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Grammar Nazis Are Not Always Rite, Right, Write
This book is based on a writing course I taught that repudiates what is considered necessary and proper for writing fiction. It is not a HOW TO book. It is a book intended to help you find your own creative path, get rid of your fear over writing, and answer many questions that seem to haunt both beginning and established writers. It also covers many preconceived ideas concerning grammar and punctuation that in my opinion are unnecessary. I will state that many of my students have been published by
mainstream publishers.
mainstream publishers.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2017
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Robert K. Swisher Jr.
23 books15 followersI have been writing since 1967. To date I have placed twelve novels with traditional publishers ranging from young adult to historical fiction. My novels received good reviews from Publishers Weekly and others. Over the past eight years I have indied eleven novels ranging from mysteries, humor, zanny love stories, literary, and an off the wall creative writing book based on a course I taught. I have worked for newspapers, outdoor magazines, and placed many short stories and poems with literary magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 21, 2018
There are moments in this book where someone, somewhere, will glean a nugget and take and run with it. I will admit, I found a few that may be helpful.
I don't entirely agree with all of Mr. Swisher's advice offerings, some that we received many times throughout the book: Other than making sure you are spelling everything correctly -- and don't sweat it if your book gets published and a few misspellings sneak past your editor -- everything else is pretty much up for grabs. Grammar, punctuation, style, it all doesn't matter if you are comfortable with it. While I will agree with the author that writers shouldn't obsess over all the rules out there (who can remember all of them, anyway), it makes sense to me that a writer should understand the rules before banishing them from the writing room.
That said, if you are hung up on the rules and it is inhibiting your writing, grab a copy of this book. It is a quick read and, as I already stated, everyone should find at least a few things they could use. And the author throws his humor around throughout. (Yes, I purposely started that last sentence with "and" and threw the double dashes in the last paragraph just to see how it would feel...not sure if I will ever do it again, but nothing fell on me, so I guess it was okay to use them). Fun book, with the best advice coming in chapter thirteen: "Put your butt in the chair and write." Three-and-a-half stars.
I don't entirely agree with all of Mr. Swisher's advice offerings, some that we received many times throughout the book: Other than making sure you are spelling everything correctly -- and don't sweat it if your book gets published and a few misspellings sneak past your editor -- everything else is pretty much up for grabs. Grammar, punctuation, style, it all doesn't matter if you are comfortable with it. While I will agree with the author that writers shouldn't obsess over all the rules out there (who can remember all of them, anyway), it makes sense to me that a writer should understand the rules before banishing them from the writing room.
That said, if you are hung up on the rules and it is inhibiting your writing, grab a copy of this book. It is a quick read and, as I already stated, everyone should find at least a few things they could use. And the author throws his humor around throughout. (Yes, I purposely started that last sentence with "and" and threw the double dashes in the last paragraph just to see how it would feel...not sure if I will ever do it again, but nothing fell on me, so I guess it was okay to use them). Fun book, with the best advice coming in chapter thirteen: "Put your butt in the chair and write." Three-and-a-half stars.
April 20, 2017
As an indie author, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Swisher's 'Grammar Nazis'. He was spot on all aspects of writing. There are at least a million ways to become a published writer - most of them are painful. I've broken just about every rule - and yes- I used the word just. There are no bad words, and there aren't any right or wrong ways to write a book. Like the author, I love using dashes too.
This is a great book for any want-to-be writers and for those who are already published and wonder if they're ever going to make a dime from their blood, sweat and tears. This book reinforced everything I ever thought about writing. You do it and worry about everything else later.
This is a great book for any want-to-be writers and for those who are already published and wonder if they're ever going to make a dime from their blood, sweat and tears. This book reinforced everything I ever thought about writing. You do it and worry about everything else later.
June 12, 2017
Written in Swisher’s signature tongue-in-cheek humor, Grammar Nazis Are Not Always Rite, Right, Write is not only entertaining but makes you ponder the possibilities if only you can leave the nagging voice of your high school English teacher behind. Filled with wry observations and writerly wisdom, it keeps you laughing—and more importantly, reading—to the end. The core advice is top-notch: Don’t worry about the mechanics of writing, just do it! Leave the editing to the Grammar Nazis and tell your story the way only you can. Irrespective of perfect spelling and flawless punctuation, readers are either going to love your work or hate it. At the end of the day, YOU are the one who has to be satisfied with the finished product. So, throw the rules out the window, and finish that book!
May 4, 2017
Meant, I believe, for beginning writers of fiction, I found most of the information to be familiar but also something much I needed a good dousing of.
Reading "Grammar Nazis Are Not Always Rite, Right,..." felt like standing under one of those outdoor high-hanging open-air shower stalls set by the pool or on the beach - refreshing and brain-clearing all at once.
As most of my friends and most of the polite people who disagree with me know, I firmly believe fiction has few rules beyond consistency and truth to oneself. Robert Swisher, I found, believes much the same, but much more comprehensively and, more importantly, humorously (smiles).
While the first half concentrated on hammering in the ways and whys of writing fiction without constraint of rules so binding they sometimes crush the package vs simply containing it, the second half provided straight clean basic information from copyright to queries plus warnings about prevalant scams.
All in all, this short book is a fine basic primer for any new writer, or an even finer reminder to dusty tired veteran wanna-be's like me :)
I received this book free for review purposes, but have bought and read several books by Mr. Swisher in the past.
My favorite of those books is "Bucket Full of Lies," a crime fantasy mystery spilling full of metaphors and analogies and shimmering with humor. I guess that one spoiled me 'cause if there was anything different I'd've like in this book is just that: even more humor and more similes.
Beyond that, I highly recommend this book for either beginners or tired veterans!
Reading "Grammar Nazis Are Not Always Rite, Right,..." felt like standing under one of those outdoor high-hanging open-air shower stalls set by the pool or on the beach - refreshing and brain-clearing all at once.
As most of my friends and most of the polite people who disagree with me know, I firmly believe fiction has few rules beyond consistency and truth to oneself. Robert Swisher, I found, believes much the same, but much more comprehensively and, more importantly, humorously (smiles).
While the first half concentrated on hammering in the ways and whys of writing fiction without constraint of rules so binding they sometimes crush the package vs simply containing it, the second half provided straight clean basic information from copyright to queries plus warnings about prevalant scams.
All in all, this short book is a fine basic primer for any new writer, or an even finer reminder to dusty tired veteran wanna-be's like me :)
I received this book free for review purposes, but have bought and read several books by Mr. Swisher in the past.
My favorite of those books is "Bucket Full of Lies," a crime fantasy mystery spilling full of metaphors and analogies and shimmering with humor. I guess that one spoiled me 'cause if there was anything different I'd've like in this book is just that: even more humor and more similes.
Beyond that, I highly recommend this book for either beginners or tired veterans!
June 3, 2017
Excellent Book for Authors
Critically acclaimed author Robert K. Swisher presents his book about Grammar Nazis. Here’s what he says:
“Grammar Nazis are constantly reminding people about THERE, THEIR, THEY’RE. I will not give the definitions because if I see them one more time I will puke. When a reader is reading a book the majority of the time if there is spelled their they will not even notice it. I have not read many books that have been published that are error free. For some reason the indie market has become inundated with grammar critics that can find the smallest politically incorrect word usage, grammar usage, punctuation mistake in a book and expound on it like it is a mortal sin – all I have to say is these people must be perfect.”
The book also offers great words of wisdom. While there’s no secret to writing a best seller, there is a dirty little secret about the New York Times Best Seller List. I’ll save that tidbit for the author to pass along to you.
Mr. Swisher provides the perfect end to this review:
“I recently read a Steinbeck novel that I suppose deserved a one star review because the word every should have been ever.”
Critically acclaimed author Robert K. Swisher presents his book about Grammar Nazis. Here’s what he says:
“Grammar Nazis are constantly reminding people about THERE, THEIR, THEY’RE. I will not give the definitions because if I see them one more time I will puke. When a reader is reading a book the majority of the time if there is spelled their they will not even notice it. I have not read many books that have been published that are error free. For some reason the indie market has become inundated with grammar critics that can find the smallest politically incorrect word usage, grammar usage, punctuation mistake in a book and expound on it like it is a mortal sin – all I have to say is these people must be perfect.”
The book also offers great words of wisdom. While there’s no secret to writing a best seller, there is a dirty little secret about the New York Times Best Seller List. I’ll save that tidbit for the author to pass along to you.
Mr. Swisher provides the perfect end to this review:
“I recently read a Steinbeck novel that I suppose deserved a one star review because the word every should have been ever.”
August 5, 2017
I've been a fan of Swisher Jr. for a long time, so when I saw this book come up I thought I would give it a go and I loved it. A real tell-all about publishing, and the writing world in general. On top of that, it's a fresh read when you're tired of hearing about how this rule and that rule are written in stone. Told with the sense of humour I've come to know from his writing. It's a great book and one not to be taken too seriously. Loved it and as usual recommend his writing.
April 21, 2017
It is said that to bend the rules you must first know the rules, and here is an easy to read book which exemplifies that theory. In this informative volume the author delivers his forthright views on many aspects of the writing world.
Robert K. Swisher Jr. is qualified to write this book not only because of his experience as a scribe, but also due to his time-served in this particular vocation. He injects humour into topics which under another pen might be boring - at best.
Whether you’re starting out, or you’ve published indie or traditional, once or many times, this book is worth reading.
For the most part it is an opinion piece, but written with fingers bruised from the fight, not by the dainty hand of the non-combatant who simply ‘believes’ in how something should be done.
I enjoyed the read, and I’ll continue with my WIP with a will, and refreshed, because I know that whatever I produce, it will be done to the best of my ability. I’ll have put in the time and effort. I’ll have worked to create something worthwhile for my readers, and reassured by this book, I’ll be confident I’ve done my job.
Robert K. Swisher Jr. is qualified to write this book not only because of his experience as a scribe, but also due to his time-served in this particular vocation. He injects humour into topics which under another pen might be boring - at best.
Whether you’re starting out, or you’ve published indie or traditional, once or many times, this book is worth reading.
For the most part it is an opinion piece, but written with fingers bruised from the fight, not by the dainty hand of the non-combatant who simply ‘believes’ in how something should be done.
I enjoyed the read, and I’ll continue with my WIP with a will, and refreshed, because I know that whatever I produce, it will be done to the best of my ability. I’ll have put in the time and effort. I’ll have worked to create something worthwhile for my readers, and reassured by this book, I’ll be confident I’ve done my job.
April 24, 2017
In all of Robert K Swisher Jr books, he tells a story with no holes barred. Here, he talks about Grammar, how correct it should be, and how, at times, what's deemed as "proper writing" can be detrimental to the story telling process. I actually agree with much of what he says. As a writer, we are often stinted by correctness. Sometimes "grammar nazis" can take away the sentence's or paragraph's emotions or feeling.
This author is one of the most honest writers on the market and so when you read one of his books you know you will get a gutsy take on his subject material.
A very interesting book. 5*
This author is one of the most honest writers on the market and so when you read one of his books you know you will get a gutsy take on his subject material.
A very interesting book. 5*
April 25, 2017
As a writer, I have to say I loved this book. As a reader, I also found it fascinating. The author takes a bit of a humorous look at writing and all it entails. The book isn't just about grammar, but this is discussed and I agree with the author, grammar Nazi's are a bit crazy.Real people do not speak proper English. Some people love to pick apart books, I just like to enjoy the story. The author has included valuable information on not just writing, but the dreaded promotion, publishing and the ins and outs of the hard life of being an author. I loved the author's input and hope all will read this book. I really enjoyed the author's look at the tendency for author's to give books away and then when they hit #1 on a list think that means they are a #1 seller, not exactly, but nice to be noticed. Thanks to Robert K. Swisher Jr. for telling it like it is and giving all some good advice that can be used in a real world.
April 26, 2017
Witty and engaging guide to the art of writing and getting published.
There are “how to” books that make watching paint dry seem a pleasure and then there are those which engage the reader so well that it is almost a sadness to finish reading them. This book is definitely one of the latter.
Robert Swisher is a very talented writer and I have enjoyed immensely reading several of his books. In this short volume, he gives invaluable advice to all aspiring writers on everything from grammar to the protocol of approaching agents and publishers. You can take it from me that this author knows what he is talking about. His other books prove he is a good writer and his level of critical success, shows that he enjoys a good reputation with readers and publishers.
It’s not just a book for aspiring writers however. Anybody who would like to know about the labyrinthine world of publishing needs to read this book. The witty and engaging style of the writer makes it an absolute pleasure to read.
There are “how to” books that make watching paint dry seem a pleasure and then there are those which engage the reader so well that it is almost a sadness to finish reading them. This book is definitely one of the latter.
Robert Swisher is a very talented writer and I have enjoyed immensely reading several of his books. In this short volume, he gives invaluable advice to all aspiring writers on everything from grammar to the protocol of approaching agents and publishers. You can take it from me that this author knows what he is talking about. His other books prove he is a good writer and his level of critical success, shows that he enjoys a good reputation with readers and publishers.
It’s not just a book for aspiring writers however. Anybody who would like to know about the labyrinthine world of publishing needs to read this book. The witty and engaging style of the writer makes it an absolute pleasure to read.
April 26, 2017
A lot of laughs and helpful information!
Grammar Nazis Is an enjoyable read that gave me more than a few chuckles along with some valuable information. This is a perfect book for those writers who take life too seriously.
Robert has an uncanny way of putting words on paper. He goes by a different beat of the drum. He looks at life with a wonderful wry sense of humor. I have read several of his books, even edited one. After reading what he thinks of editors I had to laugh out loud! I agree with many things he says but would never admit those particular facts out loud. I may take some of his advice in my future writing.
Robert does encourage writers to believe in themselves and write as often as they can. Check out this book and all the author's other books for unforgettable reads injected with his unique brand of humor. Nicely done, Robert!
Grammar Nazis Is an enjoyable read that gave me more than a few chuckles along with some valuable information. This is a perfect book for those writers who take life too seriously.
Robert has an uncanny way of putting words on paper. He goes by a different beat of the drum. He looks at life with a wonderful wry sense of humor. I have read several of his books, even edited one. After reading what he thinks of editors I had to laugh out loud! I agree with many things he says but would never admit those particular facts out loud. I may take some of his advice in my future writing.
Robert does encourage writers to believe in themselves and write as often as they can. Check out this book and all the author's other books for unforgettable reads injected with his unique brand of humor. Nicely done, Robert!
April 27, 2017
I've been accused on more than one occasion of being a comma AND grammar nazi, so I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book. I loved it! It cuts to the chase, reminding us all that good writing is not really about grammar or punctuation--it's about what the writer has to say. If every aspiring writer read this before they got started in the process, they'd probably save a lot of money: this is the only writing manual they really need!
April 28, 2017
Thank you Mr. Swisher! This was grand fun to read and made fantastic sense. I am going to read some of the examples cited. Glad I picked up this one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews