Editing is the most terrifying thing about publishing a blog post each day.
My initial fear was that the difficulty would be in finding enough content.
But, if I am open, curious and free to inquiry, and have the courage to share, topics of interest fall in front of me.
Once a few hundred words are on the screen, the editing process begins.
Reading, re-reading, re-re-reading. These posts all require pruning and general maintenance.
Sentence structure is questioned.
Words and phrases are better organized.
Can this be stated more simply? What is the context? Is the comma or apostrophe in the correct place? Will moving it change the meaning of the piece?
Any mistakes so far?
It’s better these questions are asked and answered by someone else. An editor, with a red pen and a lot ink, is always helpful.
I wrote this, and so my mind fills in blanks that only a fresh set of eyes can see.
But, this is not a book or newsprint. It’s a blog. What is written here can be changed and fixed at any time.
Certainly, getting it wrong annoys readers. But, it does not cost anything. Well, get it wrong enough and people will move on.
So, this is a rather long and winding invitation. Will you help me edit?
Recently, a few folks sent me an email with corrections. They highlight a missing word here and there, and a handful of basic grammatical errors.
It’s my goal to get it right the first time. But, it seems no matter how many times a piece is reviewed, something slips past.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. And, thank you for helping improve it.
If you find a typo or grammatical error please let me know. Send me an email or leave a comment.
Image by Wokingham Libraries from Pixabay
I prefer the imperfections to the absence of the blog! Keep writing! Thank you.
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I use two tools to help me with this and similar activities – speeches and teaching. My first is mind mapping (some are free – I use I mind map) to get my thoughts down-the reason for doing these things- and to organize them for the reader/listener. Once I’m satisfied, then I write and go over checking using Grammarly (Free or deluxe). These two tools have allowed me great freedom to put ideas into print or to voice them articulately. I enjoy your blogs.
Adam, We appreciate your commitment to humanize the role of MLA with this open line of communication from the heart. Imperfections are inherent in our individual and collective search for a better path for each of us, our communities and our planet. Write on Adam!
Paul on Pender
Thank you Paul!
Happy to proof-read as able. Big fan of yours Adam, so much so I want the Bowinn Ma, MLA clones to stop at 83 so there’s room for ya in the BC Legislature!
You so rock Adam!!!