Monday, January 16, 2012

Conquer the weakness

First, don't forget to enter to win a signed copy of CRACKED by K. M. Walton. Go here to enter. I will announce the winner tomorrow.

On with the post (Sorry if there are mistakes, I'm super sick):

It has taken me years to face my weakness. It's not easy and I'm still embarrassed by it. I finally decided that I need to confront it. I need to in order to grow. It's actually holding me back. I'm not talking about chocolate or a super hottie.What is it? Grammar. I stink at it. It's embarrassing to admit, in fact, I'm ashamed, but I need to overcome. I must work my butt off to perfect it.

Now, I'm sure a lot of you are laughing. Fine. Maybe teasing. Whatever. Or saying to yourself, "She calls herself a writer?" I get it. But I'm sure you have a weakness too. That's why I'm pushing through, because no matter what others think of me, I know in my heart I'll get there. I will get an agent, I may be 80, but I will. I will get published, again I may be like 100, but I will. Why? Because I'm willing to work. I'm willing to learn and grow and help others.

So I asked some friends what self help books they'd recommend. Thanks to Stina Lindenblatt, Lydia Kang, and Theresa Milstein for their suggestions.

The recommendations:

IT WAS THE BEST OF SENTENCES. IT WAS THE WORST OF SENTENCES. by June Casagrande

WHEN YOU CATCH AN ADJECTIVE, KILL IT by Ben Yagoda

SIN AND SYNTAX by Constance Hale

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MISPLACED MODIFIER by Bonnie Trenga.

A DASH OF STYLE: THE ART AND MASTERY OF PUNCTUATION by Noah Lukeman

STRUNK AND WHITE. THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by by William Strunk, E. B. White and Roger Angell

Web sites that may help:

Grammar Girl-- Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Crystal Clear Proofing

Justine Dell- Check out her grammar police posts.

I'm sorry if I've forgotten any websites (remember I'm super sick). Please add your link or your favorite link in the comments and I will put it in the post.

Also, what are your favorite self help books on grammar?

Have a great day!