Friday, June 22, 2012

15 Things Garage Sales and Writing Have in Common

Last Saturday, then again on Wednesday, I was part of my family's annual garage sale at my sister’s house.

As I sweltered in the heat, I realized that having a garage sale and being a writer have several things in common.

* Both require long hours of preparation

* Both take lots of hard work

* It helps to have a plan

* It’s good to be organized

* Marketing is essential

* More than one set of eyes and ears need are needed

* What you value may not have the same value to others

* Be willing to let go of what you no longer need

* Be willing to negotiate

* But be willing to stand your ground when it matters

* Everyone loves a bargain, but sadly a few expect it for free

* Time invested doesn’t always equal payback

* Being around people you like doesn’t seem like work

* Meeting new and friendly people is fun

* Knowing there are people who love to read books is gratifying

No doubt writing and garage sales have even more in common; maybe I'll save those thoughts for another day.

The garage sale was a success. Everyone involved made money. My grandkiddos were excited with their share of the loot, and I am tickled with what I made. It’s a good feeling to de-clutter the house a bit, make a tidy sum, see smiles on faces of children and adults who are going to enjoy possessions others have enjoyed, and to be able to donate leftover items to a charitable resale shop.

While the family garage sale was a worthwhile experience, I’m glad it happens only once a year.

19 comments:

  1. That's the trick - don't put it back it in the garage, attic, etc. Donate whatever is left (assuming it's in good condition, of course!) :)

    The last time my husband and I had a table at a flea market, I only had a few books to sell, but you know what? They all went. :)

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  2. Isn't it funny how writers can see writing in EVERYTHING? I love that your brain was thinking writing when you were selling!

    And that the analogy worked SO well! ;-)

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  3. But you can have that "fun" every Wednesday or Saturday, if you want. It doesn't have to be just an annual event. ;)

    Wonderful analogy. I don't think Hope Clark has ever compared writing to a garage sale. Well done.

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  4. A garage sale is A LOT of work. I've done one and that was enough. I find fulfillment in giving it to the resale shop. I do enjoy attending garage sales, though. Glad yours was a success on many levels.

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  5. Very interesting page today! Yep, a garage sale can be a killer...we say NEVER AGAIN, and then the next year my friends and I are at it again.

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  6. Now I am imagining a virtual garage sale of writing. Tables piled high with articles on every subject. Short stories. A variety of genres. Published. Unpublished. Prices negotiable. Or maybe I'm just thinking of Amazon.

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  7. Hi Madeline,
    That's great that all your books sold!

    Hi Cathy,
    Once I start thinking about writing, it sticks like a piece of chewing gum on the bottom of an old pair of sneakers.

    Hi Sioux,
    True. I could do it again, but oh the inhumanity.

    Hi Sally,
    Thanks. It is gratifying to know others are enjoying things I once enjoyed.

    Hi Claudia,
    I bet your garage sales are wonderful!

    Hi Val,
    Hehehehe. Yeah, there's that. Amazon is everywhere.

    Donna

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  8. As soon as I saw the words "garage sale" in your title, my heart did a little pitter-pat. I think I need to go garage-saling today. Thanks for sparking that idea.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Julian,
      You are welcome. Hope you get lots of bargains.
      Donna

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  9. Great post, Donna! I'm glad you did well at the sale!

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  10. Wonderful metaphor, and what a great idea for a family get-together! Getting things cleared out leaves me feeling so renewed. Oops, there's another one.

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  11. You are so right about both garage sales (and writing) being hard work. Great analogy!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  12. Hi Mary,
    Thanks!

    Hi Tammy,
    You're right about how getting things cleared out is renewing.

    Hi Pat,
    Thanks!

    Donna

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  13. I love garage sales and I love writing. Your article is right on. We're having a garage sale this weekend, hope I have as good luck as you did.

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  14. Hi Janet,
    Good luck with your garage sale this weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.
    Donna

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  15. Good for you with your successful garage sale - I've never had any success with them. Liked how you tied in writing with garage sales!

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  16. I love your list! And I agree it's very true. Glad you made a lot of loot :)

    Happy Weekend!

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  17. Definitely a great comparison. Writing and garage sales are both terrific ways to purge. Purge out your feelings/thoughts or just purge out the pile of VHS tapes you'll never watch again-ever.

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  18. Hi Lynn,
    I wouldn't say it was a huge success, but it was a relief to unclutter some of my stuff.

    Hi Carol,
    Thanks. Coming from you that's a great compliment. I love your Friday Top 10 Lists!

    Hi Jene,
    Purging through VHS tapes is a good idea.
    Donna

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