Recently, I decided that my writing skills needed an upgrade.
Image by Cohdra
I do work for one of those writing mills, and wanted to pump up my scores. So I found a website that would grade my ‘active verb’ usage. Then I learned how to better utilize my favorite search engine.
Instead of getting better, my scores went down. So much so that I am on ‘probation’ right now. Yes, it is a blow to my ego. And, yes, I am doubting everything that I write. Everything.
Here is the problem. Despite making improvements, I never saw this coming.
My scores were all over the place. An article with many corrections would be rated highly, an article with few changes brought down my average. I guessed the rating by how my average went up and down. I never saw the actual rating for each story although I did read the track changes so I would know what was and was not changed.
I saw many commas added and realized that is where I failed consistently. And that is where I worked to make improvements.
Image by Alvimann
Strangely enough, I recently found a writer’s group that really gets wonky about grammar and punctuation. I love it because it will only help me improve.
I love knowing I am expected to go over a story with a red pen and make lots of marks. Heck, if I want to throw in comments about content that is welcomed as well. I love it!
There is something exhilarating about reading other people’s work. You see how other people tackle their topics and bring about memories/feelings. Suddenly, you are inspired to write something because of a great line or paragraph in that work.
For now, I am limbo with the story mill. I have to write three stories and if they make the grade, I get all of my privileges back. Yipee?!?
I also know I am not the only one. Judging by the comments on the board at that website and other sites, there are a lot of people getting the same e-mail as myself. Some of their reported ratings are much higher than mine and it makes me wonder just who is being targeted.
It’s obvious to me this action by the story mill will weed out writers who no longer want to write these 400-500 word articles on some pretty ridiculous titles or cannot improve their skills.
If that pushes you to look elsewhere for writing jobs, that is the upside.
How are you upgrading your writing skills and career?
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I’m not familiar with the type of website your describing, but I may check it out. It sounds amusing. I agree with you that a writing critique group is invaluable. I’ve had mine for a couple years now, and I show them everything I write. They always have great suggestions. Nice post.
I have been looking for a group like this, and today I received an e-mail telling me I am in the group, permanently. Or until they kick me out. Whatever, I am thrilled. Thanks for stopping by.
Great post.
Yes, I am a writer. Am I a good writer? Well, I suppose that is left for my readers to determine. I am not a professional. I am not paid for my writing. I simply write, because I enjoy writing. I’m not sure I want to make a career out of writing, as it may then be considered work. As you noted, perhaps the grading and weeding is for the purpose of eliminating those that don’t want to ‘work’.
Great post!
I like to think that I am a good writer. When you make an effort to improve and still get shot down, well, it makes one’s head spin.
That’s great news about your new group! Hope it works out for you and you find some like minded writers.
I have to say reading and commenting on other writer’s work improves my own. Funny how marking mistakes makes me look for them in my writing. I love getting back a piece from my writer’s group that’s bleeding (marked well in red pen) because I know I’ll have a better piece for their effort. Writing groups are wonderful when they are supportive and correcting. I’ve learned so much from mine I consider them invaluable.
A dripping manuscript may not seem like a good sign to some but to a writer wanting to greatly improve, it is a godsend.
I write for a marketing research company, so my range of expression there is limited, to say the least. Blogging is an outlet for me, a chance to stretch myself and get a different type of feedback.
There are many solid writing rules, as there must be. At the same time, much of what we learned in school (“Never start a sentence with And or But,” for example) is nonsense that’s passed from one generation of teachers to the next. Sometimes a comma is required, and sometimes it’s a stylistic choice. I wouldn’t put too much stock in what any one person says about your writing, or writing in general. Most of it is subjective.
I had a boss who believed poor writing occured when the paragraph started with “And” or “But.” While what you say is correct, taht is one little rule that sticks in my head. Weird, huh?