Anna’s Comments (group member since Mar 21, 2017)

Anna’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

Brain v brawn, eh, Theodore?

I use the Oxford comma to clarify a sentence where a list without an Oxford comma could mislead. I couldn't think of an example at this very moment, so I've resorted to the Internet. Here's what one site says, and I'm quoting this one because I followed the dairy drivers in their dispute wondering if they'd win. They did - on a comma placement.

"In Maine, the much-disputed Oxford comma has helped a group of dairy drivers in a dispute with a company about overtime pay.

The Oxford comma is used before the words “and” or “or” in a list of three or more things. Also known as the serial comma, its aficionados say it clarifies sentences in which things are listed.

As Grammarly notes, the sentences “I love my parents, Lady Gaga and Humpty Dumpty” and “I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty” are a little different. Without a comma, it looks like the parents in question are, in fact, Lady Gaga and Humpty Dumpty."

And here's the result:

"The drivers argued, due to a lack of a comma between “packing for shipment” and “or distribution”, the law refers to the single activity of “packing”, not to “packing” and “distribution” as two separate activities. As the drivers distribute – but do not pack – the goods, this would make them eligible for overtime pay.

Previously, a district court had ruled in the dairy company’s favour, who argued that the legislation “unambiguously” identified the two as separate activities exempt from overtime pay. But the appeals judge sided with the drivers."

If I can think of a clearer example I'll come back. It's not always necessary to have that last comma, but it is very important sometimes!

Oh good! So when I get round to reading your book (I've bought it) I'll be feeling it's 'right for me'. Know what I mean?

I have an actor friend (he's a writer too) and he likes authors to put commas where it would help if it were acted on stage.

I also like the semi colon because it allows a reader to breathe and take things in.

Congratulations! And all the best with the paperback too.

It wasn't a matter of being patient. I ended up having to ask them to cancel my application.

I'll try again when I've recovered and try to remember to stay on the AMS side. I didn't notice that there was a choice.

I doubt very much I'll catch you up! I haven't tackled the cover yet.

An Oxford comma is essential for clarity!

It took me ages to change from two spaces to one. I hung out because two spaces is clearer and helps when reading aloud in particular. We know when to drop our voices and, again, it's for clarity. However, now that I've dropped the habit of two spaces, I'm not sure I could change back. I'm beginning to think I shouldn't have allowed myself to be swayed.

Thanks for info in this thread. I'm finally starting to put mine into paperback. Through KDP, shake, tremble. I'm taking note of all you're saying. Bless you, Theodore. May your sales increase daily! And Julia, good luck, keep going, I'm right behind you - well rather a long way behind...

Your post brought a smile to my face, Kimberly. What a thrill and honour.

PDR, I'm with you on the envy thing. I learnt when I was 15 just how much it can hurt and so I decided not to have that feeling. So I don't. If I ever feel that nasty thing creeping into my heart, I turn it around. I just don't allow my poor little self to suffer the pain. It can be done. I was about 15 when I felt it so badly that I knew I could not live like that, so it's better if you start young...!!!!!

I think we have quite a lot in this group who can genuinely share the joys and pains of others. A rarity!

Brilliant, what a compliment!

And I've now just shouted "Up with Carole!" More, more.

The good thing about cyber friends who belong to groups like Goodreads is that you never know when people are reading what you write and nod their head in agreement or shout 'Good for you, PDR'. I have done this with you, and I know others do this too.

I think we're supposed to give you presents for a 70th! My birthday wish for you is 'time' so that you can enjoy tackling that queue in the head - I know the feeling.

Keep going...

Hurrah! And Yay! That is so special.

We await results! Maybe even above average... Even below will be amazing. Well done.

Yay, yay and yay!

C.L., yes, I've only ever been in KDP and my books bounce within the 500 to 600,000 range in the US. A little worse in the UK - and so I want to advertise there. I can't 'launch' the ad, the little button isn't interested until I fill in the VAT parts. I hope that someone in Amazon will fish me out of this murky pool.

I do so wish I had stopped after creating the log in!

Ah well, it's probably just a matter of being patient. I hope.

Thank you Alex and Carmel. I really do appreciate the support given in this group.

What we need is someone who will take charge of marketing for us! Someone who loves this stuff (I usually enjoy it) and charges 10% but then we poor authors will never get any money at all!

Sigh.