The Comma Is NOT Just For Show, Writers--Or Style!

[scififreak]

Ok. So. I read a lot of fan fiction. Duh to anyone who has known me longer than a few days. I used to also write fic, but I was a mediocre writer at best and just kind of lost of the creative spark for it. However, I still actively engage in the process by being a really consistent reader and reviewer and reccer (someone who recommends stories to

Comments

[solarwind]

If she wants to be a professional writer some day, wouldn't it be easier to start working on fixing bad habits now instead of down the road? It's like a smoker saying that they want to die with perfectly clean lungs, but acknowledge that smoking makes that hard, but damn if it doesn't look cool and they're going to do it anyway till they die. Ok, that example was rather extreme, but still.

I fully admit that I struggle with commas. Always have (and always will). That said, her biggest problem in her response to you was not knowing when to use a period instead of a comma (run on sentences burn). I agree that she is entirely missing the point, and is actually being rather dismissive of it by linking grammar to a purely style category. Hopefully she'll rethink and work on fixes before trying to get published, but I fear she won't even need to (based on some of the crap I've read that's published by reputable publishers!)

I support you not only leaving feedback, but constructive feedback. It won't always be well received, and at least this author took the time to read it and think about it without just getting angry (as far too many do).