Book ♥ Soulmates: To Grammar or Not To Grammar?

WARNING!

I ramble...

So it's no surprise...at least it shouldn't be...that I love words and I love grammar! Yes, I'm one of those weird creatures who loves nouns (and spelling) and knows how to use 'em =P I've taken writing classes not because I want to be a great writer - I have no such aspirations - but because I want to be a great reader, reviewer & maybe one day *fingers crossed* editor.

You've probably also noticed that the majority of the reviews on here have been mine and that's because Vanessa hasn't quite felt comfortable enough to review more often (although she wants to).

Well one evening, during one of my little bouts of insomnia, my brain was spinning with all this grammar knowledge I have stored up there and I thought, "what if I could help Vane become a better writer/reviewer?" That would give her the confidence she needs to review more :) Hmm? So I suggested having a little Grammar 101 course with her and she - being the big thinker that she is - thought that maybe I could help others who want help in this area too! So we thought it might be fun to add some sort of Grammar feature to the Book ♥ Soulmates repertoire.

And here's where I get stuck!

I would LOVE to do something with this because as I said, I love grammar and I have all this really handy information that I would be happy to share - the question is HOW?

Would you guys be interested in some sort of grammar feature?

Especially if I promise to TRY to NOT make it boring!

And if it might make you a better reviewer and/or writer!

If so, how do you guys propose I share my vast knowledge with you?

Tips?

Advice upon request?

Uh....

Help me!!

22 comments:

UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:42 PM
I think this is a terrific idea!! We all say things that are not grammatically correct - generally, due to regional grammar - and most of us realize that we're wrong but are not always sure how to fix what we're saying.

Why don't you take one day a week - or every other week - and either hit a topic that you've noticed among your reading and/or keep a form for people to ask questions that you could use on a weekly basis.

Good luck!
Laura BJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:43 PM
I think it sounds like a great idea! I would certainly enjoy it. Anything to help me be a better writer.:) Thanks!
UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:44 PM
BTW - L LOVE when you ramble!! & we'd really like to hear from Vanessa more.
Smash Attack AshJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Sounds like a fab idea. All of can certainly use some grammar refreshers. :)
Quality_CharactersJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Sounds like a wonderful idea. I agree with Gina- hit a topic that you notice in books or other bloggers.

Good luck and thanks for the rambles :)

Vanessa- I would love to read more of your reviews!
Smash Attack AshJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:51 PM
...as I leave out a word in my comment. See, I need the help!
SallieJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Great idea! I thought I was the only dinosaur who cared about grammar. Grammar is not stressed in school much any more, nor is spelling. I love to read, and I love words!
FiktshunJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:13 PM
This is a great idea. What Gina suggests sounds like a good option - a weekly or bi-weekly post.

Or even a weekly discussion on your FB page if you want it to be more dynamic.

I would definitely check this out.
LoriJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:57 PM
I am the least grammatical person alive. But, I am okay with that. :-)

The thing I like about you is, while you love grammar you are not a grammar-nazi, but are willing to overlook it in others or help when someone wants it. I think that is what makes you a good friend...especially to your girl Vane. I think this is a very interesting idea...as long as it is helpful and not preachy I think it might be a useful tool for other bloggers. I was also thinking, it might be prudent to consider making this a more bi-weekly...Topics will run out or burn out.

Best of Luck!
Tales of WhimsyJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Actually yes. I would totally like this! Brilliant idea.
Tales of WhimsyJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Dear V: We the people want more V reviews and frankly we don't care if your grammar has errors. K? K! ;-) *hugs*
Personally, I like what you read V (it's more like what I read) and I miss you. K? K! ;-)
Jen D. @ Not Now...I'm Reading!January 28, 2011 at 3:22 PM
I'm also a fan of this idea. I'm a big fan of grammer too. I like Gina's idea of having people send in their questions. Maybe you could alternate between a reader question and your own topic.
Yuko86January 28, 2011 at 3:26 PM
It'd be great, I'm italian so it'd be very interesting for me!
Book SoulmatesJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:26 PM
You guys are so awesomely supportive and I love that you're as excited about this idea as I am (well, WE are cuz Vane is totally on board :D) and she was my inspiration, after all!

I completely agree that bi-weekly would be ideal for this. That way we don't burn out too quickly.

I really like where Gina and QT are going with this...something like Grammar Do's and Don'ts. (I know that's not right, but how would you spell DON'TS? lol). I wouldn't want to tear apart anyone's reviews so I'll likely use errors I come across in books or on the web or {good God} on TV as an inspiration of sorts.

I would also like to do blogger submitted questions or proofs. If ANY of you need help or just have a question, please shoot me an email and I'll be happy to help :)

Ooh ooh, and I can totally include a "Grammar Tip of the Day". Yayyy, I'm so excited about this!

You guys are da best!
♥Isalys
Carrie at In the Hammock BlogJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Sounds like Taste of Desire is awesome! I love historical romances with great secondary characters and lots of humor!! :)
Natalie January 28, 2011 at 4:58 PM
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a grammar feature. I'm an English major, and I'm pretty familiar with grammatical rules and stuff, but I have to admit...I don't always adhere to them completely when I'm in the blogosphere! I think that breaking down the basics would be helpful though and who knows? You might teach me something! :)
Mrs. DeRapsJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:38 PM
I'd love it and would probably show your lessons/ use them with my students. It'd be cool if they were funny and/or geeky-cute.
TenaJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:57 AM
I love this idea, we all can use a little help in certain areas and the fact that you are willing to help is wonderful.
<3
AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 7:46 PM
that sounds like a great idea! Grammar is one of my weaknesses and would love to learn more. I like what Gina from Hott Books said, taking a day of the week and make it grammar day! and I love the "grammar tip of the day" as well! can't wait to hear more about this!
KyleeJJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:22 AM
I don't have anything helpful to add, but I would sign-up for your grammar class! =)
KristinJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:37 PM
I think it's a great idea! Bad grammar is a pet peeve of mine, although I suppose that's par for the course for an English major:)
Have a great week!
Kristin
MyBookishWays
AndreaJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I agree with Sallie. I'm also a dinosaur;remember grammar and spelling emphasized in school.
I'm not writer or blogger, but would enjoy grammar as a regular topic.