writer's help???please answer.?

Question

since my writing isn't great (grammatically), and i love to write fantasy stories (i have two finished manuscript) i have lost all my inspiration in writing and decided to take writing course, i have a total of 45 credit, anyone knows what can i study to improve my writing beside journalism.
How does online courses work? Does one learn?

i want to be my own editor?

Answer 1

The best way to become a better writer is to be a good reader. In addition, I highly recommend the book "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. You might also want to search for writing groups in your area that get together to talk about editing, etc.

Answer 2

If you want to learn mechanics, the best class for you to take would be a creative writing class. Rules are different in creative writing than they are in journalism, essays, or academic articles, and you want to learn the rules as they apply to your domain.

Online classes are pretty much independent studies. You read your material, maybe write essays, take quizzes, or participate in forum discussions. The book is your teacher, the person teaching becomes grader and mediator. You can learn, but it might be more beneficial to work on your own. Although, in learning mechanics a class might be more helpful, because most books don't go into grammar and punctuation.

As for being your own editor- it doesn't work too well. You know your work so well that you will pass over things, like a double word or a misspelled name. Also, something might make perfect sense to you, because you know what you are trying to say, when you might not make any sense.

But if you are embarrassed to show people your work because of mechanics, here's what I would tell you. Read it out loud. That will slow you down enough to see mistakes you missed before. It will also help you sense the flow of words.

I would recommend reading it to yourself first, and then bringing your work to a writer's group. These groups are just people with some of the same problems you have meeting for support and writing improvement. They can help you. Even published authors have these.

Answer 3

Read more. Every spare minute of every day. Your grammar will improve. Other than that, try taking some basic writer's workshop style classes. I'm sure there's also classes on Grammar at your local community college. Some online courses do work, but make sure they are accredited or you will not get anything out of them. Finally, you are your own worst editor. Even people who are considered masters of the craft have editors. When you edit your own stuff you can become too attached to the work and not want to cut and/or change anything.

Answer 4

Find a partner to work with.

You don't want to be your own editor, especially if your grammar skills are weak. You want someone to give you constructive criticism, so you can learn how to be a better writer.

There are creative writing classes out there. Look for one that focuses on staging and moving a story along.

You really, really do not want to be your own editor.

Answer 5

The best book to learn grammar more or less painlessly is called THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White. Another helpful aid in correcting grammar is read your stuff out loud. You should be able to hear where the commas and periods need to go and what's awkward and doesn't work.

Answer 6

There is a book called elements of style I beleive, by Schrunk and White. I don´t know how close that name or title is, but you need that as a reference book.

Answer 7

Start reading alot more, try more complex books than those u may normally read. sorry thats about all i can help wth.