Tessa McDermid

This move I’ve been making at home is not going easily.  First, I’m going into a much smaller room.  I had to give up a table and loveseat, which is where I worked on revisions.  I’ve downsized some storage cabinets.  Now, I have to decide which books stay and which books go.  This is not an easy decision for me — I feel like I’m abandoning old friends and family members.

We moved a lot while I was growing up.  Each time, we were allotted so much weight for the move.  Any amount over that limit, we paid for.  We sold furniture, clothes, some appliances. . . but seldom did we sell books!  Books were special and precious. 

Yes, I know I can go to the library and find copies of some of the books on my shelves.  But the library isn’t open late at night when I need a particular reference or when I’m trying to remember the name of a character in a book from way back or. . . I just need to connect with a particular author for a few relaxing moments.

I finally decided to start the process by moving in the bookcases that will fit in the new space.  Then I brought in those books that I must keep:  references, sentimental favorites, hard-to-find-titles.  After that, I added books that were special for other reasons: a friend’s book, examples of a particular genre, TBR.  Once the shelves were filled, the leftover books were moved into boxes in the garage.

Now I have to consider the best way to find them new homes.  A sale is one option.  I also know of a few people who make sure shut-ins receive books on a regular basis.  The books have done wonders for me, helping me through my life, and I hope they can do the same for someone else.  It’s just so hard to let a good book go!   

A week ago, I moved into a new study at our house. Switched rooms with one of my sons. Amazing how that change in location changed the way I write. I’ve been rejuvenated, excited about projects that had been languishing on the shelves. Sitting in a different position, the sun on my back from a window (which I didn’t have in the other room), and my mind starts to flow with ideas.

This website is also a beginning for me. Putting together a bio forced me to think about what has been important in my writing life. Reviewing the book blurbs was fun and reminded me of the stories that I had written and gave me ideas for new ones.

I used to tell my students to look at things from a ‘new perspective’ when we were looking at the puzzles in the Highlights magazines. “Turn the page a different direction and see what you can find.” Usually, just a 90 degree shift would open up the images for their eyes.

That’s what I’m doing now, looking at my writing from a ‘new perspective.’ I’m excited about the possibilities. Who knows what will show up now that I’ve shifted my page? Thanks for joining me on the journey!