Incomplete Sentences

Is it just me or is everyone using incomplete sentences these days? Here's an example of one I hear a lot lately: Do you want to go with? This seems to be a trendy thing to say but it really bugs me. Is it really too much to ask to just finish the darn sentence by adding one little word? For example, "Do you want to go with me?" or "...with us?" You know. The way we used to talk in the good old days. By bringing this up, I know I risk sounding like my high school English teacher. I'm just curious, though. Do these incomplete sentences bug any of you writers? Labels: English draft 12:21

Almost on a Reality Show

For the past two months, we have been in talks with a reality show. Originally, this was all hush-hush and top secret but now that we've declined, I can tell you. My husband and I, along with my daughter, future son-in-law and his parents were almost on a big-name cable network reality show! In fact, this very weekend we would have been filming at some undisclosed, hot, probably tropical location. We were not going to have contact with the outside world for five days. You can't believe the hoops we've all jumped through--we each had to make videos of ourselves and overnight them. Then, we had to fill out very loooooong questionnaires with questions like: "Name three odd things about you" and "What is something no one knows about you." You know, stuff that they'd use against us on TV. Anyway, we were game until we saw the contract. That killed the deal. It was too probing about anything and everything. Our attorney looked it over and felt strongly that we shouldn't sign on the bottom line. So, it was disappointing at first but I can't wait to see the show when it airs. It was a pilot so it may not be picked up. We'll have to wait and see...

How Do You Edit?

Since I'm in the dreaded editing phase of my debut novel, I'd love some suggestions from fellow writers. Do you edit on your computer or do you use a hard copy? I know some people hire professional editors and I wondered if any of you have done that. If so, who do you recommend? I've seen several names at the back of Writer's Digest and they seem to have good credentials and connections. Thanks for any light you can shed on this. I am ready to start my next novel but can't until I get through this process. I don't know why I hate it so much and keep putting it off doing anything and everything else.

Chosen as Memoirist of the Day!

This week, I was selected as Memoirist of the Day by Smith Magazine! They featured my six-word MOMoir and photo on the cover of their online magazine in early May. Since then, they've published thirty of my MOMoirs and memoirs. Yea! Give it a try. Warning: Sixes are highly addictive--almost as much as chocolate. Hemingway wrote a six-word memoir. His was--For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn. Says a lot, doesn't it? You'll be amazed how big a story you can tell in six little words. Check out the site at http://www.smithmag.net/ Smith publishes books containing editor-selected memoirs and all of their books have been New York Times' bestsellers. They also hold several contests. I highly recommend this site and so does Writer's Digest.

My First Blog Entry

Wow. I did it. Technologically challenged me. You may not realize how big this is but it's big. I really didn't think it would work. Okay, enough about that. Please follow me on Beth's Banter. You can find me at www.banterwithbeth.blogspot.com This is so cool. Since my new career path is writing, I'll discuss that most often. Of course, I've spent two decades in marketing so I may talk about that some, too. I'll try not to bore you. Family is very important to me as well, but I like my privacy (and so do they). I'll drop a tidbit here and there.