I have always had a special connection with words--from the stories I wrote in grade school to published poetry; from winning spelling bees (I only ever lost to Brian Criddle! But thankfully, not often...) to editing manuscripts; from.... Well, you get the picture. Me and words: We just like each other. They speak to me, tell me their secrets, and I do my best to uphold their integrity (which is why I rarely listen to pop--and for Heaven's sake, certainly not rap! Do I sound like an old schoolmarm yet? Good. Better the librarian than the bimbo.).
Let's play catch-up real quick: Several months ago, I got a part-time, at-home freelance proofing gig. I get about a project a month from a marketing firm, and every project is large in scope and meaning--even though my part of that is minimal, it's truly a blessing to be part of what's going on. I couldn't have asked for a better client/boss. This has reawakened my love for editing and proofing. Then there are the conversations I've had with this Katie and this Katie (it also seems I'm blessed with a special affinity for "Katies") about writing, working, mothering, and what it all means.
To sum up: I'm back in the world of words, which means that if you continue to read this blog, you will be, too, because I want to start writing about the things (in addition to motherhood) that make me tick. You can expect more lists of grammar errors that drive me bananas (this day is bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Anyone else out there associate this more with Mindy Kaling from The Office rather than Gwen Stefani?); you can also expect just random bits of writing/editing/other word-smithing gems I happen to be thinking about lately. None of us needs this except me. Most of my very good friends are also word nerds. I'm writing down this stuff to keep it in my consciousness--and if a good discussion comes of it in the comments section, then so be it! It's so fun when editors argue. Oh, the ego! Especially when one is used to winning said arguments (I know I should totally be over it by now, but I still get enormous satisfaction from the time that I bested my managing editor at the Chronicle in just such an argument--it was her misfortune that our faculty advisor happened to be walking in during the debate, and without evening hesitating, sided with me, using the very same logic I'd been using. It was about capital letters: yes, or no? And yet, winning said debate brings me joy and pride not in proportion to the circumstances. Whatever! I won!). So, if I state something that you disagree with--by all means, say so!
The cardinal rule here is that it's not OK to poke fun at my own grammatical mistakes (remember that ego thing I mentioned before?). Seriously, though, if there's one rule every editor knows, it's what? Anyone? You always have more than one pair of eyes look at a document. That's just the way of it.
Who knows when I'll post again. But in the meantime, if you are interested in the world of words, you ought to take a gander at my updated blog roll to the right. You'll notice some literary-themed blogs, all of which I read and recommend, particularly Pub Rants and Query Shark. You won't get better information on the publishing industry. I don't know any of these bloggers in real life.
A word of caution: My editor's "voice" is different from my everyday, tra-la-la Becca voice. Editor Becca is enormously snarky. I find I have to do this to keep my sanity--you can't have a job that is all about nitpicking without that
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