The Best Thing To Do/ Way To Go? WRITE Each Day and Get the Editing Bug(Your Teacher Rebecca E. On Editing Your Writing)

For those who haven't seen my writing before, and I am referring to writing, or my ability as a talented hack thereof, then sit down and enjoy a smart alack at work. Please do not have drink water or anything at the moment, I fear you will spit it out soon enough.

When you are down and out the best thing to do is to take a break for a few hours and then write, or in some cases: read other writers hubs, reply to comments and then write. What can you write about? or better still what should you publish? There are hundreds of subjects you can choose but the best thing is to have a good sense of humour...

Or me as an editor. Which of course brings me to my most favorite topic of all: EDITING. Better known as the don't do Rebecca's version of writing and editing... you will lose your mind. Please now let our class begin. Please sit down and enjoy. No drinks please.

Welcome to Editing 101 taught by yours truly.

Okay class, find a book called Elements of Style and, let us start of page one. Good, now, the first thing we learn from this is that writing is a process. It is about reading books and writing for the reader to comprehend your exact meaning. This is done through the use of commas, periods and the non-use of adjectives and adverbs which can be really, really hard to do and hardly anyone should try to do this. Or, is it hardly anyone does this. However, it can also be that hardly anyone spends time to do the correct editing of their work. (That would be me!)

(Aw, um, okay, judging from the blank stares, I can not make my meaning clear. Let us flip to the next page. I can do this, this is editing, and anyone can edit, just look at the spell checker.)

Hold on, please refer to page X for commas. Okay, to make your meaning clear: commas, should, be, properly, placed. (look of fear in face growing.... I am thinking of speed reading to the next chapter) This is not good. This is bad. My comma usage sucks. Find out what the comma, semi-colon and colon are supposed to do. I need to find an editor.

(God I need a good editor-- one who will be willing to fix my work before publishing...)

Okay then, commas are very, very, important, and you CAN NOT use the spell checker on them. Even with the grammar check on. Good thing to know. Let us continue on with our lesson.

Class on to part two of this lesson in editing: The Art of the Spell Checker. Now, please read the pages one your left. Yes I said ON!

Why are you raising your hands?

I used the spell checker, and I even read my work, twice! Stop! Stop that! it Sayd ON! No? What I check with spell checker.. and published this with no spelling errors.

Oh, I see. Spell Checker only checks for spelling mistakes. Actual spelling mistakes. Class, I will be back in about an hour to go and fix my "properly spelled hubs." I am at some point going to get this write, I mean right. (Leaves in disgrace.)

Okay I am back. Please open your book.

Which book?

Ah, fine, Getting the Words Right. This is a good book for beginners who need some help with their communication skills. It deals with cutting back on what you have written as a first draft. Class! Of course i don't publish first drafts. I would be mad to do so.

What's that?

Yes I've spell checked my things! Oh. Fine, I'll go back and edit them some more. I hate commas, I hate punctuation, and I really hate the spell checker. Mostly, I hate the non-spelled wrong spell checker. God, I need an editor. I also know that "mostly: is an adjective/adverb which should not be used.

Your teacher is trying to fix her hubs. Your teacher hates spell check at the moment. Okay, deep breath class find your recommended books. Yes, this is the best and safest idea. Books are a very good thing to use when in doubt, or editing with me.

What? You're not interested in the books which I might suggest?

A good book is Elements of Style. Do not read it when trying to teach someone else, as this can lead to a very large migraine. Rather, I would strongly urge you to get it and read it without children present. It is best that way. You will (this is my belief) be using words which the authors will recommend not being used within your writing.

Another good book is any book on editing. Yes class, I know I need a good editing book. I also know that I need a good mind to use it. Yes, I know that I need to learn a lot.

Thank you. Please, class, stop your laughing.

Class I would recommend one other thing, please see many hubbers on how to write and to edit your work. Lord know I will be going there soon.

Thank you class for spending the time with me for this lesson. It is enlightening for me as it was for you. I am so pleased you have enjoyed it.

Writing and editing are such an important part of the art of becoming a writer and, as many of you clearly understand from reading such great writers such as Strunk and White, (you know the writers of Elements of Style) you will learn how to improve your writing.

Class dismissed.

STOP LAUGHING!

I am off to fix my hubs based upon the elements of editing much needed.