I think, for comedy writing especially, literally every word and punctuation on the page can make the difference between something reading funny or not. So it's well worthwhile making this effort, sootyj, and best wishes. 
So how do I learn to write? Page 2
Quote: Griff @ August 4 2009, 1:07 PM BSTThe only thing that loves cookies more than me is my browser.
Come to think of it, Firefox has a built-in spell-checker too, doesn't it? I've been using IE ever since Firefox started rejecting Flash Player like a dodgy transplant.
I've noticed that this place has improved my grammar, spelling and punctuation lots. Well, hoped it has anyway.
How about hanging out with Aaron for a few days? 
Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 1:11 PM BSTHow about hanging out with Aaron for a few days?
Oh sure, Aaron's grammar and spelling may be brilliant on the internet, but in real life I doubt he can recite the alphabet correctly.
Joel, I was not taught grammar, and while I regret that, I do not find it a huge problem. I have absorbed a lot from reading, and when there is something I am not sure about, I look it up. The best way to learn anything is by actually doing it, so there is no reason why your English should be poor, and I never thought it was. I do think it is sloppy, which seems to me to be a larger problem with your writing. How long do you spend reading back what you have written? I know I spend far longer tinkering with sentence structure and playing with different ways of wording a gag, than I do blocking in the 'ideas'. And if you are doing this you should spot mistakes - in fact they will jump out at you because they 'sound' wrong. And your writing will show the benefit of the extra work. It is a cliche, but writing really is rewriting - it is not simply emptying your mind onto paper.
I've worked with people with literacy problems and I recommend the free classes around the UK to anyone who's really struggling/ slipped through the net.
But in your case it sounds like a couple of 1 to 1 sessions with a qualified teacher might be of more use. They could help you in the specific areas you need and/ or point you in the direction of the best books/ methods applicable to you, rather than including areas you're already skilled in.
Hopefully it wouldn't cost too much either.
JP
There's plenty of grammar guides in bookshops and what's interesting is that the academic pendants who pen them can't seem to write in an engaging manner to save their lives.
Concentrate on getting your ideas down, write a story you want to read, do it with some passion and get it finished. The rest is mechanics which can be learned.
For a good book on how much BS writing and language there is out there check out Lost for Words: The Mangling and Manipulating of the English Language by John Humphrys.
Quote: youngian @ August 4 2009, 1:28 PM BSTThere's plenty of grammar guides in bookshops and what's interesting is that the academic pendants who pen them can't seem to write in an engaging manner to save their lives.
Eat Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss is a notable exception, and might be helpful in making sootyj realise that punctuation does actually matter.
Available in audio form too.
Though that might negate the positive aspects of it...
Dan
If I can find the old school book I learnt from Sootyj, I'll be happy to pass it on to you.
Quote: swerytd @ August 4 2009, 1:36 PM BSTAvailable in audio form too.
Is there an audio edition of the dictionary? Read by Martin Jarvis, naturally.
Quote: Timbo @ August 4 2009, 1:27 PM BSTThe best way to learn anything is by actually doing it
So you know nothing about suicide, then.
I can proof-read/rewrite your stuff for a percentage!
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 4 2009, 1:43 PM BSTIs there an audio edition of the dictionary? Read by Martin Jarvis, naturally.
Yes - I've got the abridged version.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ August 4 2009, 1:03 PM BSTWhat software do you use for writing Sooty?
Microsoft Word is pretty good at catching spelling mistakes, even for many common proper nouns. Its grammar-checking can be hit-and-miss, especially for creative writing, but it often throws up suggestions for mistakes that I've missed or didn't even know where mistakes (and I am a journalist).
OpenOffice.org is about as good, and can be had for free.
Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but there's little excuse for spelling mistakes using a modern word processor.
Microsoft word.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 4 2009, 1:06 PM BSTI think, for comedy writing especially, literally every word and punctuation on the page can make the difference between something reading funny or not. So it's well worthwhile making this effort, sootyj, and best wishes.
Thanks Marks Brailsford said the same thing to me, I reread my sketches and was chastened. I do actually try a lot harder these days, it's just like the NHS computer it's a big project.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ August 4 2009, 1:10 PM BSTCome to think of it, Firefox has a built-in spell-checker too, doesn't it? I've been using IE ever since Firefox started rejecting Flash Player like a dodgy transplant.
I use it but it gets funny with dialogue boxes.
Quote: Timbo @ August 4 2009, 1:27 PM BSTHow long do you spend reading back what you have written?
I usually reread 2-3 times but my focus wanders once it's written. On serious projects I apply the 24/48 rule, I reread it 24 hours and 48 hours later, it helps a bit.