I found that quote in Strunk and White's "Elements of Style".  Sounded like a funny thing for a grammar book to be saying, but it really touched a chord with me.

Some of the most moving words I've read, whether they were poetry, song lyrics or prose, weren't grammatically correct. (Any lovers of country and western music will be agreeing with me here)  But when I've read those words or heard them, they've gone past my intellect and straight into my heart, touching something there that affected me profoundly.

I have no idea how that happens, but I don't think it's technique.  Certainly a writer needs craft and needs to be able to write with clarity, but the sort of writing that touches your soul is more than literary bookkeeping. 

Just thought I'd toss that in here - something for the aspiring authors to think about - not editing your book as though you're trying to please your eighth grade English teacher, but simply dusting off the rough diamonds you find and leaving them where they lie for everyone else to discover and enjoy.

I love that Lou. I find my favourite setences I have written simply flow . They trip and dance across the mind rather than have commas in all the right places.

So, here's to faith in words, words, words...

What a wonderfully inspired quote!

I think writing, real inspired writing, comes from a totally different source than grammer.
The 'creative muse' is all light, shadow and fairy dust. Their touch is delicate as it brushes across the soul.
The grammer muse wears thick glasses, has her hair dragged back in a severe bun and looks down her nose with an indignant little sneer on her face. She has a red pen welded into the palm of her hand and keeps the creative muse out in the hallway while she dictates rules and conditions to a bored classroom.

So.... after all that jibbering, I think I meant to say, go with the creative muse and leave ol' "witches-britches" in the cold and draughty hall until you are finished your masterpiece --- then call her in but don't take everything she recommends to heart.
HEE!

deb

Oh my god Deb! You just described me!!! Though I wear a blissful little smile on my face the picture you painted is 'me as writer Alyson'.

First I was the Red Pen Princess now I have devolved into Witches-Britches... hmmmmm...

I love it!  Are we allowed to call you that to your face, Alyson, or do we have to say it behind your back?

gramma...hmmm. it has been my enimy for a few long years now. so has spelling i agree that it is important to look past the basics of the english language. real writers concentrate on what matters; the story! so one day we can turn around and shcok our english teachers who told us to give up with the amazing work of an editor:)

Behind my back will be just fine Lou. So I can keep wearing my tiara and think you are all really calling me a princess.

do you guys get the same message people give me?
'go to a school that teachers you to write' ect...
i have spend so long talking myself blue that i cant be taught. i even did a creative writing course at school that only reinforced what i already knew!

Take your inspiration where you can get it, I reckon! Whether that be a writing course, a park bench or a cartoon in a newspaper. Don't judge it or brush it off, lap it up and use it all.

Amen to that, Alyson.

Amen - Amen - Amen!
Inspiration is there flitting about us all of the time. We just need to realise it, accept it, be grateful for it and above all.... USE IT!

deb

i have a saying among others they all keep me going and determine (its easy to lose faith but its the smakll things that count) be inspired... and inspire others. people drone on about never being inspired but i believe you really have to open up youre mind and be aware of the simplest things being the most special and amazing and sometimes simply saying to a friend you care is ebnough to inspire them:)