Good Author with Bad Language Skills - Is it Possible?

[melissabattles]

"Most writers aren't the best at spelling and grammar" maybe not the best, but for no articulable reason, I think they are probably at least average. According to a thread here, we believe most authors are big readers. how does one get to know proper spelling and grammer? By experiencing it, which authors do. Secondly, language is their tool, just as a sculptors tool is the chisel (or whatever the hell they use).

I think grammar is probably more important than spelling. Still, were I to pick up a book or a manuscript and the first couple sentences had a couple of misspellings - they'd have to be damned good sentences for me to continue.

Overlooking the misspelling of "grammar".

[Loveabull]

If I may point out the book "Damn You Auto Correct" as evidence that spell check is not foolproof. Grammar isn't a biggie. I consider myself to be an above average writer and I only passed grammar in college with notes on wrists and sneakers for finals...barely.

Dave Barry is a humor writer but I understand in addition to failing grammar, his professor told him he would never be a professional writer. Some twenty books and a Pulitzer later he proved the instructor wrong. But yeah with a good editor the bad spelling might be forgiven with outstanding content.

[Hearty Guy]

I can think of a few e-books that tell a good story but sink under the weight of their spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and incoherence In general. Independent authors on the one ones that publish the sloppiest work; that makes it tough so it that makes it tough for the rest the "indies."

[pamelaylawrence]

When the creative juices are flowing, the grammar may not be that great. Even though someone can be a gifted writer and not have the best grasp on mechanics, they should have their work professionally proofread and copy edited before going to print .

[FlorenceDupuis]

I think not.

[MRosalina]

If all authors were perfect, there wouldn't be much call for editors It might be more important for new authors, but I would think that once you are a recognised author, the emphasis is probably more on your ideas (the part that makes the author unique) than on perfecting your spelling.

[H0LD0Nthere]

I have seen books with an amazing plot but the mechanics of the storytelling were not all that great. (I am looking at you, Ted Dekker, and many others!) And I think we've all seen terrific writing that has almost no plot, or that could use a bit more plot to keep it going ... when you think to yourself, "I know I should not be reading this because nothing is going to happen, but it's so well-written that I just can't put it down."

I once worked in a writing tutoring center. So many people would come in terrified of that red pen. They had writer's block that was greatly exacerbated by a fear of grammatical errors (if not caused by it). Their whole idea of writing was to write something free of grammar and spelling errors. This was a result of the way they had been taught. We had to teach them not to worry about that on the first several drafts. First, get some ideas. Then, get them into shape, find out what you really want to say. Then, see if it could be said more gracefully. Then, and only then, check for glaring grammatical errors. Don't start worksmithing too soon.

[Endless-Starry-Mind]

Hence a bigger purpose for the editor.

-- 23 Jan 2014, 03:00 --

"Most writers aren't the best at spelling and grammar" maybe not the best, but for no articulable reason, I think they are probably at least average. According to a thread here, we believe most authors are big readers. how does one get to know proper spelling and grammer? By experiencing it, which authors do. Secondly, language is their tool, just as a sculptors tool is the chisel (or whatever the hell they use).

I think grammar is probably more important than spelling. Still, were I to pick up a book or a manuscript and the first couple sentences had a couple of misspellings - they'd have to be damned good sentences for me to continue.

Overlooking the misspelling of "grammar".

"Grammar" is spelled correctly.

[neha+thomas+]

I think good authors need to have a way with words so they can project it with clarity but language skills I don't necessarily think they need they need to possess, I guess there are other people to outsource it to , the proofreaders, editors so good author with bad language skills is ok.

[W-Harbinger]

I believe it is possible and have seen a few examples. Currently In my writing circle, there is a particular author who has come up with such an intriguing plot for her novel. I've seen her outline, scene notes, and the length to which she has fleshed out her characters. In my opinion -- and not just because she's a friend -- I believe she has the makings of a best seller in her hands. However, she struggles in the attempt to transfer her created world onto virtual paper. She always tells me how she really has to work just to get a sentence out and how she gets so discouraged when she rereads a newly rewritten chapter to find so many mistakes.

My thing is that every writer makes mistakes and that's what editors are for! So, yes, I truly believe that there are many good authors who have bad language skills. I like to think that I, too, am one of them!

[Saoirse200]

I also believe that it is possible as many authors have editors these days and also the fact that can correct spelling mistakes with Microsoft word,etc..although I must say that I do like an author to be articulate as it saves a lot of unnecessary reading time and helps to focus more on the story line.

[hates2clean2000]

I've noticed more and more poor writing everywhere these days. There are spelling and grammar errors in books, newspapers, online websites, and even advertisements. It drives me crazy because with so many resources these days they shouldn't happen as frequently as they do. So to answer the question, a good author can have bad language skills but a great author should not.

[Jen319164]

Well if you are not grammatically skilled you cannot write a composition with descriptive words which is important when being an author

[Fran]

Well if you are not grammatically skilled you cannot write a composition with descriptive words which is important when being an author

Physician heal thyself.