Did you ever have one of those V-8 moments except with an article you see somewhere instead of what you're drinking with your breakfast.
You bop yourself on the head and say, "Darn, why didn't I write that?!"
Well, an article that caused one of those moments for me is based on the me vs I conundrum that seems to plague American speech and writing. It forces us into very odd constructions using reflexsives and even causes us to feel uncomfortable when we use those objects of pronouns correctly. So here's the article by Suzanne Lieurance called "Why Are People So Afraid of ME?":
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pronouns---Why-Are-People-So-Afraid-of-ME?&id=328318
In terms of editing, an editor would never remove this incorrect-but-getting-commoner use from dialogue if the character saying the words is the kind of person who would use her prounoun/subjects that way. And check your style books on this. You may be surprised at the variety of opinion on the infamous Me vs. I.
(Note: Thank you to Yvonne Perry, owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Services, for turning me on to this article.)
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carolyn howard-johnson, editing, me vs. i, prounouns, objects of pronouns, suzanne lieurance, prounouns and dialogue, the frugal editor
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson edits, consults and speaks on issues of publishing. Find her The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0978515870. Learn more about her other authors' aids at www.howtodoitfrugally.com, where writes will find lists and other helps on the Resources for Writers page. She blogs on all things publishing (not just editing!) at her Sharing with Writers blog.
Gremlins out there are determined to keep your work from being published, your book from being promoted. They are resolved to embarrass you before the gatekeepers who can turn the key of success for you. Whether you are a new or experienced author, you need the multi award-winning "The Frugal Editor." It won USA Book News Award, Reader Views Literary Award, and was a finalist in the New Generations Award.
3 comments:
Carolyn, nice blog. The issue "me" versus "I" has always been a quandary for me. I beleive the reason is, I was taught a different way than what is acceptable now. So, old habits die hard. Thanks for your insightful blog.
Pee Wee
Great article - I will have to reference the link tomorrow when I post on my online writer's club journal.
And true, these rules don't always apply to dialogue, because most people don't 'speak' proper English.
And that's okay, too.
L. Diane Wolfe
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
www.spunkonastick.net
www.thecircleoffriends.net
Awesome videos, Carolyn. It's nice to put a face with the name. I tend to video blog with the help of youtube. Stop by and give me your two cents if you have a minute.
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