I suck at grammar and punctuation.
There you have it.
I said it.
Grammar rules are like algebra to me. I get the basic concepts, but for whatever reason I can't really grasp them. I'm so bad in fact, that an old high school teacher of mine once cornered me at a cocktail party (I actually think it might have been my own bridal shower) to ask how I could possibly have success in publishing if my grades in HS grammar were always so poor. Sigh.
I'm not a copyeditor, I've never pretended to be. When I look at books I look at the larger picture. Does this book grab me, is it compelling and will it sell? I'll leave the details to the experts.
So I ask you to be kind when reading the blog. I don't have an editor and sometimes I only have time to skim each post before it runs. There will be errors, probably a lot. If it's really bothersome, you might just want to stop reading.
There. Phew. I got that out. I'm not proud of it, but I've come to accept it.
--JHF
7 comments:
What you have to say is succinct and to the point. The grammar snobs can either take what is offered and profit or miss the boat.
Admitting you have a problem is always the first step. ;)
You have a vast amount of knowledge that has always been helpful. That's what's important to me, not the amount of grammar issues.
I'm so happy you've come back.
Phew! Now I can breathe easier. I often don't blog because I feel my writing has to be perfect. Your post made me realize I should just write. Thank you.
Algebra, I get but grammar I fairly suck at.
I'm fairly certain some grammar rules are meant to be broken when writing fiction. At a minimum, there exist loopholes, especially when writing in the first person.
I actually find it inspiring that a literary agent can be grammar challenged. There's hope for us all!
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