Comments on: Verbal Wardrobe Maintenance

By: --Deb

--Deb — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:38:12 +0000

I still have trouble with that, too ... but it's amazing what comes back to you when you NEED it, as long as you've been paying attention all along. --Deb's last blog post..MM: Letterquette

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:26:49 +0000

Thanks for reminding me I need to listen more closely when people are talking. I am a pretty good listener, but I haven't quite developed the habit of listening as a writer. I'm going to work on that! Melissa Donovan's last blog post..Seven Journals for Writers

By: --Deb

--Deb — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:34:36 +0000

Reading aloud was the only way I could grasp some of my classes in college, too–I’m usually a visual learner, but something about doubling up the reading plus the sound–not to mention having to read word by word–always helped me figure things out. And it IS the only way to see how your writing “sounds.”

It’s true, though, that the “ear” only works so far–but ultimately, if it sounds right but is grammatically incorrect (“Hi, it’s me.”) I’m more willing to give it a pass than if it’s correct but sounds dreadful. (“Hi, it’s I.”)

By: Julie Roads

Julie Roads — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:47:22 +0000

I love your blog…am subscribing and sure it will improve my work and make me laugh on a regular basis…
My best editing tool is reading my work aloud – works like a dream.
Thanks for writing!

By: J

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:03:07 +0000

I test my own grammar and writing by listening...does it sound right to your ear? OK? Good. I'm sure I'm wrong sometimes, but if there's one thing I will nag my daughter about, it's her grammar. I know it's irritating to have your mother correct you one more time about me and her vs. she and I, but I really want her to have that voice, that ability to listen and know whether the phrase is correct, even if she doesn't remember the 'rules' from grammar class. J's last blog post..More Anniversary Stuff!

By: --Deb

--Deb — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:51:57 +0000

How else can you possibly become familiar with the speech patterns from other parts of the world? (grin) Of course, it’s important to keep in mind the difference between fictional representations and the real thing–remember how Hollywood presented, say, Chinese people, or American Indians? They really did NOT talk like that, but how would most movie-watchers know that?

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:56:18 +0000

Great idea for a post, Deb. I never thought about studying TV for writing purposes, but it makes sense. Brad Shorr's last blog post..Happy Birthday