The Grammar Doctor
People at my Writers’ Workshop want to know why I haven’t been bringing any work for them to critique. They probably think I haven’t been writing, but the opposite is true. I’m writing more and faster than ever, but our circle only meets twice a month. Therein lies the problem.
Although 3 out of 8 of us in the group are bloggers, there’s still some confusion as to what a blog actually is. Some of my attempts at explanations have recently included:
It’s nothing like an email. You don’t zip it out as fast as you think it, spelling errors and all. It’s not like a personal paper journal. Although good writing is always personal, you don’t post what you don’t want to be published. It’s not a self-indulgent to-do-list diary, or if it is it, it better be interesting and well written if you care at all about developing a readership. And finally, if you have the time to read a section of the newspaper or a magazine article on a subject that interests you, then you have the time to read a blog, if you want to.
Most bloggers spend time working on their written posts…but not 2 weeks. And if I did have a blog entry left un-posted for over 2 weeks that I brought to the group for review, it probably wouldn’t be taken serious as a writing form. Will blog writing ever be viewed as something more than a journal entry, just a degree away from an email? I suspect I would get more credit if I said “I’m writing my memoirs” (not in chapters but in posts), rather than admit to other writers that I’m blogging.
It’s not that I don’t still need workshop critique, it’s more that my writing friends aren’t available when the majority of my writing questions come up. It occurred to me recently that what I really need is tech support for grammar. Imagine being able to log onto a grammar site at a moment’s notice, enter a problem sentence or a paragraph and then receive instant editing? Back in the day of typewriters and white-out, a spell-check probably seemed like science fiction.
The physical interactions of writers working together will never be obsolete, but an online Grammar Doctor, a 1-800 grammar line, or even a PBS Writer’s Workshop show would all be welcomed options and helpful to writers in a pinch.
Comments
Hey Coll, Don't they have grammar check too, along with spell check??
I am still finding out about blogs and find them very interesting to say the least. One of these days.....
Posted by: Sherry | May 23, 2005 9:26 AM
I wouldn't call it a journal you're right...not unless you want people to judge you on your intermost thoughts...it's not anonymous enough..someone knows you somewhere... I think it's almost harder to write when you write for people you know.
Grammar isn't usually an issue for me, however, the Thesaurus is a handy tool to have when you need to say "witty" 10 different ways ;0)
Posted by: J&J's Mom | May 23, 2005 10:14 AM
Hello Col,
Try this link: http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors
I find it invaluable (when I take the time to use it) since I too have trouble with grammar and whatnot.
As for the writing on the blog; I think it is a tool used in the work of bettering ourselves; i.e., learning to better articulate our inner thoughts. It's not easy but we strive to make it look easy. You get an A+
Kathy
Posted by: Ben Gal AKA Kathy | May 23, 2005 10:39 AM
Blogging is an avenue of expression in which you invite others to read and discuss the contents.
Good grammar and punctuation always make writing easier to read.
Posted by: Jamie Dawn | May 23, 2005 8:47 PM
I think a 24 hour grammar help line would be a wonderful idea. I know that I definitely could use a service like that. While it is a useful tool, grammar check has its limits.
When I first started my blog I was really amazed at how many people really had no idea what I was taking about. Trying to explain to people who do not read blogs what a blog is can be quite difficult because each blogger has their own purpose.
Posted by: Lora | May 24, 2005 12:50 AM