I recently read the amusing book Eats, Shoots and Leaves, written by Lynne Truss. One of the very interesting things about writing publicly is, everyone feels free to offer helpful advice. Unfortunately, much of the advice results in conflicting information.
I'm of a personality type that sees the world in shades of gray (or in my case as a Canadian, grey).
Cute mnemonic device:
grAy is how it's spelled in America,
grEy is how it's spelled in England,
but I digress!
I've had a few discussions with my husband, about my run on sentences, it turns out according to Lynne, that my real problem is not my sentence structure, but my lack of fame! Oh dear, I think I just did it again!
Truss comments: "so many highly respected writers observe the splice comma that a rather unfair rule emerges on this one: only do it if you're famous."
As I punctuate this post, I find myself second guessing each decision. Do I use British or American form? Which of the many Style guides should I use? What does the Grammar Girl say on the topic?
Meanwhile, I know there are readers out there, shaking their heads and mumbling "It's just NOT done that way" at every choice I make.
