Search found 172 matches

by Anja
Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:09 am
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--BIOGRAPHY
Replies: 16
Views: 18958

Re: Be a Better Writer--BIOGRAPHY

I have a question, though not entirely about writing a biography, per se. My mother-in-law is writing the story of her mother's life. Jennie is not of any particular significance historically other than that she's from a pioneer family and that she'll be 108 years old one month from today. She is a ...
by Anja
Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:27 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--DEALING WITH NEGATIVE CRITIQUE
Replies: 48
Views: 56239

Re: Be a Better Writer--DEALING WITH NEGATIVE CRITIQUE

No worries, Jan. It must be in the delivery, because it wasn't you I thought of at all. On the other side of the fence, I am SO reluctant to comment, because I afraid of bruising another thin-skinned writer. So it's always a hard spot, seeing glaring grammatical errors, faulty continuity, and not kn...
by Anja
Fri Aug 29, 2014 1:16 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--DEALING WITH NEGATIVE CRITIQUE
Replies: 48
Views: 56239

Re: Be a Better Writer--DEALING WITH NEGATIVE CRITIQUE

That's the big question, isn't it? I have a piece here that's not only my favorite piece I've ever written for FW, it's the best thing I've ever written (in my opinion) and probably the best thing I ever WILL write. But it didn't register with the judges that week--not only did it not get an EC, it...
by Anja
Wed Jul 23, 2014 11:27 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Principle Parts of a Verb - And How to Use Them Properly
Replies: 12
Views: 23324

Re: Principle Parts of a Verb - And How to Use Them Properly

I don't know why, but I decided to check in here tonight from my hospital bed. Head is muzzy, and I am also unclear what you are asking, Caleb. If you give me a day or two, I will come back and try to answer. One thing I will say, try not to over think grammar. If you are like me (and I think I spea...
by Anja
Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:32 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Capitalizations
Replies: 4
Views: 5413

Re: Capitalizations

I didn't check out the link you posted, Lillian, but as Jan didn't address it, either, I will add a word about using "bible." I know several people who would get their knickers in a knot if they see it uncapitalized, but it's our usage that warrants having it not capitalized, not lack of r...
by Anja
Sat Apr 12, 2014 12:47 pm
Forum: Jan's Writing Basics
Topic: Be a Better Writer--USING DIALECT
Replies: 20
Views: 19295

Re: Be a Better Writer--USING DIALECT

Ha, I just discovered I can access FW on my e-reader! I have tried on my smartphone, and it shuts down my browser every time. I agree with all your points, Jan. I would add that if you incorporate terms from a particular region, along with the dialect, that it is very clear from the context what you...
by Anja
Sat Jun 23, 2012 3:16 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Principle Parts of a Verb - And How to Use Them Properly
Replies: 12
Views: 23324

Re: Principle Parts of a Verb - And How to Use Them Properly

It's a good thing I haven't had lunch yet, because I would have spewed on my laptop. NO. Do not use brung. Or brang . Or broughten . It is slang. It is bad grammar. As always, it's perfectly fine for dialogue if your character is an uneducated redneck. A short while ago, Jan mentioned the flagrant a...
by Anja
Sat Jun 23, 2012 3:04 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: And and Then, and spacing after period...
Replies: 9
Views: 16340

Re: And and Then, and spacing after period...

Yes, you may start a sentence with because , but you must make sure you do not have a sentence fragment. You must have an independent clause. An independent clause must form a complete sentence by itself. Because there were no more Oreos. Sentence fragment. Incorrect. Because there were no more Oreo...
by Anja
Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:42 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: shoulda coulda woulda
Replies: 2
Views: 7192

Re: shoulda coulda woulda

I feel sorry for anyone learning English. It is erratic and unpredictable with as many exceptions to the rule as there are rules.
by Anja
Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:40 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: shoulda coulda woulda
Replies: 2
Views: 7192

shoulda coulda woulda

Sometimes, I feel as though I am "preaching to the choir" here, and that is a good thing. But, then something rears its ugly head, and I see the same thing over and over. I'm seeing a plethora of should of, could of, would of . It sounds like those words, I know. And depending on where you...
by Anja
Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:10 am
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Plurals and apostrophes
Replies: 10
Views: 16834

Re: Plurals and apostrophes

Thank you, Steve and Lillian, both for backing up the "rule" and explaining it so much better than I did. Sometimes the "right" way sounds better and sometimes the "wrong" way sounds better (under the 3 sibilant rule or any other different approach), and more and more p...
by Anja
Sat Apr 07, 2012 12:12 am
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Plurals and apostrophes
Replies: 10
Views: 16834

Re: Plurals and apostrophes

I'm not really as snotty or snarky as my posts sound. Honestly.

I get too carried away with words and more words because I think I might not be clear. It doesn't even sound clear to me. I apologize.

:? :oops: :D
by Anja
Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:57 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Plurals and apostrophes
Replies: 10
Views: 16834

Re: Plurals and apostrophes

When you vent, we all benefit. :D I think the following is correct because you're addressing plurals, not possessives. But tell me if I'm wrong. Thomas' dog ran right in front of the car. I hope it wasn't a nasty vent. :D Thomas' dog . . . There is a teaching that says this is correct. I must humbl...
by Anja
Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:53 am
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Plurals and apostrophes
Replies: 10
Views: 16834

Plurals and apostrophes

I have to address this. I can't stand it anymore. If I had a nickel for every time I saw a plural written with an apostrophe, I'd be sitting on a beach somewhere right now. And I'm seeing it on FB and forum posts belonging to writers . . . homeschooling moms . . . It is four dogs . Not four dog's . ...
by Anja
Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:17 pm
Forum: Ann's Grammar Basics
Topic: Commas (Part Four)
Replies: 20
Views: 32682

Re: Commas (Part Four)

This would be my preference. Pulling his hands back, Nick replied, “It’s called gloves Charlie. You should try it. May help smooth out some of the rough edges on yours. Get rid of that prickly touch.” Use the first comma. Then use periods for Nick's dialogue, otherwise you have what is called a comm...

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