Best of Week: Emotion trumps Grammar

I can remember it clearly, sitting in my fifth grade classroom, learning where to put commas and end marks, "And remember children, every sentence needs a subject and a verb, and no run-ons!" These simple rules were the basis of what I was taught and re-taught throughout middle school. Without basic grammar, I was told, my writing would be sloppy and give away my age. However, I believe the most important thing I learned this week is that in certain cases, it is okay to break these sacred rules in order to convey emotions to readers.

I had always wondered why fragments and technically "misplaced" commas were not accepted by my English teachers when clearly I had put them there for a purpose. I had always believed that if my writing sounded good when i read it aloud that that was enough, but my teachers never seemed to agree.

I felt like Beat by Beat was referring directly to me when it said that a mixture of long and short sentences, maybe even a few fragments, all contributed to the rhythm of writing. This rhythm is what gives writing voice and personality. And yes, while it is important to know the rules of grammar, if the author knows the rules, but consciously chooses to break them in order to convey a certain emotion, then they can be used to his or her advantage.

I will keep this idea of rhythm in my mind now when I am writing stories, and try to be aware of what the length of my sentences are saying to the reader. The biggest lesson i learned was that basic grammar can create a story, but rhythm is what gives it life.