Punctuation is a very important aspect of writing that doesn't get a lot of credit. However, it can mean a lot. For example, see the two sentences below.
"Let's eat Frank!"
"Let's eat, Frank!"
Unless your story involves cannibalism, a comma is a very important part of that sentence. They can break up a run-on sentence or add to a thought that can't be a proper sentence on its own. Going back to the English lessons many seem to forget, a comma is needed if you start with a dependent clause.
Ex: Before he stepped out into the rain, he grabbed an umbrella from by his door and opened it.
For those who don't know, a clause is a part of a sentence, one that contains a subject (What the sentence is talking about) and a predicate (What the subject is doing.) A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone, usually because it would make no sense. An independent clause is the exact opposite.
A dependent clause at the beginning needs a comma when followed by an independent clause. on the other hand a dependent clause AFTER a independent clause can just be joined with a conjunction. If you have a hard time, a good learning source is Khan Academy. They offer short videos to help teach new learners and are available on YouTube.
Expanding on the topic of proper punctuation, dialogue can follow a different set of rules that will be expanded in a later chapter.
On the topic of spelling, review your work.
It will save your life. Look back and correct what is misspelled. On desktop, highlighting the word you misspelled and right clicking can show you the correct options to spell. On phones or tablets, specifically Apple products, touch the words you misspelled to see different options as well. Sometimes names do not come up so please, please review you writing before you post!
If you are too lazy to read you own work, others will be too.
If you have a hard time, get a beta reader. Beta reader is just a fancy word for an editor. If you need a beta reader, choose a friend or family member you trust to read it over. If you feel like you can't trust anyone you know with your writing.... well, that's kinda sad.
Just kidding, you can use a grammar and spell checking device like on Microsoft Word.
YOU ARE READING
A Guide to the Beginning Fan Work Author
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