Yet Another Embarrassing Confession (you would think I'd have run out by now)
The absolute worst part about being a writer for me is grammar and punctuation. With every post I put up, every email I send and every story I write, I am waiting for someone to come back to me and say, "Seriously? How can a writer not know where to put commas?"
Commas are my enemy. I have no clue where they go. I try to put them where I think would be a natural pause in a sentence, but I know I'm usually wrong. I basically toss them up in the air willy-nilly and let them land where they want.
Can you recommend a grammar/punctuation book that is easy to understand? (I never took a "real" English class in high school, so I'm starting fresh). The Elements of Style is too...sterile for me. I need something I can easily grasp onto.
I'd greatly appreciate any, suggestions. (<< that comma was a joke. See, at least I can joke about my ignorance)
Commas are my enemy. I have no clue where they go. I try to put them where I think would be a natural pause in a sentence, but I know I'm usually wrong. I basically toss them up in the air willy-nilly and let them land where they want.
Can you recommend a grammar/punctuation book that is easy to understand? (I never took a "real" English class in high school, so I'm starting fresh). The Elements of Style is too...sterile for me. I need something I can easily grasp onto.
I'd greatly appreciate any, suggestions. (<< that comma was a joke. See, at least I can joke about my ignorance)
Comments
In college I had to buy a copy of Little, Brown, Compact Handbook. I still have it, and refer to it often even though it's an old edition.
I've also heard the Chicago Manual of Style is a good choice.
And I promise not to laugh at you if you won't laugh at me. (Unless, of course, you're telling one of your childhood stories. Those are hilarious!)
P.S. These word verification characters below intimidate me. They feel like an intelligence test that I'm not sure I will pass...
Roxy, I skipped that part of Stephen King's book:)
and
There, Their, They're; A no-tears guide to grammar from the word nerd by Annette Lyon.
Both easy to read and understand and they cover a variety of topics. =]
I hate to tell you, hon, but grammar books ARE boring. There's just no way around it.
sf
I put them in, I take them out, I put them back in again...
My primary problem, other than being somewhat stupd, is that I can't proofe reed my own writing very well.
I sometimes think I overuse commas, but then I can't stand reading a book and there's a comma missing and the sentence just, doens't, make, sense.
:)
Seriously! I've left my participle dangling plenty of times. Luckily, thats what critique partners and beta readers are for. Without them I wouldn't stand a chance.
DL, what is a beta reader? I've heard of it but I'm not sure what it is.
THE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE is supposed to be THE book to use. Randi Rivers at Charlesbridge sugested it to me. :)
Blessings,
Carla
http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com
Everytime you feel like you are reading your writing and you should take a breath, chances are you need to insert a comma.
Example: I love you you are so funny! where would you pause when you are reading this to take a breath? answer: I love you COMMA, TAKE A BREATH, you are so funny!
Another example: There in the gusty blowing winds I found a bird.
There BREATH in the gusty BREATH blowing winds BREATH I found a bird.
Hope this helped!