Favorite Children’s Books

Posted by Christi McGuire

My oldest daughter came home from kindergarten last week very excited because she had homework for the first time! She has been anxious to begin reading and is thrilled to be learning “sight words.” At 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, she was begging to do her homework and to read her first book!

Research shows that a love for learning is linked to a love for reading books. We started reading books to both girls when they were tiny babies, and so their love for books began early. How cute it was to see them as 2-year-olds turning pages of a book and “reading” (babbling) the words to themselves. Then our oldest would start “reading” the books she had memorized to her little sister.

Books have always been important in our family, and time spent together reading them has been a blessing. The following are the McGuire family’s top five picture and board books.

“10 Little Rubber Ducks” by Eric Carle was inspired by a true story of ducks at sea. Carle’s 10 rubber ducks fall overboard and meet creatures along their journey to shores all around the world. I’ve had to tape and re-tape almost every page, as this book was well-worn. Finally, I bought another copy and still have had to tape its pages! This has definitely been the girls’ #1 most-loved book.

 

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown is a classic because children love the story and can recite almost every word. Little Rabbit saying “goodnight” to everything taught us to say “good-bye” to everything, making transitions easier when the girls were toddlers.

 

“Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow is wonderful because the kids already know the song and love to pretend to be the jumpy monkeys. (Although this mommy doesn’t have to pretend to be the exhausted mama monkey—I definitely am!)

“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney is one that melts my heart every time I read it. The beautiful illustrations and heart-warming story perfectly sum up a parent’s love: “all the way to the moon—and back!”

 

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin, Jr. was Eric Carle’s first illustrator credit, sending him on his journey as writer and illustrator for many classic picture books. The rhyme and repetition in this book is loved by kids and can be repeated over and over (and over and over).

 

 As we transition out of the picture and board books, I am excited to share some of my most favorite children’s books with my girls!

 

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak brings to life a child’s imagination and wonder. The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the message that even when kids are naughty, parents still love them!

“James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl was my favorite Dahl book, but I loved them all! When James climbs inside the peach and it rolls away, I wanted to be on the journey with him and Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider, and Centipede. Dahl knew how to bring a child’s imagination to life!

“The Ramona Series” by Beverly Cleary is a true child’s classic. I love, love, love all things Beverly Cleary! I adore Ramona’s spunky character, could identify with the older sister Beezus, and wanted to live in the world of the Quimbys. Beverly Cleary is a hero in my book!

“The Chronicles of Narnia Series” by C.S. Lewis bring a magical experience with each book. You become entranced with each fabulous character and learn how good can always triumph over evil. Lewis wrote these books over 50 years ago, and children today are still falling in love with the four kids who stumble upon the wardrobe.

“Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder is my absolute most favorite book of all time! I have read this book and the rest in the “Little House” series many, many times. I wanted to live in a log cabin, have a corn cob as my doll, help Ma make everything from scratch, and dance to the fiddle music of Pa. Probably the best history lesson I ever received, as well as a lesson in family togetherness, was found in this book!

Share with us the books that are your family’s favorite!

 

 

Rejection? Bring It On!

Posted by Christi McGuire

Winston Churchill once said, “Never, never, never give up.” That could apply to all facets of life, but it especially applies to the world of publishing. Most writers dream of being published. However, their sugar-coated dreams are haunted by the ghosts of possible rejection. A big, fat “NO” can crush inspirations and ambitions. Luckily, for us fellow readers, the following authors never gave up or let being rejected (dozens of times!) stop them from reaching their goals of being published. Today, their once-rejected manuscripts are globally considered as masterpieces!  

 

 “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” by Dr. Seuss was rejected by more than 20 publishers. Once published, Dr. Seuss was challenged to write a book based on a list of 400 words a first-grader should know. Thus, “Cat in the Hat” was born! Today Dr. Seuss is known as one of the most recognizable and loved children’s writers. His books have sold more than 2 million copies and have been translated into 15 languages. During his lifetime, Dr. Seuss was awarded with two Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and a Peabody Award.

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul” by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen was rejected 140 times. Talk about perseverance! Now there are over 100 books in the series, which are translated into over 50 languages with over 100 million copies in print.

 

“M*A*S*H” by Richard Hooker was the popular TV series that ran 11 seasons with Alan Alda as Captain Pierce and Jamie Farr as Corporal Klinger. What most people don’t realize is that the TV show was inspired by the film, which was inspired by the novel about a medical unit serving in the Korean War. The novel by Richard Hooker was rejected 21 times! (By the way, “M*A*S*H” stands for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.)

 

“Carrie” by Stephen King was the horror guru’s first published novel. However, it had 30 rejections before it was published. Now King has sold 350 million copies of his 49 published novels, many of which have become feature films or television movies (scaring the living daylights out of most of us!).

 

“Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell was the only book she ever published, and it won her a Pulitzer Prize in 1937. However, the book was originally rejected 38 times. The movie version was released in 1939 starring the hunky Clark Gable and beautiful Vivien Leigh and won 10 Academy Awards (it is also the highest grossing film of all time, considering inflation).

 

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling was rejected by over a dozen publishers. Of course … we know the ending of this story. Seven books and movies later, Rowling is a very, very wealthy author.

 

“Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer was ignored by five publishers and rejected by nine. Now it’s turned into a “saga,” complete with movies, screaming teens, t-shirts, and Burger King dolls. Vampires were never so popular and rivalries between Edward and Jacob never so fierce.

 

“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding was called “uninteresting” and “absurd.” Now it is hailed by Time magazine as one of the top 100 novels ever written, and it earned Golding a Nobel Prize.

 

To all aspiring writers out there—when you need a little pick-me-up, consider these success stories and realize that you, too, may have the next classic piece of literature. If you are striving for publication, press on and never quit! With every rejection, you are closer than ever to being published.

 

 Sources: 1, 2, 3

Break the Rules!

Posted by Christi McGuire

Rules, rules, rules. The English language is full of rules. “I” before “E” except after “C” (and in a bunch of words that are exceptions). Never capitalize a, an, or the in a title unless it’s the first word. Make sure your subject and verb agree (as if they don’t get along). So many rules to remember … and so many exceptions.

But here are a few rules that you can get away with breaking. (I just broke one of them in that sentence!)

1. Never end a sentence with a preposition.

Nope! Not valid anymore. It used to be “proper” not to end sentences with prepositions; however, it made language very awkward. For example, the sentences “Where should we eat at?” or “Who do I give this to?” would have been considered illegal (well, at least ungrammatical). Teachers forced us to alter sentences to “At where should we eat?” and “To whom do I give this?” We all sounded as formal as the British monarchy! Syntax (the rules for putting together phrases and sentences) has become less archaic and more relaxed in order to be readable, so this rule has nearly become extinct. Instead of saying “To where has it gone?” go ahead and break the rule to say “Where has it gone to?”

2. Do not begin a sentence with so, and, but.

But why? Because most of us were taught never to start a sentence with a conjunction. A conjunction is a part of speech that joins together sentences, phrases, or clauses. These are seven little conjunctions: and, but, or, yet, for, nor, so. Poor little words! Why can’t they be important enough to begin a sentence? There is “no historical or grammatical foundation” to this rule, so says the Chicago Manual of Style (see the 16th edition, page 257). Using a conjunction to begin a sentence can add emphasis, especially in dialogue. So go ahead—use a conjunction. But just don’t overdo it. (Like the last two sentences!)

3. Never split infinitives.

First of all, what is an infinitive? Well, I’m glad you asked! An infinitive is a verb phrase that consists of a “to” + “verb” (for example: to do, to see, to be, to have).

In the English world, as well as publishing, there has been a strict rule not to split infinitives. Guess what? You can get the scissors out and cut the apron strings: infinitives can be separated. Infinitives can be split for the sake of readability, comprehension … and just ‘cause it sounds better! So instead of writing “there is a strict rule not to split infinitives,” I can write “there is a strict rule to not split infinitives.”

Another example: To never stop learning is a crime! (“to” and “stop” combine to make the infinitive “to stop.”) If you wrote “Never to stop learning is a crime” only to avoid splitting the infinitive, it would sound a little ridiculous. So split away!

Ahhh … how freeing is it to break a few rules
where there are so many laws of the language!

What rule (grammar or otherwise) do you wish could be broken?

Guest Blogger: Magazine Editor Jodi Skulley

Posted by Christi McGuire

Today is a very special but bittersweet day! Jodi Skulley, content editor for ParentLife Magazine at LifeWay Christian Resources is hanging up her full-time editing cap and entering into the world of freelance. The best part for Jodi is that she gets to stay home with her adorable three-year-old, Jack!

Jodi with son Jack!

Jodi and I met years ago when I was editor of ParentLife, and she joined the team as copy editor. We were instantly friends and made a great editing team! (In our humble opinion!) Jodi is highly competent as an editor, and more importantly, she is an amazing friend. There will be many tearful goodbyes in the publishing department at LifeWay as Jodi takes on a new chapter in her life. To honor her on this special day and to share the pearls of wisdom she has gained along the journey in the magazine world, Witty Words is dedicating today’s blog to Jodi. Enjoy this Q&A with Jodi Skulley, editor extraordinaire!

What drew you into the world of publishing?

Working in publishing was never a dream of mine. In fact, English and grammar were two of my least favorite subjects in school. However, my dad works in publishing (at LifeWay Christian Resources) and has for many years. During my high school and college years, he often told me that I would make a good editor. I laughed at him … thinking that would never happen! Not long after graduating from college, a job at LifeWay opened up. It was an entry-level position as a department assistant, but I knew in the long run LifeWay would be a great place to work, so I applied and got the job. I hadn’t been at LifeWay long when a couple of copy editor positions opened up on two different monthly magazine teams. I had seen enough of the publishing world by that time to be somewhat intrigued. My dad gave me the push I needed to apply for both of the positions … and I landed the position as copy editor of ParentLife, a Christian magazine for parents with children 12 and under.

It’s funny looking back now, because I can see how God orchestrated all of the details to put me in the right place at the right time! I’m so glad that God knows what’s best for us … even when we can’t see it. His timing and plans are perfect!

What is the first thing you learned on the job as an editor?

I had an amazing teacher! Christi taught me everything I know! I think the first major thing I learned as copy editor of ParentLife was that editing is all about attention to detail. It is my job to pay attention to every tiny detail and question everything in order to make the finished product as correct and clean as possible for the reader. The funny thing is … I’m terrible with details at home. (Just ask my husband who knows I’m the most unobservant person in the world!) But for some reason, focusing on the details comes naturally to me when editing!

What do you look for in new writers?

I love discovering new, talented writers! I look for writers who are in touch with the real day-to-day life of parents and therefore they pitch practical, creative, and appropriate ideas. I also like to find writers who have a laid-back tone and style that parents can relate to. It’s also nice if they are organized, quick, cool under pressure, and on time!

What is the best thing and the worst thing freelance writers can do when sending in a submission?

The best thing a freelance writer can do is to send an organized, short, but detailed query. Get straight to the facts. Here’s what I like to see in a query:

  • Your name and a brief description of why you are qualified to write for ParentLife
  • Your address, phone number, and e-mail address (It helps speed up the contracting process to have this information.)
  • A proposed or estimated word count
  • A proposed title
  • A hook to draw the reader in
  • A brief summary (or even an outline) of what the article will cover

Every editor is different and looks for different things. But these are the important things that I look for.

The worst thing a freelance writer can do is to send a completely written article that is over 1200 words long and that doesn’t fit the audience of the magazine. You would be surprised how many writers (and publicists) send things that relate only to parents of teenagers or topics that aren’t appropriate for a Christian magazine. ParentLife is a Christian magazine for parents with children 12 and under. It’s an easy mistake to make, but the thing to remember is to do your research. Know the audience you are writing for and don’t waste the editor’s time … because time is something most editors don’t have much of. 

What are the top 3 tips you have learned in the realm of parenting while on staff at ParentLife?

  • Every child is different and learns and develops at his own pace. Just because the books say he should walk or talk at a certain age, doesn’t mean he will or that something’s wrong if he doesn’t!
  • Every family is different. For example, a discipline method that may work for one family, doesn’t work for another. Private school may be the best choice for your family, but homeschooling is the best choice for the family next door. Every family has to seek God’s unique will for their family. 
  • Spiritual development starts on Day 1. You don’t have to wait until your child can communicate with you or understand difficult concepts. Start early to build a foundation of love, trust, and faith!

Any final thoughts?

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my job is having friendships develop over time with writers! I think one of the best ways to succeed as a freelance writer is to somehow make a memorable connection with your editor. If you can win her friendship (without forcing it), you will see a lot of assignments come your way without even having to pitch ideas … especially if your writing is good. The best place to be is in a trusted pool of writers for a product. It’s hard to work to get there, but it pays off! A handful of writers are now even my friends on Facebook … and I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to stay in touch with them even after I am no longer an editor!

Thanks, Jodi!
We wish you the best on your new adventure!

 

ParentLife Magazine

To buy the latest issue of ParentLife Magazine, click HERE.

Check out the latest from ParentLife’s online community for Christian parents by clicking HERE.

GRAmER MysTaeKeS: Part 2

Posted by Christi McGuire

Did you enjoy the last post of the “Top 12 Grammar Mistakes”? Ready for more? Well, if you can’t get enough grammar, you’re in luck. Here are #7-#12 of the most common grammar mistakes (in my editorial experience).

#7: Semi-Colons

Use a semi-colon only where you could use a period instead. In other words, a semi-colon must join two clauses that could stand by themselves as complete sentences.

Incorrect: The following people will come; Amy, Mark, and Lisa.

Correct: We will meet at the restaurant; we’ll carpool to the movies.

#8: Pronouns (Gender Neutral)

Pronouns must “agree” with the subject. Singular pronouns with singular subjects; plural pronouns with plural subjects.


Incorrect: Someone said that, but they were wrong.

Correct: Someone said that, but she was wrong.

Incorrect: Each child must bring their lunch.

Correct: Each child must bring his or her lunch.

#9. Periods and Commas with Quotation Marks


Incorrect: “Commas and periods go inside the quotes”.

Incorrect: This is “incorrect”, because the comma is outside the quotes.

Correct: “Commas and period go inside the quotes.”

Correct: This is “correct,” because the comma is inside the quotes.

#10. Plural of Letters and Numbers

ABCs / 123s (all caps/no interior periods = no apostrophe)

abc’s (lowercase = apostrophe)

1990s (no apostrophe)

Ph.D.’s (interior periods = apostrophe)

Note: Check your style manual on this one, because AP and CMH are different!

#11. Hyphens


Rule = hyphenate adjectives when followed by a noun; do not hyphenate if not followed by a noun
(Always check style manual/dictionary.)

Example: The manual is up to date.

Example: The up-to-date manual is correct.

#12. Commas


Rules for Commas:

  1. Use a comma to separate words in a list (use comma before the “and”).
    Example: Mark, Lisa, and John received the inheritance.
  2. Use a comma after introductory phrases or words.
    Example: At the end of the day, he went for a swim. (2 prepositions)
    Example: Therefore, insert a comma here.
  3. Use a comma to separate compound sentences. (Compound sentences are 2 complete sentences, both with a subject and verb.)
    Example: I love pizza, and I could eat it every day.

 

ToPe 12 GRAmER MysTaeKeS

Posted by Christi McGuire

I’m always asked about the most common grammar mistakes that I come across as an editor. From my experience, these are it! Here are the first 6 of 12 top grammar mistakes.

#1: It’s / Its

“Its” is possessive. “It’s” is a contraction for “it is.”

Incorrect: I love this pie; its the best ever!
Correct: I love this pie; it’s the best ever!

Incorrect: It’s coat is too shaggy.
Correct: Its coat is too shaggy.

#2: They’re / Their / There

“They’re” is a contraction for “they are.” “Their” is possessive. “There” indicates location.

Incorrect: The managers are in they’re weekly planning meeting over their where there working on reports.

Correct: The managers are in their planning meeting over there where they’re working on reports.

#3: Effect / Affect

“Effect” is used as a NOUN and means “something that is produced by an agency or cause; result; consequence.”
 
“Affect” is used as a VERB with an object and means “to act on; produce an effect or change in.”
 
Incorrect: The storm shouldn’t effect any users during work hours; its affect will be minimal.

Correct: The storm shouldn’t affect any users during work hours; its effect will be minimal.

#4: You’re / Your

“Your” is possessive; “you’re” is a contraction for “you are.”

Incorrect: Your right … she does love you’re pie. 

Correct: You’re right … she does love your pie.

#5: Lay / Lie

“Lay” is a verb that is used with an object and means “to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down.” Verb tenses include: lay/laid/laying.

“Lie” is a verb that is NOT used with an object and means “to be in a horizontal position; recline.” Verb tenses include: lie/lay/lain/lying. 

Incorrect: I got dizzy and had to lay down. Lie the books here.

Correct: I got dizzy and had to lie down. Lay the books here.

#6: Could of / would of vs. could have / would have

“Could of/would of/should of” are all slang. Use the proper verbs “could have/would have/should have.”

Incorrect: I could of done that by mistake.

Correct: I could have done that by mistake.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of
“Top Grammar Mistakes.”

7 Top Tips for Writing

Posted by Christi McGuire

Do you ever read something and think “That’s was so witty” or “That was the dumbest thing I’ve ever read”? We all have opinions about the things we see, experience, and read. Some of it good … some not so much! When I write, some of it is inspired and brilliant … and some not so much! So I try to follow these 7 simple tips when I write.

1. Have something to say.

Well, this is obvious! Rarely do I sit down to write with nothing in my mind beforehand. I really have to be inspired by an idea before I can begin writing. For instance, when I receive an assignment from ParentLife Magazine, I usually think about the assignment for a couple weeks and toss around in my mind different ways to approach the topic, how to begin the article, and what creative way to get the readers’ attention. When I am not inspired, I sit staring at my laptop and what comes out seems forced and not meaningful.

  • To inspire yourself, be a reader. Read all types of genres, all forms of literature, all kinds of authors.
  • Always carry a notepad and pen around with you. My inspiration typically comes at two different times: when I’m driving and late at night when I’m in bed. I always carry a notepad and pen in the car with me—I have one hand on the wheel and one hand furiously writing on the notepad! I also have a notepad on the floor by my bed. I’ll wake up at night and start scribbling ideas, hoping I can read them come morning. But I’ve found that if I don’t get these brainstorms written down in the middle of the night, then I never remember them in the morning, even though I try to convince myself that I will and go back to sleep!

2. Be specific when you write.

People want details. They want to know the what, how, why, when, and where. Consider the following two sentences:

  • I grow lots of herbs.
  • In my backyard, I grow 15 different kinds of herbs, including my favorite—mint, rosemary, and thyme.

Which sentence tells you more about the writer? Which is more interesting? Which helps you better visualize what the writer is saying?

When I taught middle-schoolers (who are notoriously awful writers) I told them to envision an opening of a movie where the camera is sweeping the landscape and a narrator is introducing the events of the movie. The narrator never says, “Today started out as a good day.” The narrator expands and gives vivid details to help you understand the whole scope of the script. So imagine yourself as a narrator of a movie that everyone wants to know what is going on!

3. Choose simple words.

To be honest, I love using the thesaurus. But sometimes the “big” words sound forced and fake, like you’re trying to impress somebody. Sometimes you need to use the thesaurus so you don’t sound like a second grader, but other times using words you wouldn’t normally use takes away from your tone. Once you find your tone of voice as a writer, you want to keep it! Don’t try to sound like somebody else, somebody you’re not. Sound like you.

4. Write short sentences.

I don’t necessary like this rule, because I like to write long sentences. However, for the most part, sentences and paragraphs should be short because they are easier to read and easier to understand.

Consider this fact from “The Informatics Review”: 

  • The average level of written material is approximately 7th grade. 

Hard to believe, isn’t it?  Think back to 7th grade. Could you understand long, complex sentences with several thoughts? Probably not; they are too confusing. Using shorter sentences and paragraphs will help avoid confusion.

Thanks to social media grabbing our attention and pulling our brains every which way every second of the day, most of us have developed adult ADD. So shorter chunks of information are going to get comprehended better in today’s society than something written like a textbook. Check out any current magazine, website, or blog, and you’ll find information in bulleted lists, short snippets, and bits and pieces. Most published materials nowadays is getting less formal in order to make our multi-tasking minds comprehend.

5. Use the active voice.

This is also a difficult one for me, because when I review something I’ve written, a lot of it is in passive voice. So I have to go back and edit my sentences to be active. Active voice is a sequence of SUBJECT—VERB—OBJECT. Passive voice is a sequence of OBJECT—VERB—SUBJECT. Consider the two sentences below:

  • Most people do not like passive voice. (active)
  • Passive voice is not liked by most people. (passive)

Write actively—where your subject is doing the action, not where the action is being done to the subject.

6. Eliminate fluff words.

“Fluff” words are words such as very, little, rather, some, really, actually. They are words that add nothing to your meaning and hang around like the embarrassing cousin at Thanksgiving dinner.

For example, this was an actual sentence from a client:

There are some things God can do with some people—He wants to do very big things with some people.

Can I take my big, giant red market and cross out “some”? It brings nothing of value to the sentence. And it actually distracts the reader from the message the writer wants to make. I would edit it to be: “There are things God can do; He wants to accomplish a lot through people!” In my opinion, a much stronger meaning without some and very.

Here’s another example:

I actually thought he would really come through for me.

Does actually and really truly add more meaning and depth to the sentence? Nope! Delete!


Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) is quoted for having said writers should “Substitute da*n every time you’re inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”

Ha! Hysterical! Makes me look at the word very in a totally new light. Thanks, Mark … I’ll never use fluff again!

 
7. Edit, Edit, Edit.

This is the biggest tip of all—double check your work. Let your writing sit untouched for a few days. Then go back to it and reread it. Does it make sense? Spell check it. Read it out loud for errors. If you have to rewrite a lot, let it sit for a few more days and proof it again. This is the reason writers cannot leave an assignment until the deadline; you must always leave several days for the process of proofing, editing, double checking, rewriting, and editing again, and again, and again!

I love to write, and these tips are the top ones that have helped me along the way.
Writers, what other tips help you through the process of writing?
Which of these 7 tips do you identify with the most?

Ellipsis: Do’s and Don’ts

Posted by Christi McGuire

In my last post, I talked about the correct way to make an ellipsis. If you missed it, you can read that info, preceded by a cute, little ditty, here. I also shared a fabulous tip on how to make an ellipsis correctly by using a shortcut on your keyboard—many thanks to Peter at the blog “9 Months with the Chicago Manual of Style.”

So now that we know how to create the ellipsis, when and how should we use it? It can correctly be used in writing—from formal writing to emails. The biggest tip? Just don’t overdo it.

Use an Ellipsis to Show Omission
An ellipsis is most often used to show that you have omitted words. If you are quoting text and want to shorten it, use an ellipsis to indicate where you have left out words, phrases, or even complete sentences.

For example, if I wanted to quote only a portion of Psalm 139:1-3, I would properly style an ellipsis like this: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me … you are familiar with all my ways.”

Do Not Use an Ellipsis to Change the Meaning of a Quotation
It is not correct (or ethical) to use an ellipsis to change the meaning of a quotation. Writers must be cautious of being ethical and writing with integrity, especially when quoting others. Make sure not to change the original meaning of text just to make it fit your argument or point of view in writing.

Use an Ellipsis as a Pause
It is correct to use an ellipsis to indicate a pause or trailing off of a writer’s train of thought. The Chicago Manual of Style states, “Ellipsis points suggest faltering or fragmented speech accompanied by confusion, insecurity, distress, or uncertainty.” Another option in writing is the dash, which should be used for more decisive pauses.

For example:

After seeing an elderly man stumble, Mary panicked, “Sir … are you okay … sir?”

After seeing an elderly man stumble, Mary exclaimed, “Somebody call 911—now!”

OR

My shopping list consisted of ice cream, brownies, chocolate syrup … well, you know, the usual fixings for dinner! (meant to be more conversational and humorous)

My shopping list consisted of ice cream, brownies, chocolate syrup—all the fixings for a great meal! (not as conversational; a more definite pause)

 

Tips

• If you are inserting an ellipsis after a complete sentence, put the ellipses after the period. Be careful that you do not style it to be four equally-spaced dots. An ellipsis is treated like a word with a space before and after.

For example: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. … you are familiar with all my ways.”

• If you are omitting words at the very beginning or end of a quotation, you generally do not need an ellipsis. However, if the word you are beginning the quote with begins with a capital letter even though it is in the middle of the sentence, you will need an ellipsis to show that you are starting the quote in the middle of the sentence.

For example: “ … Mary did not come to the party.” [The original sentence was “Just like you thought, Mary did not come to the party.”]

• If you remove text between sentences using question marks or exclamation points, style the ellipsis as you normally would between sentences.

For example: “Where did he come from? … Where did he come from Cotton-Eyed Joe?” [The original sentence “Where did he go?” was left out.]

• If you remove text before a question mark or exclamation point, then place a space between the ellipsis and the question mark or exclamation point.

For example: “Where did he come from … ?” [The original sentence was “Where did he come from Cotton-Eyed Joe?”]

• Style commas and semicolons the same as above with question marks and exclamation points.

For example: “Mary went home, … so Ben took a cab.” [The original sentence was “Mary went home, because she had a migraine, so Ben took a cab.”]

Hopefully, this sheds some light on the elusive ellipsis; but, as always with all things grammar, consult your style guide!

The Elusive Ellipsis

Posted by Christi McGuire

 

Such havoc these three little dots cause.

When writing, you most certainly need to pause.

 

Where do the spaces go?

Most writers just do not know.

 

Do the spaces go before, in-between, or after?

The wrong style sends editors into a fit of laughter.

 

Check your style guide before you write,

Or make you look silly, it just might!

 

Instead, look intelligent, smart, and clever,

When you correctly use ellipses. The wrong way? NEVER!

~

I never thought three little periods would drive me crazy! I love to use ellipses. Most people do! But the problem is creating the ellipsis properly. How do you style it? Like most things having to do with grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and the like, you must consult your style guide. However, each style guide has its own … you guessed it … style! For the last 10 years, I’ve been gaining competency in the Associated Press Stylebook (or AP for short). I was first introduced to the AP style at LifeWay Christian Resources as I worked on magazines such as HomeLife, ParentLife, and BabyLife. The AP Stylebook is comically referred to as “The Journalist’s Bible,” and it has most certainly been the case for me! This guide is used mostly for writers and editors of newspapers and news magazines and is updated annually by the Associated Press.

The rival of the AP Stylebook is the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS for short), and it is the oldest style guide (first published in 1891) and the most comprehensive (over 1,000 pages) and covers everything you cannot find in other style guides. However, the style guides do have their differences in style (which I’ll save for a later post).

Now back to the issue at hand … those pesky ellipses. How do you make them?

The Chicago Manual of Style defines an ellipsis as “the omission of a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage” (13.48). Omitted material is indicated by the use of three spaced periods (or ellipsis points). Ellipses may also be used “to show a trailing off or an indecisiveness in thought or speech” (The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, page 191).

However, the ellipsis is so elusive that four pages have been devoted to its correct use in the CMH. Four pages! So apparently, I’m not the only one who is often confused on its usage.

The confusion arises not from the dots but from the spaces. Where do they go? I’ve seen writers use every combination of the dots and spaces imaginable. Which do you suppose is the correct form?

  1. I just don’t know…where do they go? (no spaces)
  2. I just don’t know… where do they go? (space on the right of the dots)
  3. I just don’t know …where do they go? (space on the left of the dots)
  4. I just don’t know . . . where do they go? (space before, after, and in-between each dot)
  5. I just don’t know … where do they go? (space before and after the dots)

If you chose #5 you are correct! An ellipsis is created with three dots and one space before and one space after. (Although in-house style guides for particular publishers may differ—always use the appropriate style guide for your publication.)

Technically (and we are getting way technical here), the truly appropriate way to create an ellipses is with a teeny-tiny space in-between each dot; however, a “space” is too much space. How do you solve that problem? I found a fantastic blog with the answer!

“9 Months with the Chicago Manual of Style” is a very in-depth blog about “one man’s quest to read the Chicago Manual of Style from cover to cover in nine months and discuss points of grammar along the way.” How fantastic is that?

I know, I know … only for people like me who care about these tiny little dots and lie awake at night thinking about them. But Peter, the man behind the blog who is enduring the 9 months of dissecting the CMH, has saved my life … editorially speaking. I never, ever knew the secret to ellipses. Peter shares from his blog on May 6, 2011: “I’ve found a shortcut in Word whereby you type CTRL+ALT+period to get three (slightly different-looking ellipsis points).”

Can you say FAB-U-LOUS?

Thanks, Peter! Now there is no more worry about where the spaces around the dots go. We can all sleep at night knowing this valuable shortcut to creating the ellipses. And I can guarantee you all … I will be using this shortcut with devotion for the rest of my life!

Elusive? No more! Ellipses no longer have to create havoc in your life! No more sleepless nights! However, now that you know how to properly create them, my next post will be a few do’s and don’ts in using them … do … stay … tuned!

Writers vs. Editors = Creative vs. Critcal

Posted by Christi McGuire

As a writer, you’ve got one shot to make a good impression, and you want it to be the best impression and the best representation of you and your work. Are editors going to accept your article for publication when it is cluttered full of misspellings and bad punctuation? Even if you have an interesting topic, probably not. The more copy ready you are as a writer, the better. The less time an editor has to take to correct your work (and even rewrite it), the more often that editor will ask you to write again.

So as a writer, you must morph into your own editor and be copy ready if you want to get published and continue getting published.

Being a writer and an editor are two entirely different skill sets that not everybody possesses. Writers are creative and inventive. I imagine a more bohemian type of person whose creativity oozes from their unkempt hair all the way down to their mismatched painted toenails. Editors are precise, thoughtful, critical . . . ready to catch everybody else’s mistakes. I imagine a person at a neatly-kept desk, round spectacles, equipped with a red pen, excited to circle each and every comma splice.

Is every writer a flower child and every editor the strict librarian type? Of course not! I’m just having fun stereotyping. But that exemplifies the two very different skill sets that society often confuses. Writers work with words and get their creative thoughts down on paper. Editors take apart each of those creative words and analyzes them into coherent, formatted, grammatically-correct publications. It’s a battle of creative vs. critical.

I used to consider myself “editor” first and foremost. But because I rewrote so many articles received from writers when I was editor of ParentLife Magazine, I feel that I was able to hone my writing skills. Now I feel equally competent in both areas. The benefit of being able to do both is when I am “editor,” I understand the creative writing process; I understand the heart and soul that the writer has put into her words. When I am “writer,” my text is extra-copy ready and formatted to industry-standards.

If you are a writer and do not have the skill set to be an editor of your own material, no worries! All you must do is invest in a good, experienced editor. In order to have the best shot possible at getting published in today’s very difficult publishing industry, you must put yourself ahead of the game and make sure your work is copy ready by hiring an editor. Think of it as a “team” approach. You need both players to have a winning team.

If your material is extra copy ready, it will . . .

Stand out on an editor’s desk full of hundreds (and maybe thousands) of other writers trying to get their manuscripts published.

Catch the attention of editors who love your topic and can understand your true intent because they are not bogged down with grammatical mistakes and are able to read your “voice.”

Continue getting you published because editors will want to work with you if your texts are copy ready. That means less work for them!

Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you have amazing, awesome ideas but have no clue how to format a manuscript or where to insert commas, that’s OK. Contact an editor to work with you on your manuscript before submitting it for publication. In the end, it’ll be worth your investment of time and money in doing so.

And if you need an amazingly talented editor . . . contact me today! (Shameless plug!)

Happy Writing!