The Error of Your Ways

Writing is such fun! I get so caught up in it when my mind works with any clarity. It hasn't been happening much of late, but when I can, I do. My hand problems seem to be persistent and I'm not sure they will improve. I have a feeling that they'll worsen. Regardless, I need to figure out a way forward. 

I was reading some things online this morning by well, writers. I got annoyed because I found several errors. It's funny how once you notice one mistake, they all stand out. Arthritis in my knuckle causes errors with the words "know" and "not". I've always been a speedy typist, hitting 70 wpm on my best days and averaging 50-60 wpm. So perhaps that's the problem. I've slowed down because of mobility issues and it drives me crazy. My son usually does the proofreading of my blogs to catch those things but not lately. He's had other things on his mind.

So, I was reading and found these errors. They're simple errors, but to catch them, you're going to have to read your text BEFORE you put it online. A trick to help is to read the text backwards. You'll catch a lot of spelling errors, but you'll also catch other types of errors as well. For example, missing punctuation or incorrect punctuation. It happens to every writer, but the pros know they must edit. 

Gone are the days when the average writer can hire fact checkers, proofreaders, and developmental editors. Writers, specifically Indie writers, are doing it all. So take the time to read over the document you're writing. Read it backwards. Read forward again. Research the mistakes writers often make. 

If you're reluctant to put the effort into polishing your prose, you're probably not cut out to be a writer. Oh, you can publish an unedited book all by yourself, but readers won't clamber for a copy. If you read the reviews on Amazon, you'll find that they will find your mistakes and point them out. Not because they don't like you, but they are paying for the privilege of reading your content. 

There're many tools available to help you with editing. You could use AI, but it's wise to get educated about grammar and punctuation. Although I don't rely on AI for help often, I have access; but I enjoy doing my own work. I know my stuff, but even I need someone to lend me their eyes and knowledge now and then. 

I wouldn't ask a hair dresser to fix my car. Unless they had the required skills. So, if you're writing The Great American novel, a blog post, a speech, or a recipe, learn to write it with skill. 

*Note: I found two errors after I posted this. I've corrected them. It was one letter short and one space too far.