Friday, June 20, 2008

Are YOU a Writer?




Work like a Horse!


I know a lot of people would like to be writer. They sit and tap on the keys or write with the Neanderthal pen and paper, but is what you write consistent with what publishers want?

I am a poetic person so when I write, my language can be very full of imagery. The water doesn’t just glimmer in my eyes it sparkles with an effervescence of lucidity. Punctuation is another key factor to keep an eye out for. Never take it for granted that YOU know what is right or wrong when writing that short story or article.

I have a friend in Helsinki who does short articles for the newspaper there, and when she asks me to look at her work, I have to remember that the requirements are for ENGLISH not American English. There is a difference. In English form (and Canadian) I may labour all the live long day. But in proper American English, I labor all the live long day.

To the left of this blog, What a Writer Need’s you will find an extremely helpful link to your GRAMMAR. Guide to Grammar & Writing AND Grammar Slammer. They are helpful in that they give you some idea of where and WHEN to use a comma properly, when to hyphenate, and when NOT to over-hyphenate. In the blog world, many people are reading what you write, but is what you’re saying making any sense to the reader? Do you do a spell-check to make sure you don’t look like a first grade student

The internet is over populated with acronyms but to become a successful writer the acronyms have to be tossed out the window. You want to be taken seriously so show some professionalism and do your homework before you begin writing your blog.

Now don’t go picking out all of my horrendous grammar mistakes because we ALL make them. A blog is the best place to make them. But in the real world of publishing (the ink, paper and pen field) your grammar expertise is a welcome sight to an editor.

The world can be seen through many windows, preferably you allow your reader to see through a clear window instead of the fog-laden murky window. As changes in the atmosphere causes changes in the weather, so does the changes in people reflect a change in style of writing. But one thing has remained and that would be proper etiquette of the written word.

To be taken seriously, don’t let someone else do your work for you. Achieve your dream by striving to be the best you can be. In a world of turmoil be a voice of the future. Lead one person down the path of enlightenment, write about it to the best of your ability and take pride in all that you do! One day…all your hard work will pay off!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Joni!

Did you notice how BUSY writers are? (Not talking about the writers "too busy" to write...)

Work like a horse -- love that one!

And writers are always wanting to improve their craft. (And there are many different ways to do this!)

I love the dynamics between writing (alone) and the more active pursuit of getting feedback.

I wish more writers understood the importance of being in a critique group. What a way to grow one's craft of writing.

There are so many great writing reverence books available today -- and they cover a wide range of subjects.

Classes! They're every where online! Such choices we have!

Looking foward to reading your next post here, Joni!

Take care,
June

THE MAGIC & THE MUNDANE: A Guide for the Writer's Journey
Senior SF Editor, ePress-Online
Senior Editor, Editorial Director, Virtual Tales

Unknown said...

Great tips and reminders for all writers. Nice one.

The title says it all. [LOL]

Granny