Even Accomplished Editors Can Learn from June Casagrande

Those of you who visit this blog or are subscribed to it know that I also blog at The New Book Review where this lovely review might inform (and tease!) you a bit, but because I have long been a fan of June Casagrande's sage editing advice, I wanted to share it with you here, too!  

Title: The Joy of Syntax

Subtitle: A Simple Guide to all the Grammar You Know You Should Know

Author: June Casagrande

Publisher: Ten Speed Press (July, 2018)

Paperback: $14.99

Pages: 272

ISBN-13 9780399581069

Genre: Reference/Writing/Grammar/Editing

Buy on Amazon: http://bit.ly/JoyofSyntax

NOT YOUR GRANNY'S SYNTAX BOOK

Reviewed by Marlan Warren originally posted on L.A. Now and Then blog

“If someone tells you that it's wrong to X, where X is something native English speakers do regularly, you can be pretty sure the rule is bogus.”  ~ The Joy of Syntax, June Casagrande

The first thing that popped into my head when I first began reading June Casagrande's lively, informative The Joy of Syntax: A Simple Guide to All the Grammar You Know You Should Know was me in the backseat of my parents' car circa 1960, listening to Mom and Dad engage in a heated argument over incorrect vs. correct grammar. I don't recall what "rule" they were debating, only the yelling. That's how seriously a grammar mistake can affect us.

When it comes to syntax, I suspect people may be divided into three categories: those who know what syntax is and care; those who heard about it in English class but it didn't stick; and those who do not care at all. The first group contains people who love words or need them to advance their careers, future careers, and/or social standing. Those are the people who stand to get the most out of this book.

Casagrande's style is simple, direct, and friendly-humorous. The book's contents reflect a trove of enlightening trivia such as "Well as an Adverb and an Adjective;" "Dangling Participles and Other Danglers;" "Language Myths" (brace yourself). Part I focuses on "Syntax" and Part II on "Usage and Propriety." The latter goes beyond the average English speaker/writer's grasp of what is grammatically correct and explains that the acceptability of certain words can depend on whether they have been accepted into common usage.

Did you know that if a word is found in the dictionary, it's considered "valid"? Not necessarily appropriate for your dissertation, but not "wrong" in more casual contexts.

Pop Quiz:

True or False?

(1) It is always wrong to say or write "ain't."

(2) "Nauseous" and "Nauseated" can be used interchangeably.

(3) "Tomorrow" is both a noun and an adverb.

(4) Most, if not all, grammar questions can be answered by looking in the dictionary.

Here's a hint: number one is false. Surprised? Want to know why? Read the book. As for the rest...read the book. It won't kill you and you might even learn something.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

About the Reviewer:

Marlan Warren is an L.A. journalist, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, blogger, and publicist with Roadmap Communications and Book Publicity by Marlan. She reviews for the Midwest Book Review and her blogs include “Roadmap Girl’s Book Buzz”  and “L.A. Now and Then.” Her press releases are published in Broadway World Book News and the BBC Record. She is the author of the novel, “Roadmaps for the Sexually Challenged: All’s Not Fair in Love or War” and the producer/writer of the acclaimed documentary, “Reunion." Marlan is now in production for the documentary “What Did You Do in the War, Mama?: Kochiyama’s Crusaders” based on her play “Bits of Paradise." 

Contact Reviewer: mailto:memoircity@gmail.com

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Howard-Johnson is the author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the award-winning second editions of The Frugal Book Promoter  and The Frugal Editor. Her latest is in the series is  How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically. Learn more on her Amazon profile page, http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile. 

Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers is one of her booklets--perfect for inexpensive gift giving--and, another booklet, The Great First Impression Book Proposal helps writers who want to be traditionally published. She has three FRUGAL books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it will help them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. In addition to this blog, she helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs at all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (http://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com )Her SharingwithWriters.blogspot.com blog focuses on the writing life and book marketing and promotion. It is a Writers' Digest 101 Best blogs pick.

Because craft of fiction writing is often a big part of editing, I'm including this little Q&A column in The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor blog.  This column a la Ann Landers is a regular feature I run in my SharingwithWriters newsletter. And because metaphors can even be used by nonfiction writers (yes, they can!), this applies to everyone! (-:

Q&A a la Ann Landers

 

Metaphors and Your Novel's First Sentence ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question:

One of my readers contacted me and asked about using a series (several metaphors at once) of metaphors that were also foreshadowing as an opening paragraph for his novel.

 

Answer:

I've never seen anything--book or short story--open with a set of metaphors. As promising as they seem (including the foreshadowing aspect), it is my feeling that they're not enough of a hook for an opening paragraph. You may want to read Lisa Cron's section on openings in her book Wired for Story. (http://bitly.com/WiredforStroy).

 

The first sentence of any writing is absolutely vital. But for fiction it is part of that hook that makes readers want to want to know what is happening to a person--in order to get people (including contest judges) to continue reading. Metaphors can be overdone. Not to discourage original ideas, but usually metaphors must be truly integral to the story--so much so that the reader--who is caught up in the story--hardly notices they are there.

Of course, the idea is so unusual that if your name were Hemingway or Wolfe you might get away with it--even be praised for it. But the practical advice-in the early or even middle stages of a writing career--is to stay closer to the tried and true for what catches and keeps people reading. There is a reason these rules (I know most writers are not much for that word “rules.”) have worked for so long--have in fact--developed over the decades. That reason is: They work!

If you would like to subscribe to my SharingwithWriters newsletter to get regular tips on book marketing, editing, and lots of great articles from me and well-known authors like Penny Sansevieri (watch for the next issue), got to http://howtodoitfrugally.com. The subscription form is in the upper right page of most every page and you'll get a free e-book on wordtripps and style choices from me. Promise.
 

 

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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 (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers). Learn more about her other authors' aids at www.howtodoitfrugally.com/writers_books.htm , where writers will find lists and other helps including Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips on the Resources for Writers page. She blogs on all things publishing (not just editing!) at her Sharing with Writers blog. She tweets writers' resources at www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo . Please tweet this post to your followers. We all need a little help with editing. (-:

Expand Vocabulary and Writing Skills in the Digital Age

Marcia Bacon is guest posting today.  I've been especially interested in a broader need for grammar and editing skills since more and more people are required to market on the Web and since our emigrant population has grown and become more of an issue. Marcia gives some common sense suggestions for improving skills that can make a difference in lives and careers.  I'd also like to suggest this book by Lance Johnson, especially the sections on accent reduction and simplified English grammar.

How to Expand Your Vocabulary and Writing Skills

By Marcia Bacon

Some people say that basic skills like utilizing proper grammar don't matter so much anymore. However, a growing faction says that they're more important than ever. Those in the latter group are generally correct, because it's really important to have a grasp of both proper grammar and vocabulary. Without these important tools, it's quite challenging to succeed in a whole host of fields. How can you expand your skills in vocabulary and writing in way that's both efficient and transferable? Read on to find out :)

Take a Course
If you really want to improve your writing and speaking skills, taking a class is highly advisable. Plenty of community colleges and four-year universities across the country offer an array of English languages. You might be able to audit the class if you are unable to pay for it. However, working toward a particular grade can also give you the extra motivation to succeed in the class, which will mean that you'll sharpen your skills.

Read More Books
Of course, if you want to see how professional writing comes to fruition, you should read more books. They don't necessarily have to be the most profound pieces of material that have ever graced the presence of the earth, but they should be substantial reads. That said, you need to pay attention to stylistic choices, so that you can emulate them. Don't just get lost in the plot. On top of that, you should also read more newspapers and/or magazines. The more you expose yourself to written material, the more you can learn new words and writing techniques yourself.

Test Prep BooksNo matter what age you are, you might be able to utilize some test prep books that are generally designed for high school and college students. Let's consider an SAT prep book. When students take the SAT, they need to sharpen their verbal and writing skills for sure. Therefore, you can use these books to teach yourself at home. Give yourself a practice test to see how you do before hand, then once you've completed the knowledge, test again to see if you've learned anything. Before you know it, you might be speaking and writing more fluidly than ever before. You should also consider working with your own children on some of these questions, so that you can both enhance your knowledge base.

Working with Tutors
Perhaps working with a tutor is the answer that is right for you. You could hire someone who has a degree in English or Linguistics, and you could also look for a person who has an educational background. These individuals will know the best methods to help you to learn. Perhaps you have a particular college professor who really inspired you and really helped you out in the class. You might wan to ask this person if he or she has any recommendations for tutors or books that you could use to learn at home. Many communities are home to tutoring centers that assist eager learners with these endeavors as well.

Many different fields require that you have a solid grasp of writing and vocabulary. If you don't, you're unable to communicate properly. Can you think of many fields where communication skills don' matter at all? It is unlikely that you can, and really, in our ever-growing digital world, it's become more important than ever, especially considering that so many simply brush it off.

Marcia Bacon writes about education. Her recent work is a Career Guide for People with Master's Degrees.

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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 (How To Do It Frugally series of book for writers). Learn more about her other authors' aids at www.howtodoitfrugally.com/writers_books.htm , where writers will find lists and other helps including Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips on the Resources for Writers page. She blogs on all things publishing (not just editing!) at her Sharing with Writers blog. She tweets writers' resources at www.twitter.com/frugalbookpromo .