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.
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