The Importance of Spelling When Writing a Novel
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One can be a good writer, but not be able to spell correctly.
I found this to be one of the largest deterrents for conveying any situation or scene to the reader, because the student has an inability to recognize his lack of correct spelling.
Many rely on the way they have spelled everything (no matter how wrong it is), simply because that was always the way they always had spelled it. It just seems natural to them.
One can’t allow the misspelling of a word when there is the slightest feeling that it doesn’t look correct. This is being careless. When that occurs, use the dictionary to be sure, and accurate.
No publisher, should you rely on them to publish your book, will read your manuscript when they detect misspelled words. There is no situation where it is acceptable.
Today, there should be no excuse for misspelled words with computers. In fact, if it’s your real desire to misspell a word your computer will have a fit.
Don’t be afraid of words, but don’t be too snobbish with them either. It doesn’t harm anyone if you use a word of four syllables which covers a full sentence.
But, doing it continually only makes the statement that your ego is showing.
To be sure, many a writer is enlightened by the meaning of a new word to add to his vocabulary, but overuse will deter the reader’s interest. This is a read and not a lesson in the English language.
Contractions
Anyone who reads is aware of the use of contractions. There was a time in the history of writing where these were frowned upon. It was considered laziness on the part of the writer.
Today, contractions are used in all forms of writing.
Example: He can’t do it because it’s not acceptable.
This would have been written like this in earlier writings:
Example: He can not do it because it is not acceptable.
It’s (it is) (its – without an apostrophe – is the possessive form.)
I’m (I am).
I’ve (I have).
We’d, (we had).
We’ve (we have).
You’ve (you have).
You’d (you would).
Weren’t (were not).
Mustn’t (must not).
Can’t (can not).
He’d (he had).
Won’t (will not).
Wouldn’t (would not).
Couldn’t (could not).
Wasn’t (was not).
Weren’t (were not).
They’d (they had).
They’ve (they have).
Wouldn’t (would not).
Shouldn’t (should not).
She’d (she had).
Notice in today’s writings:
Should’ve = should have
Could’ve = could have
Would’ve = would have.
These are all acceptable uses in today’s writing, provided it isn’t overdone. People speak this way, therefore most readers feel right at home when they read contractions.
It’s most acceptable in dialog, although I find contractions being used in ordinary text as well. I find no fault with that. After all, we are writers of today, trying to please readers of today and contractions are legitimate.
Some writers make the mistake of using “it’s” when, in reality, they mean “its” – the possessive form where no apostrophe should be used.
Example: It’s time for the class to go home – is correct. “It’s” means “it is”.
This book is not in its proper place – is correct. “Its” is the possessive form.
The Possessive Form
Names requiring the possessive form are the nemesis of many writers. Names that end in “S” are the worst.
Example: We met Charles’s friend tonight.
Somehow it just seems funny but it’s correct.
It would attack the ear to write something like: “Moseses, Laws” whereas changing it to: “Moses’ Laws” would work.
Most names ending in “S” should be made possessive by adding the apostrophe and another “S”. Other names ending in “S” need to add “es”.
But, when it becomes a struggle to pronounce it, use the apostrophe only.
Examples:
That’s Myers’ umbrella.
The Joneses house is beautiful
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- Elizabeth St Denny Mfa
Tags: English Language, Novel Guide, Real Desire, Syllables, Writing A Novel
