The Wordsmith

To boldly go where no man has gone before….. but really, if I had a choice, I’d rather that I go boldly where no man has gone before.

Traveler or traveller?

There’s rumor of humor, but I think I shall humour the rumour.

To split or not to split, that is the question…of infinitives.

The Queen’s English, American English, ghetto speak, Singlish, Manglish, Indian English, Australian, Canadian…… My professors were Australian, my ex-boss was British (she tells me Australian’s can’t speak English), my big big boss is American and I live in an ex-British colony where everybody mixes up their verbs and nouns whether in American, English, Australian or what have you. What is a writer to do with all these varieties in spelling and style?

And don’t get me started on punctuation.

Here’s how I survive:

1. I tend to use the Queen’s English in all forms and functions, simply because I was weaned on it.
2. Having said that, once you learn how to string two sentences together, store it away and develop your own style.
3. If you’re doing a publication for a client, check with them what sort of English they prefer. Some will come back with all sorts of typos pointed out to you and it turns out that they were using a different spell-checker. It can be embarrassing. Trust me, I learned this the hard way recently. If they have no preference, use whatever is usual for you.
4. Check spelling. I’m often guilty of not doing this when I’m in a rush.
5. Re-read. I’m also guilty of not doing this when in hurry.
6. Remember how the teacher always said not to start a sentence with ‘And’ or ‘But’? Chuck that out the window.
7. Write with your heart. That’s how you connect.
8. It’s all about rhythm. Feel it, move with it, develop your own groove.
9. Re-read.
10. Rules are meant to be broken.
11. Be consistent. Once you have started on a project, keep a notepad beside you and take notes on your approach.
12. Short sentences at all times.
13. Verbosity is NOT a virtue.
14. CHECK SPELLING.
15. RE-READ.

And the most important thing of the lot, ENJOY YOURSELF.

Now get writing.