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.
