Grammar vs Story

 

   When you read a book from a new author, what is more important to you, grammar or story? Fellow writers almost always focus on grammar or sentence structure. On the other hand, most of the non-writers I've talked to always look for a story line the engages them right away or provides some entertainment. Even if they are fairly well versed in grammar, they don't focus on mistakes as they understand no one is perfect.

   Unfortunately, there comes a point where the grammar is so bad, even the most forgiving reader can't continue, no mater how good the story sounds. For this reason I believe it's important for every writer, regardless of level, to have a partner who can read for mistakes and give feedback. For writers just starting out, a writer's critique group can be a huge asset. For one thing, they are free, and secondly the variety of feedback is only limited to the number of members in the group.

   Your first book is always the most critical. I believe most readers will expect it to be a little rough. The important thing is that it's written well enough to draw the reader into the story and keep reading. Folks will expect improvement in the next books as your proficiency as a writer improves or you take that next step and hire an editor.

   What's interesting is that once you've established a following by publishing a large number of books, readers become less interested in grammar. I've heard many readers comment about how bad the grammar was in the latest book put out by their favorite author, but they loved the story anyway. Odds are most of us will never reach that level of popularity so we better get used to writing our stories with the best grammar possible.

   Just some of my thoughts on the subject. What are yours?

   Another short piece from one of my stories I hope you will enjoy.

   Thanks for reading.

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Moshere watched the display of youthful joy and innocence, shook his head, and trotted back to the crest of the ridge to keep guard. He was much older than anyone knew, and was quite aware of the amulet the Maudwan wore and the power it contained. His family had been recruited to help hide and protect the amulet when it had first been entrusted to the nomads.

Early on, when they still roamed the plains and lived in tents, it was decided a small wooden box could too easily be lost. The tradition evolved where the youngest son of their leader would wear the chain around his neck. Unfortunately, since they had no Deluti blood, the chain wouldn’t grow as the young man grew, eventually choking him to death. At that point, the chain would fall loose and then be placed around the neck of the next youngest son. And so the cycle continued.

As with many of the Elder Races, Moshere was able to see past the illusion that hid the amulet Navon wore, and he could sense the power of a Deluti which surrounded him. He also knew if the Amulets were once again appearing in the world, it meant that war would soon be upon them.

As much as he loved his Shadhuin brothers, he knew with their prejudices and distrust of anything different, it would be difficult to protect the young Deluti and his companion. Moshere understood that if something were to go horribly wrong, Navon had the power to destroy the city and all within. The uncomfortable feeling that he was making a mistake ate away at the confidence he’d held for so many years.

Zoom Meetings

   

 I am not a big fan of Zoom. I think it goes hand-in-hand with the current trend of texting rather than actually talking to someone. Has society become so afraid of relating to others on a personal level, and have we lost the art of reading body language. When texting, we certainly don't have to worry about the other person knowing what we really feel since they can't see you.

   My writer's critique group used to meet on a regular basis at the local pizza parlor. Three to four submissions to critique was normal and we usually finished up on time. In the same amount of time on Zoom, we usually only have time for two. The critiques felt more engaging and personal compared to how they feel talking to a computer screen. Some folks always came a little early to share questions or just to catch up with the other writers. Others might stay late to discuss issues brought up during the critique. Sitting next to each other around a table made it easy to pick up on emotions and read body language. That is almost impossible when all you can see is a person's head. 

   It's also important to point out that when someone takes the time to dress and drive to a meeting, they are investing their time for a purpose. They want to get the most out of their time spent at the meeting. I get the feeling sometimes that folks during a Zoom meeting are not as focused on what's going on and their thoughts are drifting to their surroundings and thoughts of what needs to be done around the house gain their attention.

   Meeting at a location that also served food is a plus. We never had a problem with others eating during our critiques. Why is it that some people try to hide the fact that they are eating during a Zoom meeting?  Others can't wait for the meeting to be over because they are hungry and want to go eat. 

   Maybe Zoom works well for business meetings where facts and figures are discussed, but writers deal with emotions, feelings and visions. It's difficult trying to share your thoughts and feelings with a computer screen. I hope that someday we can go back to at least one in-person meeting each month.

   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

   Another short scene for you. Enjoy.

   Thanks for reading!

Odessa turned away and whispered, “And here you are, saddled with a spoiled, headstrong Blood Witch who murders men without a thought.”

He took the empty bowl from her unresisting fingers and placed it along with his own on the nearest fallen tower stone. He stood before the Princess and held her hands gently in his own. Odessa raised her eyes to his, tears streaming down her cheeks. Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips, gathered her in his arms and spoke quietly.

“Witch is a state of mind fueled by your fear and the fear of others. You and I are mages, nothing more and nothing less. Do you think I don’t notice the occasional fear in people’s eyes when they look at me? What is to stop me from becoming like Mage Robric and using my power for evil?”

A ray of sunlight burst through the trees and lit Odessa’s face as he held her at arm’s length. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Princess. Whatever the future holds, my life will forever be molded by your love for me. Our hope for an army at our back when we return home is now only a dream. But I haven’t forgotten my promise to you. I will find a way to take back your kingdom.”

She reached up and cupped the side of his face. “Have I ever told you, you are a special person, Aldan Beaverson?”

A smile lit up the young man’s face, threatening to outshine the sun. Aldan took her by the hand when Commander Regis called their names. “Come, it isn’t over yet. There are still some difficult decisions to be made.”

Writer Isolation

   

   As writers, we have a tendency to isolate ourselves while trying to conjure up an interesting story. I know not all writers do this, but the majority of the ones I know, do. It isn't always a bad thing when writing until it becomes a habit. That can have a negative affect on you and your writing. 

   It's important to have a place to write without distractions and the option of silence or soft background noise. I purchased an old boat at auction that provides me with a quiet place to write. When we spend too much time there, we lose the input of human interaction. While most of our stories revolve around make-believe worlds or fictitious versions of our own world, interaction between characters remains the same.

   How we relate to others determines how we write the relationships our characters experience. Men normally write their stories from a male point of view, and women write from a female point of view. Thar's one of many reasons why men have difficulty writing romance. 

   I had the opportunity this last weekend to participate in a men's retreat. I had never been involved with one of these before, so I had no expectations. It brought back memories of forty years ago. I was stationed on a ship and spent months in the company of a group of men. I realized just how much I'd missed the comradery and fellowship.

   It became clear to me that I was using the isolation as a writer as an excuse to avoid making new friends. I believe it's important to have a close friend who will share the truth with about how your story is developing. Family is nice but they normally don't tell you what they are really thinking. A close friend will also tell you if they think you've been isolating yourself for too long.

   If you don't have someone you would consider a close friend, I encourage you to reach out to those around you. Now that I realize what I've been missing, I will reach out to those I just met hoping to find a connection. You might be surprised, they might be searching for a friend also. And if it doesn't work, no problem, just try again.

   With two daughters and five grand-daughters, I feel my character interactions between men and women are fairly well written. I hope the interaction between my male characters improves as I spend more time with the men I've just made friends with.

Another short scene I hope you will enjoy.

Thanks for reading.

  

When the sobs finally subsided, she raised her puffy eyes to him and searched his face. “Jon was my only friend while growing up in the castle, and I killed him. Why?”

It took all of Aldan’s will not to fall into the emptiness that hovered just past the green expanse of her eyes. Brushing the tears from her face, he kissed her on the forehead and comforted her in the circle of his arms.

“You did not kill him, Odessa. Jon died because of the actions of a mad, power-hungry mage. If you had not taken advantage of the power made available to you, we would all be dead. How many would have died in this kingdom before he was satisfied? Rest now and regain your strength. Morning will soon be upon us, and many questions will need to be answered.”

Taking her silence for agreement, he carried Odessa to the base of the tower, that had already been cleared of bodies and laid her on a sleeping pad. Satisfied she was resting peacefully; he climbed up on the tower base and extinguished his light at a signal from Regis.

Re-energizing the defensive matrix with a quick spell, Aldan pulled out the small book, spoke the Words of Power, and watched the Tome return to its proper size. The rest of the night passed quickly as he studied a completely new set of spells. The idea of sleep never crossed his mind.