Writing Resouces

You're right, there is a typo in my subject line!

As you become more aware of your writing, you also consciously start to look more closely at the world around you and realize how many mistakes are in full view. The overly possessive apostrophe is everywhere – Come inside for CD’s, Video’s, DVD’s, and Book’s or Eden Chinese’s Food.

And then I noticed a complete howler from a surprising source, America’s friendliest writing coach, Roy Peter Clark. Right there, front and centre on the home page of his website: Writing Resouces. It was coming from such an unlikely source, I thought, for sure he's having us on. But maybe not.

You’d only be partially correct in thinking that the purpose of this post is to remind you to always proofread. We write quickly, especially emails, and that second look will invariably catch those little mistakes that might diminish us (hopefully only slightly) in the eyes of our reader. They might just laugh and shrug it off, knowing they’re guilty of the same crimes.

But no, I’m here to say that although those little typos matter, they don’t matter that much. When we obsess about our writing – or just as likely, other people’s writing – we can start to focus on the little things instead of the big picture. If all we see are the mistakes, we’re losing sight of the crucial message the writer is trying to impart.

Wouldn’t it be better to offer constructive suggestions to a report rather than harp on the grammatical problems? Or offer ideas for a more persuasive opening and close to the email a friend is writing making a special request to their boss?

Of course, point out the little stuff. But your input will be that much more highly valued when you offer meaningful, constructive suggestions.

Have a good day.

~ Ellen