What I can do, however, is suggest that grammar is a function of writing voice, and should not be driven or governed by rules and english-teacher principles. Today’s commercial fiction is written in a flowing, casual, hip voice that — especially within dialogue — breaks every rule out there.

The very best way I can think of to immerse yourself in style and editing is to read the work of others and pay attention. As readers we really don’t engage on that level, but if you do you’ll see how liberal the playing field is. Rather than find grammar and editing skills, I think you should find your “voice” first. The grammar, right or wrong, will flow from there.

As far as editing goes, there are two kinds: story-level editing and copy-editing. Again, this is very much like voice, in that it’s subjective, always an opinion at best. With “less is more” driving your sensibilities for story-editing, the best way to “edit” is to avoid the need to edit… by writing in alignment with solid storytelling principles.

As for copy editing — catching typos and repeats, etc. — I suck at it. I try to have another set of eyes read my work (hard to do with almost daily blogs here), and if that can’t happen, I just read and read and read until I felt I’ve caught everything.

It’s like a singer looking for a resource to make them a better singer. Sure, you can be coached… but ultimately it’s about honing your pipes, your talent, and your style. What we lack in god-given ability can be more than made up for with a unique stylistic approach. In music and in writing.

Hope this helps. At the end of the day there isn’t a final say on how a story or a sentence should play… the best you can do is become familiar with the current standards and continually work to master your voice and your storytelling skills. Hope this helps, at least a little.

i’d never have thought about the hero’s journey applying to me as an author, but your analogy makes sense. i’d have to say i’m just starting the wanderer phase, still soaking up knowledge about the writing craft and publishing industry. the first three years of working on this project was my orphan stage, and finding story structure a few months ago really showed me the things i needed to learn before i could proceed on my journey.

looking forward to more of your insights into the craft, and i’d love to hear any suggestions of yours on where to get a good grasp of writing fundamentals. i’ve got my old composition textbook from college, and a couple of screenwriting textbooks from a friend that i’ve looked through, but i’d like to have a solid idea of books or sites that focus on the grammar/editing side of things. any suggestions?

Thanks

Guess I finally made it into the warrior phase. Geez, I guess that is good, but a long journey is still ahead.

Alexandre is right, it also reminds me of Joseph Campbell. I just pulled “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Campbell off my shelf. The back jacket quotes Jung, “Each individual carries a seed of destiny within him or herself, and is thus endowed with a mission–which may be only dimly perceived–to grow, to struggle free and assert his or her own unique existence.”

So we are the writers with a thousand faces, carrying that seed of destiny trying to find our unique voice and story.