Why grammar is (probably) not your problem

grammar-problem

Know the difference between affect and effect? Or where to use that but not which?

Or when to use which but not with a comma before it? I know. MS Word forbids it. But can expect from a bot?

Anyway…

You could fill several multi-story car parks with people who — or is it that? —know the difference between effect and affect, that and which and other grammar stumbling blocks.

And that’s fine. We need people who understand grammar. That’s what editors are for.

When an editor complained to Hemingway about a typo, he snapped back. “Well, that’s what you’re hired to correct!”

You prefer grammar to writing if:

You’ve feel defeated. You tried but it didn’t work out.

You’ve been hurt by others.

You’re afraid of others laughing at your writing.

You want to kick back.

Of course, we’re not against grammar.

That’s another trap.

Knowing the tools of the language helps.

I’ve bought these four books and highly recommend them. For me, they worked.

Study a few pages a week and you’ll get there. Drip, drip, drip. In it goes.

But… don’t wait until you’ve mastered grammar to start writing.

Start writing tonight when you go home. Write 300 words. That’s about one page.

Use this website.

Join

You see, some people hang on to grammar like a life buoy.

Instead of swimming out in the unknown waters, of pushing themselves, of taking risks, they stay on dry land.

It’s safe there.

If you never put yourself out there, no one will laugh at you.

But if you do, expect to be laughed at. That’s the way it is.

The price of admission on the way to success — haters hate.

When they ridicule your grammar, don’t get angry or sulk.

Instead, agree with them. Tell them they’re right.

Be graceful. Fix the typo. Carry on.

Remember, you see where you’re going — they don’t.

So, close this page. Take out a notepad. Just start.

There’s magic in writing the first word.

PS – I think the change comes when you give yourself permission to be creative. You agree?