Skip to main content

What annoys you the most?

What annoys you the most about writing? Is it a struggle or confusion? What element confounds you the most?

For me it is the comma. I have always detested the comma and feel that comma splice is among the most offensive forms of writing. I would rather see no commas at all than one thrown in for the heck of it. So, yeah, my crit group loves to decorate my MS with commas. I have always felt that commas (at least in some uses) are subjective. BUT they are necessary, and so, I will list the most common reasons to use a comma as a way of clearing my conscience.

1. Series of 3 or more with a single conjunction
EXAMPLE: Amy bought toothpaste, lotion, and lip gloss at the store.

2. Parenthetic expressions or nonessential clause/phrase
EXAMPLE: Cassey, on the other hand, wanted to go to the mall.
EXAMPLE: My rose garden, when in full bloom, is beautiful.

UMMM...let's see

3. Introductory phrases/clauses before main clause
EXAMPLE: While I was sleeping, Mom cleaned my room.

4. Separating two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction
EXAMPLE: The town shut down at noon, but I continued to window-shop.

UGH this is painful!

5. Two or more coordinating adjectives (Though, why have so many adjectives in the first place?)
EXAMPLE: The sweet, gentle child fell fast asleep.

There are loads more, but as I hate them I will stop at 5. Now what about you? What element of writing confounds you? What drives you crazy?

Comments

  1. Jeez, if commas were my biggest problem, I'd have it made!

    The first thing that popped into mind in answer to your question was "plotting." But if that's the case, maybe I shouldn't be a writer. :) Maybe what I mean is "getting characters to where they're supposed to be in a timely and non-boring fashion." That sounds better.

    See, my story HAS a plot (a good one I think!!) but there are certain parts where things fall apart a bit. And I. can't. stand. it.

    Why can't they just do what I tell them to do!?!? :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOL! I know what you mean. During my 2nd revision I worked hard to keep things central to my plot. I required a lot of trimming, but definitely helped.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I forget the rules and have a tendency to put a comma where I think it should go, and then worry about it later :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

YA Scavenger Hunt: Fall 2013!

Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This tri-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team ! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours! Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are THREE contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the GOLD TEAM --but there is also a red team and a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books! If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full li

HOVER has a cover!

I officially feel like Dr. Seuss with that blog title, but it's true all the same. :)   HOVER now has a cover, and I need your help spreading the word! The official reveal will be Monday, December 3rd, and signups for the reveal will stay open through Friday, November 30th.  Please leave your email address in the comments if you would like to participate in the reveal and be added to my list of super awesome people that I adore. The reveal will include a giveaway to add to the juicy fun!   Can't wait for ya'll to see it!

HOVER eARC giveaway!

To celebrate HOVER's release in just a few weeks, I am offering up an eARC! This book was a blast to write, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. :) For the giveaway, this is all you have to do: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b3/ " rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway