Really wanting to help out in Share Your Work, but...

JanelleRH · Jul 21, 2011

I would love to help out on the SYW. I read what to look for and all but the thing is my spelling is bad and I always have a dictionary with me when I write grammer's just as bad. I also find myself changing POV when I write as well and have to constantly watch my self. Is there any other way to help other than an encouraging coment. At a loss. :Shrug:

I suppose I could go through and check each word against the dictionary if all else fails.

Thanks,
JanelleRH

alleycat · Jul 21, 2011

You can do spell checking with your browser (often it's an option, or an add-on).

Chris P · Jul 21, 2011

I'd say just take it slow and easy. You don't have to be a spelling or grammar expert to participate there. You can simply say what you liked and why, or what you didn't like and why. Sometimes a "bigger picture" crit is more helpful than a line-by-line. I've learned a lot by reading SYW, and it's there (or at least I think it is) as much for you as a learner to see what other people say as for you to post your own work or evaluate someone else's.

Give it time, and you'll get more comfortable posting there.

mccardey · Jul 21, 2011

Why not write a little disclaimer that you put at the top of each crit you do? Something along the lines of "Spelling, grammar and POV are not my strong points - I'm good at *whatever you're good at*"

A fresh pair of eyes is always a valuable thing to bring to a story, and there are plenty of people to cover the things that you miss.

Oh - and I missed your newbie thread, so welcome to AW!!! Not such a scarey place, really

backslashbaby · Jul 21, 2011

I think I'm so bad at critting because I have odd tastes and don't represent your average reader

I think folks want to know how you felt about the piece, though. Was it interesting to you, etc? I think a little note is a great idea

Buffysquirrel · Jul 22, 2011

I always prefer to have comments on reader reactions to something, rather than spelling/grammar nits.

Undercover · Jul 22, 2011

I used to have this very same problem and still can't spell for shite. I would brush up on my vocabulary by doing crosswords and playing Scrabble with my kids. If you like crosswords and those word finding puzzles that would help.

But again, I sincerely do NOT think you need to be a good speller to comment on things. Your thoughts on the work (I think) would be of more value. Just don't worry on the SPaG so much. It's a delight for anyone to get any kind of feedback on their work.

You sound like such a sweet and thoughtful person to even ask this question. I too, worry about even spelling wrong in a post! Haha...so I hear ya.

Wayne K · Jul 22, 2011

Spelling is for nerds. I just want to know if the piece holds your attention. If maybe you have some suggestions to make it more interesting.

JanelleRH · Jul 22, 2011

Thank you all for your input it's helped sooo much.

You all accepted me I don't want to be useless or the so called weakest link. I want to help where I can so I can pay for all the help I've gotten. I don't make alot so a donation isn't in the cards yet. Again thanks for all the good input.

JanelleRH

Really wanting to help out in Share Your Work, but...

JanelleRH

A dream within a dream

alleycat

Still around

Chris P

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred

mccardey

backslashbaby

*

Buffysquirrel

Undercover

I got it covered

Wayne K

JanelleRH

A dream within a dream

Really wanting to help out in Share Your Work, but...

A dream within a dream

Still around

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred

~~~~*~~~~

I got it covered

A dream within a dream

*