can you apply the 10% rule to? Your books, your collection of coffee mugs, the stack of spices you’ll never use?

10% more room in your jeans or your cabinets or shelves feels spacious.

But what about applying the 10% rule to the time spent stressing something outside your control? Or the hours spent on social media or playing that ridiculous triple matching game on your phone?

Could you complain 10% less? Or talk 10% less?

Everywhere I look now, I’m seeing possibilities for the rule.

What about you?

Can you cut 10% out of your latest manuscript? How about your bad habits? Or your belongings? Or the baggage you’re carting through life?

The possibilities are endless.

Hey, thanks for reading. I know you’ve got lots of options, so thanks for sharing a few of your minutes with me.

Honored,

Cara

If you’re a writer (or you wanna be) and you’d like some guidance, editing, accountability, or some good old fashioned encouragement in meeting your writing goals, reach out. I offer one-on-one coaching. Learn more here.

My latest novel, Blind Turn is a mother-daughter story of forgiveness in the aftermath of a fatal texting and driving accident. Learn more about it and find out how to get your copy here.

If you’re curious about what else I’m up to, check out my website, CaraWrites.com.

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And If you’re a dog lover, check out my other blog, Another Good Dog. And if you want to know what is really happening in the animal shelters in this country, visit, Who Will Let the Dogs Out.

I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram, and I’m thrilled to get email from readers (and writers), you can reach me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.

My book, 100 Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues is available anywhere books are sold, but if you’d like some help finding it (or want to read some lovely reviews), click here.