THANK YOU, LIESEL!
This woman is amazing because she puts up with me. When she took on me and my book I'm sure she didn't expect (a) that I knew nothing about grammar and (b) that I knew nothing about grammar!
You see, if I knew, during my formative school years, that I was to be a writer, I think I would have paid more attention while they taught pronouns and antecedents, gerunds, and passive voice. But for some reason, I thought I would have a career that involved making out with boys and skipping class. A+
(Insert headdesk photo here)
So, she patiently puts up with me. She kindly adds a
where I'm sure she wants to add something like:
or"What the hell is this mess? Your readers are expecting a mystery in English. What's with this gibberish of misplaced modifiers and incorrect subject-verb agreement."
"Why is your character buying coffee, you moron? You just had your character...in the LAST PARAGRAPH... in pyjamas...in bed...in her bedroom!"
"And stop using all those bloody ellipses!"
(Insert another headdesk photo here)
So, to my lovely editor, I want to say this:
haha, how funny! I wouldn't stress too much. That's what editors are for! :o)
ReplyDeleteAWwwwwww Thank you Liesel for being such a super duper editor to the amazing Clarissa Draper!!! Yay!!! take care
ReplyDeletex
He he he ... a career that involved making out with boys :)))
ReplyDeleteI so KNOW the feeling. It took me almost a year to figure out grammar and punctuation. And at times I still have tense problems. But once pointed out I find them and fix them with ease.
ReplyDeleteLiesel is special most editor won't touch anything with that many grammar issues.
Yes, Clarissa, know what you mean, I feel the same way about my editor, Neil Fein.
ReplyDelete@ OMG, Dez! Did I just say my goal was to be a prostitute!? I take it back, I take it back!
ReplyDelete:o) Since I don't have a Liesel, I pull out Strunk and White's Elements of Style on a regular basis. It works (for now).
ReplyDeleteAhem. It's very hard to imagine you in a make out career. So glad you changed your mind. ;0)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I'm bad also, which is why I just write for a fun outlet:-) Oh & tattoos aren't for everyone but thanks for stopping in to read & comment!
ReplyDeleteClarissa - Editors have a very thankless task - except when folks like you take the time to thank them. You've done a very good thing to remind us of that...
ReplyDeleteClarissa, I really doubt she wants to say all that!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL Clarissa, me too. It sounds like your understand even more than I do. I always feel like people are talking to an invisible person just above my head when the speak grammarish.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.
A good editor is invaluable to any writer... :) your post made me smile.
ReplyDeleteYou are incredibly funny and I think far too critical of yourself. If you were inside my head you'd want to slit your wrists at my levels of language incompetence.
ReplyDeletehaving worked as an editor for almost 10 years, I can tell you the true mark of a good editor is getting the writer to give you his/her best. And the best way to do that is with kind coaxing and not crushing rebuke.
ReplyDeleteAnd truth: All the grammar I know I learned when I taught HS. Before then I was a grammar idiot. :D LOL!!!
Hooray for good editors. I can't wait to get one~ <3
Hahaha, this post made me come off my self-imposed Easter online break to make a comment. Which is, it's writers like you that make editing worthwhile. Meaning-- ones who are willing to change, willing to admit mistakes, willing to sacrifice ego in exchange for excellence, willing to recognize that an editor is there to help not hinder the progress of the work, willing to be nice and not say that other stuff you think she is wanting to say which I'm sure she isn't.
ReplyDeletehahaha I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteI refuse to stop using ellipsis...they can just stop reading them!
ReplyDeleteApparently she doesn't pull and punches with you, she makes you better then, right?
ha! I know what you mean about paying better attention to grammer. Why did I not think it would be essential to my life?
ReplyDelete......dhole
i was smiling...so cute...
ReplyDeleteWow, the last crusader I went to was Thankful as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm starting up a 'Critiquing and Supportive Crusaders' program, where participants in the Second Crusade can find other writers to exchange critiques with or form supportive critiquing circles. If you're interested, come by The Kelworth Files to check it out!
Hooray for fabulous editors!!!! I love the one's who are willing to do so much for you, it reminds you that they love your novel enough to take it on!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Clarissa!
I do love ellipses...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great editor!
Welcome to my blog
ReplyDeletehttp://my-way-here.blogspot.com/
Haha, I love it! It's always a good idea to appreciate editors. When you don't want to kill them.
ReplyDeleteJai
What a fun post, yet it showed that you editor is appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMy alpha reader for Dog Show Detective was my 9yr old, and she was not as kind with her comments of changes that must be made otherwise my book would suck big time, so your editor does sound nice.
ReplyDeleteWagging Tales - Blog for Writers
Glad that you & your editor are getting along so well.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile. We think we have everything covered, until our work gets into the hands of an editor. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa .. I feel exactly like you - and the thought of having my writing 'examined' horrifies me - especially if they 'hate' ellipses .. oh well!
ReplyDeleteWonder to have someone of patience with a sense of humour .. so congratulations to you both ..
Cheers and happy days ahead .. Hilary