#grammar - P.J. MacLayne

The Biggest Don’ts In Writing #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne January 11, 2026 January 11, 2026 Open Book

January 12, 2025

What is the biggest “don’t” in writing?

What should a writer never do?

There’s a simple answer to this question – don’t give up. If you enjoy writing, keep at it. Even if you are writing only for an audience of one – you – stick with it.

Now that’s out of the way –

Don’t skip the hard stuff. Grammar. Spelling and punctuation. Make sure you are using the right words in a context your reader will understand. And that the words are put together in a rational order. There are people who can break the rules and be successful. William Carlos Williams. Grandma Moses. Lady Gaga. They put a lot of work into their unconventional styles. We may dream about being successful no matter how we write, but the chances of that happening are near zero. Shoot, it’s hard to be recognized even if you follow all the rules.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Now, if you are writing for a private journal, you can ease up on those rules. But if you want to pass your memories on to other generations, don’t. The language will have changed enough over the years to potentially make reading difficult. (There are sites where people attempt to interpret recipes, letters and historical documents written by long-dead relatives. Fascinating to give it a try yourself.)

Anything else?

There are lots of other rules. Don’t be harsh to other writers. Don’t plagiarize. And another one, more important than the others – be kind.

What advice do the other authors on this hop offer? Find out by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe

Goal update: I’m just over 27,000 words. I’ve also changed the tentative name of the book, but I’m still not entirely sold on it.

January 12, 2025

What is the biggest “don’t” in writing? (What should a writer never do?)

Rebel With A Cause #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne March 10, 2024 March 10, 2024 Open Book

March 11, 2024

What rules of writing do you break on purpose?

You can guess the easy ones.

Ending a sentence with a preposition is out!

Never start a sentence with an ‘ing’ word.

Never use too many exclamation points!!!

Never start three or more sentences in a row with the same word.

I am careful about several of these. The ‘too many exclamation points’ is a personal grievance. I limit myself to using them in dialogue, and even then I use as few as possible. I stop and consider each one I type. When I read others’ writing, their heavy use decreases my reading enjoyment.

But there are times when a writer breaks the rules to make a point and speak in their own ‘voice.’. For example, my use of “Never” at the beginning of this piece. The built-in WordPress tools kindly reminded me I shouldn’t start three sentences in a row with the same word. I don’t know how to tell the tool-“Yes, I know. Now go away.”

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The most frequent place I flaunt the rules is in dialogue. When writing my characters. I strive to make them sound like people in real life. The people I run into in the store or at an event. Or the ones I overheard in a restaurant. (Yes, using sentence fragments is breaking the rules.) Even then, I have to be careful. I don’t want my librarian with several college degrees to sound like she never made it past kindergarten. Real people don’t always talk the way the rules dictate, much to the dismay of teachers everywhere.

Which rules do I break on purpose?

Any of them. It depends if straying from the mandate suits the story, the character, and the plot. We also need to consider that the rules of grammar change as language changes. It’s no longer the rules to have two spaces between sentences, at least according to U.S. grammar. And think about all the words that have been introduced in languages based on new technology, let alone the rules that are being formulated to deal with texting and other forms of on-lime communication. I’m old enough to have witnessed the shift in language—social media didn’t exist when I was a young ‘un.

What rules do the other writers this hop break? Find out by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

March 11, 2024

What rules of writing do you break on purpose?

Taking A Chance On AI #IWSG

By P.J. MacLayne March 6, 2024 March 6, 2024 IWSG

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

March 6th question: Have you “played” with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI’s impact on creative writing?

Sorry this is up late, but life happens.

Before I answer, don’t forget there different levels of AI. Technically, Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and other such editing programs can be considered to be AI. In fact, Grammarly is advertising itself as an AI tool. But now those programs are getting into the realm of rewriting sentences and suggesting different ways of stating the information presented to it.

I’ve used the grammar and spellcheck options of those programs for years. Recently, I’ve paid attention to the rewriting part of the programs. (I use ProWritingAid.) Frankly, I don’t think I’ve ever used a suggested sentence revision. They don’t have the same meaning as what I’m trying to say. So, I can’t imagine using it to write a synopsis.

Once, and only once, I played with a built-in Word Press plug-in to write a key phrase for a blog post. The results were so far off the mark that I didn’t give it a second thought and discarded it. I haven’t tried it again.

I’ve seen several blog posts from others that appear to be AI written. Lordy, they were bad. Real bad. Stiff and artificial with click-bait titles that had little to do with the content. I’d compare them to the pictures floating around the internet with free-floating hands with six fingers. But I could see them getting reads, presumably based mostly on the header.

I can’t see the future, but AI has me worried. If the market gets flooded by poor-quality writing, readers will be discouraged, and aspiring authors may get shut out of the market. And that’s not good.

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Don’t forget to check out some of the others on this hop by clicking on the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

A Rebel at Heart #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne February 12, 2023 February 12, 2023 Open Book

Feb 13, 2023

What grammar rules have you broken on purpose?

Oh, the hours I spent in high school learning the American rules of grammar. On the surface, it seemed boring, but I found pleasure in the music of how words fit together to form pictures and ideas. That’s how I found my way into poetry, where the rules don’t matter or matter even more, depending upon the form.

Writing fiction forced me to again pay attention to the rules and be selective about which ones I break. The big qualifier is that grammar doesn’t keep up with the spoken language, and it’s a battle between the two.

Sentence Fragments: I use with caution, but sometimes they are a great device to increase tension, and combat run-on sentences. (See below) How many I use varies from story to story. In my current work-in-progress, The Rise of Jake Hennessey, I can only think of two or three times when I’ve deliberately used a sentence fragment for emphasis. (Here’s one of them. “I’m a cop. A good one. I’m trained to see when people are lying. And every time she opens her mouth, she’s lying.”)

Run-On Sentences: I’ve seen books where half a page was one sentence. I’ve written a few with fifty words in my career, but they don’t make it through editing.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition: Even grammarians have given up on this one for informal writing. The rule doesn’t work for our day-to-day speech, and I pay only minimal attention to it. (“That was Eli’s job.” Harmony held up her hand. “Don’t worry, the tears will wait. I’ve got my business face on.”)

One More-Commas: Commas are rough. Even grammar checkers can’t always decide whether a comma is needed. I fall back on the concept – do I want the reader to pause at a certain spot for emphasis? If yes and the grammar checker is unsure, I’ll add a comma. Heck, I’ve added a comma against the strict recommendation of a grammar checker!

That’s all I’ll confess to. To find out what rules the other authors on this hop break, follow the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe!

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Feb 13, 2023

What grammar rules have you broken on purpose?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
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3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
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Texting While Writing #OpenBook Blog Hop #Grammar

By P.J. MacLayne November 6, 2022 November 6, 2022 Open Book

Nov 7, 2022

There don’t seem to be any universal rules for indicating texting in books and short stories. How do you handle it?

I’ve looked for the rules, and everyone is like me- we’re winging it. I’ve experimented with several ways of showing text messages in my stories. Here are the two variants I’ve used:

Annabelle had texted me back. “*#&* Broke down near Clarksburg. You?”
“Rest stop near the border. Jake and three more.”
“That’s one too many.”

from The Baron’s Cufflinks

Here’s the second version:

All three of our cell phones buzzed in succession. I got to the text first, a group message from Eli.
Big Steelers game tonight. The roads are a disaster. I’ll find a hotel to hole up in. See you tomorrow.
My phone buzzed again with a second text.
I’ll call you when I get settled. Love you. I hoped that hadn’t gone to the guys, too. But they were putting their phones away, so it came to only me.
Be safe. I texted back. Love you too.
“You guys want to help me put the food away?” I asked, pushing myself out of the chair. I needed to stay awake until Eli’s call.
Lando stuffed his phone into his pocket. “Sure, if you help us kill off some zombies afterward.”

from The Contessa’s Brooch

In both versions, I’ve indicated the use of text messages by the characters. I also used italics in both, but in one I used quotation marks. I’m torn about which is better.

The first one, with the quotation marks, is a better indicator of the idea that a conversation is taking place. It’s the same thing as talking to someone, but doing it with a modern version of passing notes in class. The second style, with no quotation marks, looks ‘cleaner’ to my eyes.

I’ve seen some authors use standard style letters for texts, which makes sense if you consider it a form of conversation. It’s a matter of making it clear to the reader how the communication is happening.

That’s why I mostly stick to the italics and quotation marks style. I’d love to hear what you think- tell me in the comments. You can find out how the other authors on this hop show text messages by following the links below.

And, as always, please stay safe until next time.

Nov 7, 2022

There don’t seem to be any universal rules for indicating texting in books and short stories. How do you handle it?

The Curse of the Question Mark #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne June 28, 2021 June 28, 2021 Open Book

June 28, 2021

Do you use said or asked after a ? or tag your interruptions? Any punctuation that bugs you? What’s the hardest for you to get right?

The first thing I thought about when I saw this topic was how to make the post funny, but a comedian I am not. Not for lack of trying, but my sense of humor is warped. People don’t get my attempts at humor, and I have to admit, I’m not that funny. So, you’re stuck with me answering this as blandly as possible. Hopefully, it won’t be that bad.

Punctuation is hard. I don’t get it right 100% of the time. Thank heavens for good editors. But the question mark question I have covered. If I add a tag to a sentence that ends in a question mark, it’s always asked or questioned, but it’s never said. That wouldn’t make sense to me. I suppose it’s possible that a person asks a question in a monotone and using said would work, but I don’t believe I’ve ever written a sentence like that. I have written sentences that grammar programs have interpreted as questions when they aren’t, and then I confuse the computer by refusing to change the period to a question mark. But there’s no ask or said involved.

Is there punctuation that bugs me? Let’s talk quotation marks. Why is there a difference in usage of question marks between the United State and part of Europe? They use the single quote to mark dialogue. ‘Punctuation is the devil,’ rather than the double quotes we use in the US “Punctuation is the devil.” How did that happen and why? Who thought that was a good idea?

And is there punctuation I struggle with? Besides almost all of it? Let’s talk dashes. Why do we need three forms of dashes? Not two, but three. You have the dash – the en-dash – and the em-dash —. The rules of how and why to use each other is enough to make a writer’s s head spin and a grammarian’s heart sing, and I’m not going to try to explain them here. I don’t think I’d do a good job. Feel free to give yourself a headache and research them in your favorite fashion.

What about you? What punctuation do you struggle with? Let’s commiserate in the comments. And don’t forget to check out the other authors on the hop by checking out the links below.

As always, until next time, stay safe.

June 28, 2021

Do you use said or asked after a ? or tag your interruptions? Any punctuation that bugs you? What’s the hardest for you to get right?

Adverbs- Good or Evil? #OpenBook Blog Hop #Grammar

By P.J. MacLayne August 9, 2020 August 9, 2020 Open Book

Aug 10, 2020

Are adverbs really the devil? If they sneak in occasionally, does it mean the writer is lazy?

How many adverbs do you count in the subject for this weeks blog hop? It’s been a long time since I conjugated a sentence, but I count 2. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. Sure, I could change this to “Are adverbs the devil? If they sneak in on occasion, does that mean the writer is lazy?”

Now, when was the last time you used “on occasion” in your everyday conversations? The answer likely depends upon the last time you gave a formal speech. Which for me is more years ago than some of you have been alive.

I don’t know who came up with the rule that adverbs shouldn’t be used in writing, but it wasn’t me. I’m a firm believer that storytelling should echo the language of the listener. That includes adverbs.

Image by PDPics from Pixabay

The trick is to limit their use and find the proper balance. Overuse translates to boring, just like too much description or starting too many sentences with the same word. Or using the same word too many times.

I do try to be aware of my use of adverbs when I’m writing. Sometimes, the only word that fits is an adverb. An author friend claims he wrote an entire book without using any, (I haven’t verified it!) and my first reaction was “Why?”

I run these posts through a grammar checker before I post them, and I got a kick out of one of the suggestions for this one. Way back at the beginning, when I switched ‘occasionally’ to ‘on occasion?’ The grammar checker wanted me to switch it back. So, even an “official” source approves of the use of the rare adverb.

That leaves me guilt-free to continue my sparse use of adverbs. I’m not lazy, I’m using all the possible tools to tell my stories. Let’s see if other authors agree with me by following the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe!

Aug 10, 2020

Are adverbs really the devil? If they sneak in occasionally, does it mean the writer is lazy?

Writing Mistakes #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne May 17, 2020 May 17, 2020 Open Book

May 18, 2020

What are your top five writing mistakes? Either mistakes you make or mistakes that make you cringe when you see them in print?

Eight books in, and I’ve learned a lot. I’m not perfect by a long shot, but I know what to watch for. That doesn’t mean I don’t slip and have to go back and correct myself, but at least I make the same mistakes less often. Here’s my top five.

Overusing “was.” The dog was. John was. The reason for my anxiety was. You get the drift. The word is unavoidable, but using it too much isn’t. I’m better, but still have to watch my words. And figure out how to find better words to use when I am editing.
Same thing with ‘sigh.’ I won’t bore you with examples. I challenged myself to write the current book without a single use of sigh. (The Samurai’s Inro, coming June 1st.) I need to go back and check, but I think I won the challenge.
Commas. I think the rules about commas were created to make us crazy. Heck, even the on-line grammar checkers can’t agree on commas. And I’m not talking about different grammar checkers giving different results. I’m talking about the same grammar checker giving different results at different times. Before you ask – Oxford commas are a yes in my book.
I’m a pantser. That means I don’t have everything all plotted out before I write a story. That also means I occasionally lose track of story time. It is Thursday or Friday? I have to go back to a known day and start counting. No one has ever called me out on messing up a day, so I think I get them right in the end.
This one is not me, but I cringe every time I see it in an on-line forum. In fact, I see it so often I’ve begun to doubt myself. People who are using barley instead of barely. Is autocorrect doing that? Or is it a matter of bad typing and not paying attention? I never noticed it until the last year or two. One is a grain, and the other is an adverb. How do you mix them up?

That’s my five. It won’t surprise me if there’s a lot of overlap with other authors on this loop. You can check it out by following the links below.

Until later, stay safe out there.

May 18, 2020

What are your top five writing mistakes? Either mistakes you make or mistakes that make you cringe when you see them in print?

Pet Peeves #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne April 26, 2020 April 26, 2020 Open Book

April 27, 2020

What are your pet peeves when it comes to grammar and spelling?

I’m sure the list will be ones you’ve all heard over and over before, but I’ll give this a shot.

Too! Many! Exclamation! Points! Now, I’m not against the use of
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
exclamation points in general, but I think they need to be used sparingly. It’s like sending an email in all caps—it’s yelling. Look at me! I’m important! If you, as an author, have to use an exclamation point to show how important the sentence you wrote is, you need to rewrite the sentence. There are exceptions, of course, because they help to show what a character is feeling. But, please, please, don’t overuse the exclamation point!
Apostrophes. Apostrophes can be hard. Is it it’s or its? And how about the possessive of a noun that ends in s? If you have more than one dog, and they each have a bone, is it the dogs’ bones or the dogs’s bones? Now throw in someone whose name end in ‘s’. Let’s say someone’s last names is Cookes. Is the car belonging to Mr. Cookes, Cookes’ car or Cookes’s car?
Here’s a fun one. One or two spaces after a sentence? Old style sheets will tell you two, newer versions will say one. The truth is, back in the days when documents were typewritten, two spaces made for a cleaner look. Nowadays, that’s not true. Microsoft, in all its wisdom, has decided to flag two spaces as errors. (But it’s an option that can be turned off.)
There, they’re, and their. It strikes me as silly that the English language has three words that sound the same but have different meanings. Especially when all the words are used frequently. Homonyms are bad enough with two words that sound alike, but three word homonyms are totally unnecessary. It’s a wonder that auto-correct ever gets them right.
How about the word I am most likely to misspell. Awkward, isn’t it? No, that’s the word. Awkward. I always want to put a c in the first syllable. I know it doesn’t belong there, but darn, if my fingers don’t reach for that key every time I type the word awkward.

There’s my five. What did I miss? Tell me your pet peeves in the comments.

And stay safe, y’all.

April 27, 2020

What are your pet peeves when it comes to grammar and spelling?

Tag: #grammar

The Biggest Don’ts In Writing #OpenBook Blog Hop

What is the biggest “don’t” in writing?

What should a writer never do?

Anything else?

Rebel With A Cause #OpenBook Blog Hop

What rules of writing do you break on purpose?

Which rules do I break on purpose?

Taking A Chance On AI #IWSG

A Rebel at Heart #OpenBook Blog Hop

Texting While Writing #OpenBook Blog Hop #Grammar

The Curse of the Question Mark #OpenBook Blog Hop

Adverbs- Good or Evil? #OpenBook Blog Hop #Grammar

Writing Mistakes #OpenBook Blog Hop

Pet Peeves #OpenBook Blog Hop

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