Grammar in writing has had me struggling, what about you?

Eleven years ago I signed up for a creative writing class. I was so excited to write and get back into writing. I signed up with one of my friends who is also a writer.

On week three, the instructor was going to give us a review of our work. She talked about each person’s piece but skipped over me and then seem to be finished so I raise my hand and asked her about mine. 

She dramatically shook her head (at least in my memory) and said, “The grammar was so terrible I couldn’t get past it to read the story.”

I sat in shock and embarrassment. I knew my grammar in writing wasn’t great, but I hadn’t thought it was so bad she couldn’t read it. No one was looking at me but I felt like I was under a spotlight and wearing a dunce cap. 

For a couple of years I couldn’t bring myself to show my work to anyone. I wanted to write, I wanted to publish, but I couldn’t bear anyone seeing my awful grammar. 

Of all things, taking French class at college improved my English grammar a bit but I still felt that I was probably terrible. 

Then I finally joined a review group. My friend who had been in the creative writing class with me was also in the review group.

Every time we’d come up to my story to be submitted I would tell everyone “I’m so sorry about the grammar.” 

My friend from class finally told me that not only was my grammar not that bad but that the teacher from years ago had overreacted so terribly and he had been so embarrassed for me.

I was so relieved to hear that but man I wish he would have told me sooner! I finally stopped feeling so embarrassed.

At some point, I started hiring editors for my stories and each time I’d go through their comments and edits I’d learn more and absorb some of those things that I’d do often. I’m still learning. 

Last week, I sent off book three to my editor last week. Anxiously awaiting to hear her thoughts. No matter what, when I give someone a piece of my work I’m still feeling vulnerable.

And then I get this text message.

This message made my whole week!

The moral of this story is two-fold.

Praise in public, correct in private. She could have easily took me aside and pointed out some grammar errors or told me she just couldn’t read it.

And writing is a learned process! You will suck at the beginning and that is totally ok! Just keep at it and if people tell you your writing sucks, smile and say “Ok. But it’s going to get better.”