The Elements of Style

While reading "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White I ran across some very helpful rules/tools for me to imply in my own writing. One being found in "Elememtary Rules of Usage" article 10. This shows how to determine if who or whom is necessary. I have always had a difficult time with that and I just found myself sometimes using one or the other, just to mix it up a bit. Within the section "An Approach to Style" I found article 2, "Write in a way that comes naturally" to also be very beneficial. When writing an essay or paper for school I am always concerned that I added too much "naturalness" to it, that it is too similar to my own personal form of writing. I was put at ease while reading article 2 when the authors state "...using words and phrases that come readily at hand." and "...when you write in a way that comes naturally, you will echo the halloos that bear reapeating".
Although there are many helpful tools in "Elements of Style" there are also some that went aganist other rules I have been taught. In the numerals section found on p.34 states that you "do not spell out dates or other serial numbers". The only exception given for this is when "they occur in dialouge". I was under the impression that there was some rule stating when using numbers in text you should put the actual number, for instance 3, if the number is between 1 and 10 but spell the number if it is higher. I very well be mistaken or mixing the whole thing up, but I know I was taught that somewhere down the line. There had also been a debate about whether or not a comma is needed in a list after the last thing mentioned, before the "and". I used to think it was necessary to write "red, white, and blue" this way, but I was told that is incorrect. I was told that "red, white and blue" is the proper way. On p.2 of "The Elements of Style" it states that "In a series of two or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last". This, to me, sounds like the very thing that I noted as being correct, but the example on p.2 shows "gold, silver, and copper" written that way. The only exception to the rule states that "In the names of business firms the last comma is usually omitted". An example for this is "Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette".

first time with google docs

I honestly fell in love with google docs although it was hard to get the hang of it at first, i think it is a wonderful system. It makes sending to others so much easier and you don't have to worry about opening files or compatibility. I also like the idea of being able to read others editing remarks on other people's papers. It gives me more to think about when writing myself. Plus if I missed something I have the chance to pick up on it. So much easier to read then a hand written paper and people don't have to try to make out my horrible handwriting, plus I don't have to have all those extra papers to carry around.
stacy <3 google docs

My Writing Technologies

Depending on what and why I am writing will depend on which "tool" I will use to write with. For instance, if I'm posting a blog, I will certainly use a computer. ha, ha
But seriously, if I am writing a paper for school I will use a computer's word processor. But if I am writing for fun I usually do it curled up in my bed with a notebook and pen. It feels more personal to me. It wasn't until I had a scare with misplacing things did I start to put the things I wante to save in my computer. It's like a rough draft and finished copy, but if something makes it to my computer I actually want to remember writing it and possibly reread it later on.
I never really looked at my Bic as a tool until now, I thought I was rather primative using it.
I don't think I would ever want to type on a typewriter, though. I make too many mistakes. Too many slips of the finger on other letters. I would get very frustrated, plus I can't stand a paper that is covered in white out.

What is style?

A writing style, to me, is comparable to a dress stlye. There are certain ways one likes to dress that they prefer and there are ways one must dress for certain roles. For example, at home or even at school pajamas may be the extent of your wardrobe, but you wouldn't dare wear them to a job interview or even when you are on the job. You wouldn't wear those same jammies to a wedding or a nice evening out (although that is also subject for interpretation), but you also wouldn't wear your work "uniform" or "interview duds".
A writing style conforms to what and who you are writing for. All writers have their own niche that they prefer. For instance, some may love writing with sarcasim and humor but your boss and teachers may not be so amused. Personally my favorite "style" of writing is poetry, but I couldn't very well post this blog in a poem chalk full of metaphor and allusion and hope for the same response. That is what my creative writing class if for.
So all in all I would say that style has two parts. The personal, warm fuzzy part and the business-like professional part.

first blog EVER

hmm.. well. here it is...in all it's glory.