What I Wish I’d Known ~ Writer Tip Wednesday

Honestly???

If had known that my dream would be to become a writer I would have paid more attention in middle school English. But when I was young I had known idea what I really wanted to be. I was to busy with friends, and trying to not drown in the peer pressure of junior high. So verbs and nouns, were not on my radar.

But woulda, shoulda, coulda… Right?

So now I’m trying to relearn stuff that I honestly should already know. But who would have thought a hanging participle would be so damn important. Just like I didn’t think I would ever use algebra, (which honestly as a Business Analyst as my day job, I actually have used). But these are things that you don’t know when you are young and impressionable. Now as an adult I understand the functionality and need of proper grammar.

So my tip of the week is brush up on your grammar and writing ability. Here are some links to great websites that will help you.

Savvy Authors has online classes that are great to keep you informed as a writer.

http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php

Grammar Girls (need I say more?)

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/

Writer Digest

http://www.writersdigest.com/

World Literary Cafe

http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/

Don’t forget about your local writing groups!

So brush up your skills, or relearn what you should have learned in school. Become a better writer for yourself and your readers.

As always I love to hear from my readers so if you feel inclined leave a comment.

Thanks — Christie

Ohh HELL NO…Why you should embrace constructive criticism.

Nooo I can’t hear you!!!

I know as writers we are supposed to say, please give me constructive criticism. But in reality (For me, particular). I have to admit, that when anybody criticised my writing it was tantamount to a declaration of all out war.

But I have to admit as I grow as a writer I welcome constructive criticism more and more. If you are not willing to grow as a writer you will never get published. Well never say never! However, the more constructive (and I mean constructive, we all the know the difference between constructive and snarky) but real constructive criticism  is so thrilling to me now. When ten years ago I would have crawled into bed and cried for a week. Now I look for it, ask for it. Sometimes beg for it. Because I want to grow as a writer, I want my writing to be the very best it can be! Constructive criticism from peer or editors and beta readers is what is going to make you a better writer and frankly a better person.

Get a thick skin, and next time you get some constructive criticism embrace it and say Ohh hell ya!! Bring it on babe!

Christie