Sunday, April 1, 2012

What do You Think?

On one of my last blog posts I made a comment about having your manuscripts edited. In the post I made a spelling mistake, well actually, it was a typo. In the comments, one of the readers noted it, so I went back and fixed it, (I don’t mind having something pointed out because I’d rather fix it than leave it).

Today, I read a blog post where the author was actually ranting about how published authors should not have any mistakes in their blog posts, facebook (fb) comments or anywhere else. While I agree that we do have to maintain a professional image, we are none-the-less human, and I’d like to think accessible.

I thought about her comments for a while, and since there are occasions where I share snippets of a work in progress, AS IS, mistakes and all, I wanted to ask you what you thought about it. Anyone who has participated in NaNoWriMo, can understand what a first draft can look like. In fact most authors should be able to understand. I remember making a comment to a friend on fb, about the fact that I am not very fast when it comes to using a keyboard…and I ended up writing, “I can spel, I just can’t type” When I reread it I noticed the typo and tried to correct it but fb didn’t feel like it at the time. I actually thought it was funny, so I left it. There are days it looks as though I’ve been typing with my mittens on, but hey, I’m trying.

            Before I had my novel published, I had edited and revised it. A few other readers helped out as well before it was professionally edited. In the end, I had spent more time revising than actually writing the novel, because I do believe it is important to have clean work.

            As for the blog and facebook…well, I think that’s personal. I do my best, and what more could I ask of myself? If I want to share an idea, but I am beyond tired and by the time I reread through my last sentence I’ve forgotten what it’s all about, then what? I was married to a French teacher who delighted in correcting everyone around him as they tried to have a casual conversation…spewing grammar rules and verb conjugation. Although he was quite proud of himself, he came across as more annoying than anything else. I’d like to think I am having a conversation with all of you when I write a blog post, and I welcome comments and feedback.

            I am human; I am a student of life…author, pilot, mom, wife, martial arts instructor, Canadian Forces officer…these are just some of the things I do or roles I assume. Not who I am. In the end, I’m just me, and I’d like to share my ups and downs as I learn all about the wonderful and scary world of writing, (or would that be wonderfully scary?). I have enough pressure in my life, so can we just sit back and chat? I’ll do my best and try not to offend with my humanness.

5 comments:

  1. I have to agree, as an author, we do have to pay attention to the words we leave floating around in cyberspace. I have been guilty of misspelling words on FB from time to time, or in a tweet. Usually, by the time I notice them, the send button has already been hit. I just laugh, and post a comment directly below with a correction and hope that whoever reads it will realize I am only human! lol

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  2. I have talked to aspiring authors who seem almost terrified to even try to write because their English is not up to par. If you have a story to tell, then don't let anyone or anything stop you from telling it. Take a class or get an editor, but give yourself a chance. (And yeah, learn to laugh at yourself a little) :o)

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  3. Hello! It's the spelling and grammar Nazi. I agree with you too. I wasn't talking about an obvious typo, although I did correct yours. The article I wrote was referring to people who don't know the rules and don't care, people who consistently write like a second grader. The aforementioned people should be terrified to to write a note to the mailman. Example: There's a person who shall remain nameless that has written maybe three books and has a large presence online. She truly doesn't know how to spell blurb. Another author who is touting her book all over the internet thinks that her protagonist climbed up a mountain and had a repelling accident. If that doesn't bother you, then I guess you'll be buying their books. Not me.

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    1. Hi Denise,
      unfortunately I have a hard time reading books that are filled with mistakes. Lately I have been reviewing books and sadly it feels as though I'm back in high school being forced to read books I don't like.
      I am mortified by people who write a book, then turn around and have it published without bothering to have it edited, proof read and critiqued. It gives every last Indy Author a bad name and an even bigger hill to climb. It takes away from our credibility as a whole.

      No, I would not willingly waste my money on mistake filled books; I cherish my books too much. It seems as though grammar as a whole has lost its footing. I reviewed a book published by a traditional publisher that was filled with mistakes. Another book, that I own and love as a paperback, is now offered as an e-book. Although it is against my personal policy, I paid more than $10 for this e-book (that’s how much I like this one). I was shocked by all the mistakes I found in the e-copy. I wrote the publisher a letter of complaint.
      You stick to your guns! LOL
      Maybe they'll enrol in an online English course ;o)

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  4. You know what Debbie, no one is perfect and if anyone thinks they are they are sorely mistaken. You blog for enjoyment so it should be enjoyable not a stress. Keep on doing as you are doing and you will be just fine.

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