Grammar Day: And & But

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Starting Sentences with And & But


This is one of my grammatical weaknesses. Beginning a sentence with 'and' or 'but' is so easy to do! It's not technically improper...but it is a personal preference of many grammar enthusiasts.

Why is it wrong? Well--it's not. Here's why it's preferred, though! These words are conjunctions, which mean they connect the first part of a sentence to the second. In other words, they belong in the middle.

For your viewing pleasure...

Final Note: Usually, a sentence can be fixed by combining it with the preceding sentence, or simply by omitting the word.

They didn't want to go. But they said they would anyway.

They didn't want to go, but they said they would anyway.  

And We liked the last performance.

When the sentence really needs a starting word, consider replacing the word with something like 'although' or 'however'; 'also' or 'in addition'.

And In addition, she said she would do it again.

But However, it wasn't his favorite. 

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

On Monkeys and Gorillas...

This was the first story I ever wrote. I think I was around eight years old, and it was for an English assignment. I had just learned about the semi colon, and I was excited. I hope it gives you a smile!

The Story of the Wise Old Gorilla and the Mischievous Monkey

The monkey was very foolish; the gorilla was very wise. One day the monkey saw a tree that looked pretty sturdy, but the wise old gorilla was there and he saw what the monkey was going to do; he stopped him.

The monkey saw another tree that had a nest in it, and the monkey wanted to get a closer look. The gorilla knew that the mama bird would come if he did that, so he stopped him again.

The monkey was getting more and more curious as they walked. He had seen a hole in a tree, a squirrel's nest, and a tree that had some branches that looked like they would be good for swinging. But the gorilla would not let him go to any of these.

That would not stop him, though. When the gorilla was asleep, the monkey went back to where they had been that day.

First, he went to the tree that looked like it had good swinging branches...but when he swung on them he immediately fell to the ground--branch and all!

So the gorilla had a good reason not to let me go. But that is just one thing. Surely he could not have good reasons to let me go do all those other things, he thought as he brushed off the leaves.

So he went to all the places the gorilla would not let him go to. He was on his way to the sturdy looking tree, but there were bad things at every single place he went.

At the squirrel's nest, the squirrels got mad at him for coming to their nest and threw nuts at him. At the hole in the tree, he went into the hole and it stunk! A skunk lived there and sprayed him! At the bird's nest, the mama bird came and pecked at him.

But the monkey still had not learned his lesson. Now he was at the sturdy looking tree. It was sturdy all right, but when he was halfway up, he fell down. He tried this a few more times, but it was always the same result. The tree was wet!

I think I'll listen to that wise old gorilla from now on, the monkey sighed.

The End

Character Interview: Mira Benson

Name: Mira Benson

Significant Other: Aiden. He's so sweet...

What is your strongest belief? I'm not sure.

How do you like to spend your time? Peaceful walks along the lake.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I like it where I am.

What is your favorite food? I don't know...scrambled eggs are good.

Describe yourself in one word: Content.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? I love when Jonathan plays his guitar.

What is your favorite book to read? I've always liked Charlotte's Web.

Do you like animals? They're okay, I guess.

If someone important in your life was seriously injured how would you respond? I'd try to help them, if I could. If I couldn't, I'd probably just cry and hope for the best.

How do you respond when you hear the word glitter? I don't think I really have a reaction to it...

Do you have a favorite flower? The rose.

What is your favorite color? Purple. Any pastel color, really.


Mira, Jonathan, and Aiden can be found in the novel, Shrouded Jewels.

---

Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: Except vs. Accept

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Except vs. Accept

These two words may sound similar when spoken, but they mean very different things.

Definitions: 

Except: This word is used when there is an exception of some sort. It can be though of as a more specific word for 'but'.

Everyone, except your cranky uncle, is welcome. 

It was fun, except the music was too loud.

Accept: While the above word can sometimes be seen as exclusive (consider the first example), this can be seen as inclusive.

We gladly accept you into our club.

It is also a word to show resignation.

He chose to accept his fate.

Final Note: If you have difficulty remembering which to use, replace the word with 'welcome'.

She had to [welcome] the stranger.

This works, so we'd use 'accept'.

They liked it all, [welcome] the ending.

Huh? The word here is 'except'. 

Welcome is a bit more cheerful a word than accept is, but this will help when deciding which you intend.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Behind-the-Scenes: Swearing Choice

When we turn on the TV or open a book these days, often we are greeted with at least one curse word. This isn't limited to media, either. It's almost impossible to avoid those pesky four letter words.

Since the goal of writing is to reflect reality (at least, that's my goal), it makes sense to include swearing in a book, right? Well, not to me.

Would you swear during an interview? At a wedding? While on the phone with a customer?

Swearing is generally seen as unprofessional. Why should books be any different?

In my own writing, I choose to omit all such words. When a moment arises where it doesn't make sense for a character to restrain themselves (and those moments do happen), I cheat. I use phrases such as 'he swore' or 'she let loose a curse word'. The reader gets the idea.

One final point: Depending on your target audience, a curse word can be a big turn off. I would be surprised if anyone was offended by a lack of them.

Character Interview: Eric Larsen

Name: Eric Larsen

Significant Other: None. Once upon a time, Ella...but only in my mind.

What is your strongest belief? You get what you give.

How do you like to spend your time? With my niece and nephew.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I'm fine where I am.

What is your favorite food? Hamburger.

Describe yourself in one word: Blunt.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? The stuff they played at the galas isn't bad.

Why do you always order a hamburger? Why not?

Have you ever seen a leprechaun? No. If you have, I suggest visiting a therapist.

What are your hobbies? Visiting the diner, and helping with the newspaper.

Do you ever order anything but a hamburger? Why would I? I know what I like.

What was your first impression of Joe? He was a threat. I had nothing against him as a person, though.

And...do you dream about fighting dragons? No.

Eric, Joe, and Ella can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories.

---

Questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Don't be Baffled by Math!

I am pleased to announce the publication of a unique math book written by John Carlin: Don't be Baffled at Binomail Blvd. & Algebra Ave.! It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, and Smashwords, starting at $9.99 (ebook).

Amazon (Kindle and Paperback)
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Lulu (Hardcover)
Smashwords (Other ebook formats)

I edited and Rivershore Books published this book.

Would you like to see your book in print? Contact me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to talk about your project, or visit www.rivershorebooks.com to see your options.