Yesterday, whilst cleaning out some papers, I came across a short story critique.
Actually, there were three critiques, for this short story had been entered in a contest. Oh, how funny, I thought, reading the comments. Because although I’d forgotten the critiques, I had not forgotten the story. I’d made corrections to that story, and in fact, I’d sold it to an anthology. So, I was smiling and reading, thinking back on good times, until I read this:
“This story has potential, but the many grammar errors need to be addressed.”
Now, you can say what you will about my lack of conflict in a plot. You can question my character’s motivation. You can even throw out the ubiquitous “this doesn’t work for me” comment. But nobody puts Baby in a corner.
Um, you know what I mean. I am not going to make a grammar error. Unless it’s something like this where, technically, I’m using blog slang. I mean, I read grammar books for pleasure. And whenever I find an interesting site, I bookmark it.
Which brings me to Jack Lynch’s Guide to Grammar and Style. And I’m going to peruse this lovely site in detail. But first, I have a critique to burn.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Do you really read grammar books for pleasure or was that veiled sarcasm? Your grammar is stellar, of course, but do you really…? Gosh. You do, don't you…No wonder you are the Writing Yoda. Unworthy I am. Visit Jack Lynch's site I must.
At the tender age of ten,I knew that I was destined to be a Grammar Geek when I diagrammed sentences-for fun.P.S. One of my favorite grammar books is Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Talk about fun!P.P.S. Um, I might have made a few grammar errors in my day. But I've had nightmares about them.
I'm also a Grammar Geek and loved diagramming too. I haven't admitted this before, but Strunk and White were always my heroes. I have received two copies of Eats, Shoots and Leaves as birthday gifts and love reading random pieces of it. That editor should have been fired by now.
Oh, Anita, Strunk and White are the bombs. Grammar Geeks unite!
I love grammar too! Glad you're burning that critique!
I wish I could be a grammar geek (instead of just a regular geek) but I can never remember all the rules. I make mistakes I don't even know I'm making!
Thanks, Kelly. It was a little fire. But oh, so satisfying.And Madeline, not to worry. I make mistakes like that when I'm cooking. Sadly, the entire family must suffer for my lack of knowledge. If only there were books or websites where one could go to gain food information and cooking skills. Someone might make a lot of money from an idea like that. 😉
Hey Cathy,What a hoot! Rather than calling youself a Grammar Geek how about Grammar Goddess (Gigi for short). Your motto could be Footloose and Error Free. (Wasn't the Nobody puts Baby in a corner line from Footloose?)Donna
I agree, Grammar Goddess is MUCH better:-)I can't even imagine you making grammatical errors 🙂
Close, Donna…the line's from Dirty Dancing. But I love Footloose, too. And I LOVE that tag line! (I kinda love the whole Goddess thing, too. And Gigi, now that I think about it.)
Aw, Gail. That's sweet, but I imagine I made a few errors. (And by few, I mean two. Really, just that one, but I like to keep it humble around here. 🙂