What can interior design teach us about writing?

In my 7 things you probably didn't know about me post (recently updated!), I didn't mention that besides crime drama, I also love to watch TV shows about home design and decoration.

At a recent Women's Success Alliance meeting, I heard designer Anita Wiklem speak about how to revitalize your living and work space to make you feel better (which in turn, as she pointed out, will make you more productive). 

Her biggest recommendation? Before you spend a dime on design or decoration, de-clutter. It's the most sure-fire way to improve the look of your space and maximize your enjoyment of it.

I heard Candice Olsen of Divine Design say the exact same thing on Oprah the other day. I happened to catch the last few minutes of her Clean Up Your Messy House tour (Single in the City episode) with Peter Walsh from Clean Sweep.

Any post where I talk about clutter would not be complete without my two favourite resources: The Fly Lady (I recently looked through her book, Sink Reflections and I highly recommend it!) and Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston.

Writing Prompt: Are you still trying to write the article of a lifetime? Take a hint from the design world and de-clutter your message to revitalize your writing.