Let's face it. Grammar does not equal glamour. But if your manuscript is lacking it, you can forget about snagging an agent. So while subject and verb agreement might make you yawn, here are some sites that will help you have fun while tackling the grammar beast.
One easy way to go over your story is to check for overuse of certain words. Scrivener writing software has this built in, and I use it frequently. I also use a free website to make a visual map of my chapters that shows which words I'm using the most. Then there are sites that track frequently used words and phrases.
I also love Grammar Girl's website and book. She brings humor to grammar, which isn't easy.
I've discovered a new and fun site for the ticklish terms in grammar at ChompChomp. It's a fun and irreverent site with great grammar definitions, exercises, and even videos to help users wrap their heads around grammar intricacies (complete with rock music).
If you need the help of a thesaurus, you've got lots of options. For a physical reference, I recommend The Synonym Finder--a great volume to keep handy. If you're more of a visual person, there's nothing better than The Visual Thesaurus, a free-to-try online tool that maps out the connections between words.
And last of all, Writing Forward has a list of ten grammar resources that are fantastic. Does anyone remember the Schoolhouse Rock videos that were shown during Saturday morning cartoons decades ago? Time to take a trip down memory lane--and brush up on grammar at the same time.
Funny you mentioned Scrivener. I posted a link to one of your Scrivener posts on a question about the program on the Writer Unboxed group on Facebook. Someone was asking about the program. I still haven't ventured seriously into that program. I shared about my conference connections today. You are there ... of course.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet! Scrivener is something I couldn't write without. I'm thinking about coming up with a workshop on how to use it. It's not that complex, but it helps if someone walks you through the best features for fiction writers. It makes a great Mother's Day gift! (hint, hint)
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Very helpful, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toyin! By the way, you have such a beautiful website design. Nice job!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Oh, I need this more than anything! My grammar tends to be wretched.
ReplyDeleteI love Scrivener and have blogged about it in the past! It would be great if you could do a workshop or something like a Write Brain about it, as I discovered quite a few people who were curious about it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed so much grammar in high school, but I did. Mine isn't great either, Deanna.
ReplyDeleteAnd Shannon, hopefully this summer I can wrap my brain around the best features for fiction writers. Too bad I don't get a kickback, but I'm passionate about Scrivener. :)
~Debbie
Debbie,
ReplyDeletePlease, PLEASE come up with a workshop on how to use Scrivener. I tried it and was flummoxed (probably because I didn't take enough time on the tutorials). A more user-friendly approach would be greatly appreciated!!
I'd really love to. I think it could be a summer project--and I could beta test it on you to see if it makes any sense!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I am so ordering a Schoolhouse Rock t-shirt now. Thanks for jogging my memory as to those fun episodes aired between Saturday morning cartoons.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the link to Chomp Chomp. Seems like a fun and informative site. I'll be completing one of the site's exercises in a moment!
Be well.
I loved Schoolhouse Rock, too. Especially Conjunction Junction! Glad you found some things you could use!
ReplyDelete~Debbie