Why it Works: A Story About the Psychology of Clutter

This editor’s take on one well-crafted story

Every now and then I analyze a nonfiction story that impressed me, zeroing in on why it works by focusing on several of the Fundamental Elements of a Good Story. This is one I edited on Medium (the “friend link” bypasses the paywall). I encourage you to go read the story—because it’s compelling—and consciously evaluate why you think it works, then come back and see what you think of my take.

Headline: The Secret to Reducing Clutter is Deep Inside You

Subtitle: Most decluttering advice won’t work. What to do instead.

Lede: This story has a delayed lede. After five short paragraphs of setup, it goes like this: “Clutter is normal and happens to just about everyone. But sometimes, it gets out of hand. For those of us lacking organizational talents, most decluttering advice won’t stick. As I describe below, understanding why clutter crowds your living space is essential — and leads to eventually learning how to address the problem. Otherwise, seemingly great advice falls flat.”

Author: Gail Post, Ph.D.

As a reader and an editor, here’s what I like about this story:

Standout Factors: There are approximately 900 gazillion stories out there about how to reduce clutter, and even more TikToks and You Tube vids. This story is NOT LIKE THE OTHERS.

The Story Idea: Wait, what? I can’t just follow a how-to list to declutter my home? You mean… there’s some psychology involved? Oh, well, that explains everything! Go on.

Headline: Hints at what’s wrong with other clutter advice yet leaves just enough mystery that you’re compelled to click.

Subtitle: Seals the deal. What you’ve heard just does not work.

Lede: I love me a good delayed lede. They are hard to do well. The preamble has to be compelling, as it is here. The writer gets on the reader’s side, holds their hand, says I’m a psychologist, but I have the same problem as you, and we’ll figure this out together. It’s honest.

Outline: Excellently done, and not entirely predictable. Everything has its place, is well chunked out, and there’s a lot more to be said about the problem of clutter than what you might’ve expected.

Bottom line: Every story worth writing should be first, best or sideways. On the topic of clutter, you can’t be first. Even being best is hard, given all the expert advice out there. So the writer went sideways, and in the process effectively debunked everything you thought you know.

Cheers,

Rob

In addition to Why it Works features, I post weekly writing guides and essays (see the archives). I am much obliged to every subscriber for your support and encouragement, which along with gallons of coffee makes this newsletter possible. Thank you!