Category: Competitions

P … is for Punctuation

On By TomIn Achievement, Competitions, General, Insight, Novel, Poetry, Review, Short Stories14 Comments

P[1] is for punctuation. There are few things in writing as scary as punctuation, except perhaps grammar, but fortunately we’ve reached the letter ‘P’. Breathe sigh of relief.

There are two ways for me to deal with this deep and detailed topic: the easy way, or the hard way. I’ve always been known as someone who avoids the ‘easy option’ if possible, but today my dear reader, you’ll be delighted to know I’m going for the easy option.

What is the hard way to explain punctuation?

It’s quite straightforward. I could write about; sentence structure, punctuation outside a sentence, punctuation within a sentence, punctuation within words … are you getting the idea? What I’m saying in my own inimitable fashion is, that I could spend the next couple of months building a book on the subject. I can’t afford the time, because later this evening I’ll be preparing my post on ‘Q’, for tomorrow.

Is punctuation such a deep subject?

Yes. It may be something we all like to believe we have a good grasp of, but sadly, most of us have a mere working knowledge. I include myself here, because I am continually watching out for glitches in my own writing. Only recently I found an excellent book on the subject, which I will detail at the end of this post. Don’t dare go straight to the end!

What is the easy way to explain punctuation?

By using a metaphor. I didn’t get this idea from a book; I just find metaphor is sometimes the easiest way to explain something. If you’re still with me, let’s move on.

You don’t have to be a driver to do this exercise, because even a regular passenger in a vehicle can do it. You’re excited now aren’t you – yes, I can feel your eyes speeding up as you read the words. Stop!

For the sake of the narrative, we’ll say you are using a car. Imagine you’re going on a journey, as long, or as short as you like. You get into the car and set off from the driveway, or kerbside. You notice a sign regarding the speed limit. Almost immediately after it, there is a sign referring to a pedestrian crossing, which is followed by another sign; about a local school. In less than 50 metres, there is a sign about a road junction up ahead.

I think that should do it for the metaphor. Yes, we’re relating road signs to punctuation symbols.

I’m not going to bore you with long and short examples, because I believe I’ve accomplished my aim. To put the whole exercise succinctly, if we consider writing as a journey, the punctuation is the road signs, which occasionally act as guide, safeguard, or warning. It may be an article, poem, short story, or novel, but it is a literary journey for both writer and importantly reader.

If both the writer and the reader have a basic knowledge of the signs, they will both enjoy the journey.

As promised, because you’ve been so patient and attentive, here is that link I mentioned earlier.

‘Perfect Punctuation’

I thank you for reading, and leave you now as we go on our respective journeys, but please come back tomorrow when I’ll be dealing with ‘Q’.

N … is for Notes

On By TomIn Achievement, Competitions, General, Insight, Novel, Poetry, Review, Short Stories11 Comments

N[1] is for notes, notebooks, note taking, and note making. Some of us might prize our imagination, but how good is our … what is that thing … oh yes, our memory.

In my opinion, if you’re a writer it doesn’t matter how good your memory is; you should be taking and making notes.

Is there a difference between taking notes and making notes?

Yes, and I’ll clarify it as best I can before moving on. I know how it might be a distraction when reading this post, and you won’t want to be distracted from reading such an important article. LOL

Taking notes is the way we describe the activity of recording information at a lesson, or seminar; as I did when attending the ‘Self-Publishing Conference’ recently. I have several pages of notes, with headings, sub-headings and bullet points from all four seminars I attended.

Making notes is how I would refer to my everyday activities with my notebook and pen at work, or when out and about with my trusty Moleskine.  

If making notes and referring to a publication of any description it is imperative to use quotation marks when extracting a specific phrase.

It doesn’t matter what the book or magazine might be, it’s always advisable to use the simple addition of quotation marks if you have any intention of using it at a later date. If you later use the quote, give credit to the original author and avoid accusations of plagiarism.

There are several trains of thought on this topic, so rather than explore all of them here, I will once again write about what I know; my own methods.

Since stepping down from my management role over a year ago, I still carry a notebook when in my retail assistant role. It’s not a requirement, but I’ve carried one for years. The difference now is, that instead of being for work, it is mainly for when an idea comes to mind.

I only work three days a week in retail, so whenever I’m out and about on the other days, I carry a pocket-sized Moleskine notebook. I might find myself making a note of a person’s description, a phrase I’ve overheard, or the description of a location I’m in.

My favourite notes are those made when I’m enjoying a tea or coffee while out. It doesn’t matter if I’m taking a break from a shopping trip, or I’m on holiday; my notebook is used often. Sometimes I might write down title ideas for a short story I’m working on, or possible character names. A favourite habit is to write a passage for my current project.

Somehow, sitting in a restaurant, or small café lends itself to writing a scene, or a few lines of dialogue. In the last two years the habit has served me well. When other couples or individuals sit with their coffee in front of them, they pull out their phone to check emails, or social networks. I pull out my Moleskine and write for a while.

I might be with my wife on a day out, or even on my own, but I’m comfortable with the idea in either case. My wife isn’t bothered, because she is one of the smartphone brigade. As soon as the coffee cups are on the table; she’s surfing for the Wi-Fi signal. My notebook and pen come out; and for a while we get on with our own thing.

I’ve never got into the habit of the notebook on the bedside table, probably because I wouldn’t stop at a few words.

How do you deal with the idea of notes?

Please feel free to share in your comment. You know you want to …

I’ve got a blog patrol to be getting on with, and then I’ll be working on my ‘O’ post for tomorrow.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing your views.