Revision and Organization

Before I get to my post, I want to add a new something to the blog--updates on what I'm reading. So whenever I start a new book, I'll post it in red and the top of the blog.

What I'm reading: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

I love organization. You know The Container Store?..I haul my kids around there at least once every few weeks. Even if we're just window shopping. Sick, I know. But I hate clutter. It feels to me like you can't think straight when surrounded by material chaos.

Now, having said that, I bet you're thinking my house, office and car are simply the perfection of tidily stacked bins and perfectly collected paper clips.

Who are we kidding here. I have two little kids and work outside the home. Tis but a dream my friends. Sigh...here's the reality:

Yes, this is my desk! This is where bills are paid and schedules are managed...this is where I'm supposed to move through the birthing pains of creating a wip!! KELLY, my local Container Store sale representative would be shocked, SHOCKED. Oh, I can talk a good game about label makers and hanging file folders. But the organization walk requires a significant amount of up keep. *hangs head in shame*

Anyway, I'm going to clean my office (again) today. But I also wanted to ask folks about their organization techniques for revising their ms's.

Do you have any special tricks you'd like to share with me? I mean, I've revised and revised...but I'm feeling like maybe some type of overhaul may be in order. I feel like I need to stand back and observe the whole thing.

How do you do that? Anyone? What are your favorite secrets to ms revision?