Im sure we all have horror storys. I find correct grammer use to be a complete mine field. (this is after having extra tuition for my whole school life, writing to try and combat my dyslexia, having software that is supposed to highlight these silly mistakes) Problem is I know im going wrong, but im not sure where or why. Reading aloud is supposed to highlight most of the flaws. but sometimes the intonation of ones own voice hides them even more. I have been saying to myself get the content reading well and then buy an editor, but its hard to get constructive reviews when you have a colon in the wrong place... and even harder for a reader to keep in the plot if they are spotting gramatical errors. So what im after here, from the community, are hints and tips for your own gramatical editing. How do you spot a sentence that is not working; how do you know when a comer should be a full stop? It would be great to hear other horror storys too.
You might like to try this link -
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
The British Dyslexia Association.
That's if you don't know it already...
David
@ Adrian. Just had a look at Grammarly and got to say! what a piece of kit! signing up as we speak.
I recently completed a course with Writer's News called 'Polish Your Writing Style' and it opened up the 'nuts and bolts' of English grammar and punctuation for me. Whilst absolutely appreciating the added issues dyslexia will bring to your writing, I honestly believe that by understanding the rules of English grammar and punctuation, it will help you to know where to put those commas and colons!
As an example of triumph over adversity, my favourite guitarist, Robert Fripp, is tone deaf and plays all of his incredible music by knowing where each note is on the fretboard of his guitar.
When we write without knowing the rules of grammar and punctuation, it's bit like playing by ear - don't get me wrong, millions of musicians do it and make money from it - but it doesn't always satisfy.
By knowing the rules it allows us to get on with the writing/creative side of our art. So my suggestion would be to do a course (one that doesn't cost hundreds of pounds) and if you do decide on the Writer's News course, ask for Tony Rossiter as your tutor. He knows his stuff and is very easy to dialog with regarding any issues.
Alternative to the above - forget punctuation, forget grammar, and write for the sheer pleasure of it. Then search out a friend who has a knowledge of English to assist with adding these things after they have been written.
Good luck with your writing.