A blog about writing, Writing ways

How is your grammar? :For the record, I use an editor

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How good is your grammar as it pertains to writing? I have done better over the years due to my editor, Nancy. Without Nancy, my books and short stories would not shine as brightly as they do now.

There are programs out there that are free and with a price that helps with commas, spelling, spacing, and more.

But I don’t rely just on the programs.

Some writers I have seen use their writing groups to pick out the errors as they critique them. It does help with your piece having more eyes on it. A few writers have stated that is all they need to get their books edited.

I have heard a few writers stating that is all their books required to run their WIP through a critique group.

It is helpful, but it is not what one should rely on.

Grammar can derail a book, and it can prevent a publisher from taking your book on to tossing it in the trash can.

There are so many books on Amazon that I have read that make me read only a bit. I have reviewed books that are so heavily bad in grammar that I struggle with writing a review. There have been times I have contacted the author, stating why I won’t proceed with a review. I like to help fellow authors and write a review about books. However, an unedited manuscript can derail authors.

I have learned and have done better with my editing, but I will always use an editor at the end of the day. The last thing I want is to see an unedited book online to be purchased that has my name on it.

A blog about the topics of writing, Topics on writing

Do you support other authors?

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Do you support other authors? Whether it is someone you know or not, do they get that from you?

I have seen both ends of the stick with people only concerned with their book journeys to those who support other authors by buying their books, giving them a shout-out on social media, or attending any event they might be hosting.

I have always had the mindset of supporting authors, especially those who have helped me or been with me on my writing journey. Those are the ones I will lend my support to.

It doesn’t have to be off a mountain with a bullhorn telling people how great your book and you are. That would be nice. But to have people in your corner along the way are those you want to support back.

My thought is simple. I didn’t get to where I am alone. I had people off of Twitter help me with my query letters. I have had people in line to do classes about writing at the library. I even have an editor who doesn’t charge me for her work.

I have no problem shouting out people’s names, referring others, and giving reviews here and there. It is my way of paying back those before me who helped me.

Writing is mostly a solitary profession. You can meet with your writing group in real life or online. But even then, you are doing the majority of your creation alone. Finding a fellow author who I can feed off is a golden nugget.

So, I don’t get why writers go alone on their own. Hey, if it works for you, good. It is something I have not tried and prefer to not do so.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writer's platform

Do you know any pantsers?

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How cluttered is your workspace where you write?

I like my office organized. But a small part of me is okay with the mess. I can say the same for any WIP I am working on.

I attended a local writing conference a few years ago. The speaker asked if there were any pantser in the room, and a writer raised her hand and pointed at me.

I, to that point, never heard what this word meant. Looking it up, I liked it. I liked it a lot. Granted, this has gotten me in some bit of a jam on certain WIPs, making me go back and do a brief outline to get myself unstuck.

Did I learn my lesson? No, I did not. I am the writer who likes to sit down and go for it, writing page after page, knowing there will be work to get done on getting the timeline correct.

So, why don’t I bite the bullet? I love the freedom of writing. My juices flow better, and the ideas come faster. It works for me. I know very few pantsers. Wait, that isn’t right. I can’t think of a single writer that, like me, without an outline. It would be cool to find some so we could have that connection.

An outline gives you direction, a timeline that will be adjusted and adjusted as it gives you focus on the material. It can help you with plots, characters, and scenery. It might help you look up in the air less as you try to work out a problem that you are having. From everyone I have talked to, this is the route they feel flows.

And that is what it is what flow works for you.

I never knew my style had a name. I like it because it describes my writing style to the letter. It works for me and my characters. Why change that up now?

The Musings of A New Englander