Sunday, September 6, 2009

adjective punctuating

Okay, let's present this as an issue. :)

Let's say you have two adjectives before a noun. When do you put a comma between the adjectives and when not?

Examples:

bright
pink
dress

Assemble that-- with or without comma?

How about
big
old
truck

fine
white
wine

lavish
expensive
fashion
show


rambling
overlong
speech


new
improved
product

Rationales?

Also, would the rhythm of the sentence or the pace of the passage (action scene maybe) affect your decision?

Alicia

78 comments:

br drager said...

Oo! Oo! *Hand raised*

I think I might know this one. (Hope never dies.)

I put a comma in if the two adjectives could be switched (and the meaning is the same).

If there is no comma, then either they can't be switched or else the writer wanted that order that way for some specific reason.

(Yeah, I know there's some grammatical rule about classes of adjectives or something, and whether being in the same class supposedly determines whether a comma is needed or not. But . . .)

imo. :)

(Now I definitely gotta get to my own stuff.)

br drager said...

Yeah, maybe I ought to at least answer some of the questions. :)

1.)
bright
pink
dress

Assemble that-- with or without comma?


My answer: I'd only use "bright pink dress" since it is a pink dress that is bright, or else is a dress that has the color of bright pink. (caveat: Unless this is science fiction, where there exist bright dresses of various colors in that storyworld. Thus, "pink bright dress.")

(Though, I think I've seen places where they prefer that the color be next to the noun.)

2.)
How about
big
old
truck


My answer: It depends on the emphasis. Is it an old truck that is big? (I'm nailed to the ground and the good guy is driving the truck at me, his intention to flatten my ugly mug.) Thus, "big old truck."

Or is it a big truck that is old? (I'm in the market to buy a truck, but the used truck salesman is trying to dump this old thing on me for an outrageous price.) Thus, "old big truck."

In either version, I wouldn't mind if there was a comma in there or not (up to the writer or editor's desire).

imo.

Edittorrent said...

I like the question: Can you switch the words? Yes? Comma.

Is the second adjective and the noun a unit (like "white wine") and the first adj modifies the whole unit:
fine white wine? No comma.

Also what if the first adj modifies the second (bright pink)-- no comma.

I find that I tend to leave the comma out most of the time because I hate that stuttering rhythm, and I always try to find a justification that might be pretty lame. "Overlong speech. That's a unit."

Other thoughts?
A

br drager said...

Dang! I still didn't answer the first one completely. :(
1.)
bright
pink
dress

Assemble that-- with or without comma?


My answer: . . . my stuff from before . . . and now,
a.) "bright, pink dress" tells me that the pink dress if bright, like as though it is a new dress, or shiny.

b.) "bright pink dress" is ambiguous to me. It can be a dress that has the color of bright pink, or it can be a pink dress that is bright (like in "a" above). I suppose if the writer meant a dress that was bright pink in color, then perhaps better serving him would be "brightly pink dress," maybe.

imo.

Edittorrent said...

How about an example of where you'd use a hyphen in between the two adjectives?
A

br drager said...

I find that I tend to leave the comma out most of the time because I hate that stuttering rhythm, and I always try to find a justification that might be pretty lame. "Overlong speech. That's a unit."

Me too. Though my main reason to omit some commas is so that the remaining commas will stick out and thus help the reader quickly parse the sentence more easily.

Sometimes, putting those commas (the ones that separate adjectives) in the sentence can end up confusing the reader when there are nearby commas being used to separate off phrases and clauses and compound verb phrases.

imo. :)
(I definitely gotta leave . . .)

Pamela Hammonds said...

The quick rule I was taught is, if you could substitute an AND between the adjectives, then insert a comma. For example: It was a dark, stormy night. The adjectives should be separate and equal modifers of the noun if you use a comma between them.

So, for the ones you show, I would use a comma only in:

lavish, expensive fashion show

rambling, overlong speech

new, improved product

Kelsey Browning said...

Alicia -

I say no commas for bright pink dress for exactly the reason someone else mentioned. The pink is bright, not the dress.

On a couple of your later examples, I would likely delete one of the adjectives. Rambling and overlong seem redundant to me. Also, new and improved is an oxymoron.

Thanks!
Kelsey

Edittorrent said...

>Also, new and improved is an oxymoron.>

That's sort of an interesting viewpoint. But sometimes new is improved, so what then?

Yes, rambling and overlong-- redundant! I wonder if often when we have two adjectives, if we're not just unwilling to choose which is best.
A

Leona said...

I'd use these in this order.

big, old truck - Maybe it's my foreign language training (which I remember very little, but, old,new, better/best type adjectives should be right before the noun they are modifying.

fine white wine - white wine as one thing so no comma

lavishly espensive fashion show - I wouldn't use lavish, expensive fashion show. I have no good grammatical explanation for it though

I'd only use rambling speech or overlong speech. The only way to use them together is if the reader knows it was supposed to be short and the rambling is part of the problem for getting to be overlong. Still wouldn't put them side be side. More like - The professor's rambling turned a ten minute speech into an overlong linguistical torturous nightmare we couldn't escape from.

improved, new product - Or a new and improved product. In that instance the improvement should be the emphasis and the comma puts it as a list in my mind.

But, that all being said. I've had way too many commas in many of my manuscripts and then I'll go and miss one that is obvious to me as a reader but as the writer, I miss it.

Jami Gold said...

Hi Alicia,

Great exercise. :) And br drager, I love your explanation of I put a comma in if the two adjectives could be switched (and the meaning is the same). That's a great approach!

- Either bright pink dress or bright-pink dress, definitely no commas.
- I could go either way on the big/old/truck pairing.
- fine white wine, no commas.
- I'd choose either lavish or extravagant, not both.
- I like Leona's take on the rambling and overlong.
- If you're trying to sound cliche-ish, I'd go with new and improved product. :) Otherwise, I'd reword the whole thing.

Jami G.

Robin Lemke said...

No comma if one adjective modifies the other. Comma if they both modify the noun.

So, if the dress is "bright pink" - no comma. If the dress is both bright (maybe it's made of reflective material?) and pink, comma.

I tend to stick hard and fast to that rule, regardless of rhythm, for clarity's sake.

And while I'd use commas for big, old truck, I would not if I were indicating slang with big ol' truck. Then it's like one whole thing. And I think that's where the exceptions want to come into play. We're so used to saying "fine white wine and big old truck" they sound the name of a thing, not just a specific description.

Edittorrent said...

Anyone going to argue for the BAGS rule?

Theresa

Leona said...

Okay, I'll bite. But please remember I've not had an English class in over seven years, and it had been 12 prior before deciding on the temperature of the tar.

What's BAGS?

Riley Murphy said...

Gee, in my day it was a toss-up and I opted to stay out of those because no one ruled.

What do you call that? Oh, yeah, anarchy!:D
Murphy

Petronella said...

Oh, dear, I imagine myself to be a writer, but the more of these grammar type exercises I read here makes me doubt myself.

OK. Let's see if I can do some of the examples. I'm going to follow the above mentioned if you can switch the adjectives rule.

Bright pink dress - I'd use no comma.

You know something, I don't think I'd use commas in any of the examples because to me switching the adjectives around makes things not flow right.

Old big truck just doesn't sound right to me. Does that make any sense?

If no one minds here's one of my own that's been bother me to no end.

a red and white striped short sleeved shirt

I'm not sure if I need hyphens/dashes between 'red and white' and 'short sleeved'. Should there be a comma after 'sleeved'?

Jami Gold said...

Petronella,

Just keep telling yourself, it's good to learn new things. :)

In your example, I'd put "short-sleeved" because "short" by itself doesn't make sense, and "sleeved" by itself doesn't make sense. If both words are necessary together to get a clear meaning, I tend to put a hyphen between them. You could do the same for "red-and-white", but that's not as necessary for clarity.
- a red and white striped, short-sleeved shirt
or
- a red-and-white striped, short-sleeved shirt

Jami G.

Unknown said...

The I’m with Murph, stamp here. It's anyone's guess. It's a matter of interpretation.
Babs.

Edittorrent said...

Theresa mentioned the "Bags" rule-- "beauty, age, goodness and size". You might remember this from French class-- in French, adjectives in those classes go before the noun (not after), so "une jolie fille".

It can be a good guideline for whether an adjective forms a unit with the noun (and thus you can put another adj before without a comma, as it will usually modify not the noun, but the adj-noun unit):
A nice young woman
A big old truck :)
A charming bad boy
The long tall Texan

Can you think of some exceptions?

And I think "color" is something not in the French rule but is in ours:

She pulled off her stretchy blue top.

Alicia

Riley Murphy said...

BAGS rule: "beauty, age, goodness and size"
Drat! I should have remembered that!
Geez, if you guys only knew how hard I had to restrain myself from saying:

My definition of BAGS rule? Seven old ladies determined to succeed, as they head into their local bar at the tail end of happy hour. They're wearing shiny blue spandex cat-suits, red, orthopedic stilettos, bright red lipstick and equally bright, and excessively red, plastic cherry blossom earrings..............Oh yeah, baby. Bags rule! And I can say all this because I plan to be one of them in a few (cough, cough) years!:D
Murphy

em said...

Murphy? Can I hit the bar with you? PLEASE! PLEASE! LOL!
Em

Unknown said...

Murphy! Brilliant! I'll wear my spandex. Can I come, too?
Babs, who thinks spandex is your friend once you reach a certain age.;)

Edittorrent said...

"When I grow old, I shall wear purple... spandex."

Petronella said...

Jami, you make sense... thanks!

BAGS... like the banter, Murphy and all.

Leona said...

THe I'm with Murphy stamp goes here... I think I'm going with purple, though. Can you just see the bright purple lipstick? :D

Riley Murphy said...

Purple spandex? Nope. I was going with blue. Actually, a navy blue because it's slimming - and silver goes so great against it, and god alone knows we'll all need some bling distraction from all the other less, er, attractive situations happening on, or around, our tightly strapped in flesh.

What? You don’t believe me? You need specifics? How about for starters, a cubic zirconia choker, thick enough to rein in that turkey waddle. Followed by a nice diamonelle nose ring to catch the eye of that lucky and unsuspecting fellow you’ve targeted. Surely, he’ll be so dazzled by its shine he'll miss the red smear of lipstick across those dentures as you smile brilliantly at him. ( Oh, you’re smiling, because you’ve already undressed him through the mist of those cataracts ripening in your eyes). And he’ll be so blinded by the gleam of such an impressive faux gem, winking from the middle of your face (cause let’s be real here, your nose is going to have its own sense of gravity at that point in time) so, he'll likely miss the heavy pleats, folding like twin accordions in your cheeks. And that's all good, right? Gee, add in the dim lighting of the establishment and last call for happy hour and you've got a sure fire system that works! (hey, I'm still ironing out the kinks - but trust me, by the time I'm ready - the system will be perfect ! Those poor bastards!:D)

Note: The reason I don't like the purple spandex idea? With the purple and red, my group may be associated with the red hat society - and well, that would be like comparing Mother Theresa to Madonna. Well, maybe not Madonna, but someone equally as slutty, ok? ;)

And Em? No you can’t come with us, you're far too young for such debauchery!

Babs? I might let you come along, but, then again, you English chicks are usually long and lanky and I hate to stand next to that - so I might have to say no, on the grounds that you'll out 'regal me' (I'm counting on gaining some of my height back with the orthopedic stilettos) So, I may have to put a height limitation on the group. Let's just say that's TBD for now, shall we?( Hehehe)

Leona? I’m thinking you’re too young, too – the bright purple lipstick gave you away!;)
Murphy :D

Leona said...

The purple lipstick has more to do with my perchant for theatre than my age. And btw, my daughter is 18 already. And no, I wasn't 12 when I had her LOL.

But, you do have a point with the OTHER group. Will have to go with my second favorite color of deep emerald green. Will have to stock up on matching lipstick around halloween though. Otherwise, terribly difficult to come by :D

I'll film the whole thing so we can put the pics up on UTUBE under "Famous Authors - Where are they now?"

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

A height limitation??? Geeze... Now I'm feeling all left out. You are so not allowed to have a "Cougar Club" without me! :)

Jami G.

Riley Murphy said...

Hey, JG! No offense, but last time I checked - I'm SOOO allowed to have whatever kind of a club I want without you! (Imagine me cupping my ear in an annoying manner, here) Who came up with the club idea? Who runs it? Makes all the rules? Oh yeah! That would be me....but then? I see your deflated face and I remember how much fun you are to hang around with... and? I freaking cave like I always do. So, tell me there, Sasquash, ;) exactly how tall are you? (boy, I'm so mean aren't I?) You know, I think it's true what they say about the chip on the shoulder thing for short people - at least that's my current excuse to get off the hook, so deal with it, okay? And fess up. How tall? If you say over 5'8 - we're so breaking up. You know? I just realized something. I never dated a guy under 6'2 on account of having leprechaun (with a name like Murphy? COME ON) kids -- boy, height has played a huge roll in my life and I never noticed it until now. Must have been the fear of losing you, JG, that lead me to this epiphany. Do you forgive me for calling you Yeti - oh,(my bad) I mean sasquash? :P

And Leona, I'll bite. So, were you 14, then? We’ll be checking ID at the door.;)
Murphy:D

Leona said...

LOL nope. Not sure how old I have to be, but I'll run the DD role as punishment for being the youngest :D insert humorous grin here.

I am - drum roll please - I just turned thirty seven two weeks ago :)

Riley Murphy said...

Leona?
I'll take that under advisement. DD might work for me.:D Being as young as you are though, (here's me being very nice and solicitous to you) have you ever heard the term: take one for the team? Flexibility could be the key, that unlocks the door to our exclusive club, ya know?


....and um, if you're shaking your head yes at this point, slap yourself! We're a pile of old ladies in spandex, for cripes sakes. The only things around us that get laid are our floors. Personally, I went with tile but I've heard wood is really in this year...ah, wood - such memories............:D
Murphy

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

I forgive you...as long as you say that I'm still allowed in...even after I tell you that I'm 5'10". *covers hands with ears* Okay, are you done screaming at me yet? Nope, not yet. *covers ears again* Okay, now? :)

I mean, really, it's not like I had any more control over my genes than you did over yours. :) And trust me, you'll have so much more fun with me around... (Heh heh heh)

Jami G.
(and Leona's the pushover for agreeing to be the DD so easily... LOL!)

Riley Murphy said...

Okay, JG, you're in - even if I have to wear the stilts - should be interesting after a couple of martinis. And Leona? You never had a worry in the world. Don't you know every cougar group needs some cubs to entice the youngun's into the clearing for the kill? It's all good!
Murphy :D

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

*tsks with finger* You are such a cougar poser... Don't you know that "cubs" are the men???

Geeze... Apparently, I'm going to have to give you lessons on how this cougar thing works. LOL! It's a good thing you're keeping me around...

Jami G.

Jami Gold said...

So, as I gaze across this decrepit nightclub we find ourselves in, the thought occurs to me...

Here's a mantasy that might sell. :) Instead of a man with all these young nymphs around, make it a bunch of cougars... LOL!

Jami G.

Riley Murphy said...

JG, there'd be nothing left of him to write about, after the first scene..............;D
Murphy

em said...

Murphy, JG and Leona! ROTFLMAO X 2!!!!! And Murph, why can't I be one of the cubs that gets them to the clearing? I'll even split the DD schedule with L! PLEASE! Nothing left of him? LOL!
EM

Unknown said...

Murphy, LOL! I think I can safely be included. My long and lanky days are over. I'm pear shaped now. I will not broach the subject of height if five foot eight or taller bothers you. I'll be perfectly happy to stoop in your presence just to get in.:)
Babs
Who thinks there really should be a club.

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

Yeah, but it'd be a really good first scene... LOL! And if we make him young enough (like, oh, say... *cough* 19), I think he might be able to keep up *ahem* with our demands. LOL!

Jami G.

Leona said...

LMAO Thanks for letting me in!!

JG - FIVE TEN REALLY?? omg I'm only 5'3.5 used to be 5'4 but I had kids :D Besides, DD is the best role - hilarious antics makes for such good blackmail material - she says rubbing her hands together in evil glee.

I'll help y'all get a cub (I, however, refuse to be one -cough).

My husband is only 30, married him when he was 20. I've got he goods ladies :)

Jami Gold said...

Leona,

Yes, 5'10", really. Not cool when you can never wear heels though... :(

Errr, and you're right about that blackmail material. I've have to keep my eye on you. You know, mutually assured destruction and all that. :)

Ah... *doing the math* So he's 7 years younger? Not bad, not bad at all. *ahem* Not quite my record, but not bad. Hee!

Jami G.

Leona said...

Why thank you JG. Does it help to impress to know he took me AND my two kids to a movie with all his young friends? And he wonders how I knew he was serious about me. he he.
And I would give an obscene amount of many (if I had any) to be that tall!

Jami Gold said...

Leona,

Aww, that's an adorably sweet story.

Jami G.

Riley Murphy said...

Okay, have you guys been drinking? JG? Man! So, let’s recap here. By my count we have one child, a DD, a hunchback (sorry Babs, but you should never stoop for anyone;)), a giant (sorry JG, but five foot ten? Really :0) and if you add me into the mix a Leprechaun - I measure five foot two on a tall day. Can you see our motley crew swathed in spandex and slinking into a bar? Hmm, now that I think about it? This may work. We’d have the element of surprise on our side.......HEY, I never said it was going to be a good surprise! ;)

And as an aside? 19 is waaaaaay too young! JG, shame on you! My son is 22, for cripes sakes! I need at least a decade older than him. And when I get together with all of you I’m leaving him at home (for his own protection you bad girls!) Sheesh!!!!

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

Errr, I was just riffing off of the stereotype of 19-year-olds - and, you know, their abilities... Yeah, that's it. *cough* On second thought, yes, keep your son far away from this motley group. LOL!

Jami G.

Jordan said...

Um . . . wow, what can I offer to this motley crew? I'm apparently just barely old and short enough to qualify on my own merits.

Hm...

Jami Gold said...

Jordan,

You can be on Murphy-leaning-post patrol. You know, for when those stilettos get to be a bit too wobbly for her. :)

Although the more I think about this, the more I worry about Murphy's attitude going in to this. *sheesh* Acting like we're a danger to the cubs... As I'm sure Leona would agree, our cubs are very satisfied with the arrangement. Hee!

Jami G.

Riley Murphy said...

Jordan, we need you. You can be the voice of reason - barely old? (I'm whispering here) does that mean we have to get you a fake ID? *shrug* that's doable. But um, how do you feel about navy blue spandex? (okay I barely got that typed without laughing my own ass off!) You guys are great!

And JG? Leaning-post patrol, eh? Some friend you are. Any gal pal worth her salt would know after two maritinis a woman in stilettos needs the full hold and there's no lean about it! Sheesh! In a lean positon I could list sideways and disappear under a table somewhere -and that's not good! I'm making notes - this may effect your placement in the group!
I ask you Jordan, do you really want to miss all this? You might get some good ideas for you next WIP.:D
Murphy

Leona said...

Mine is quite satisfied :)

I'm liking this story more and more. I feel a blackmail picture coming on. Murphy missing her leaning-post? oooh Jordan turning just as Murphy leans... the rest I'll leave to your fertile imagination. LOL

You'll never believe my word verification:
falpluat -to fall flat on your face when drunk

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

No, no, no, not navy blue spandex. That's too...old-lady-ish. :) Or professional or something, I don't think that's where you want to be going with this. (I meant like a business suit - not that kind of professional! *sigh* Some people...) I vote for sapphire-bright, cobalt blue. :)

And the leaning post thing? That's between you and Jordan to work out. I just knew that as a true friend, *I* could not volunteer for the position as our height difference would make for some interesting moments. And we really don't need to be encouraging the blackmail picture problem. LOL!

Jami G.

Riley Murphy said...

Too old lady 'ish'? Have we veered that far afield that you've forgotten what we're talking about it here? BAGS? Remember?

Okay, I’ve been stringing you taller guys (no names, but you know who you are;)) along about the shoes. Here’s a secret: Any small 'of stature' person knows how to walk so well, in high, high heels that they can even run in them - NO, they could do hurdles in them even. Why? Because those types of heels have been a permanent fixture on their feet since they were like, sixteen? So, (I know I’m breaking devious hearts filled with blackmail schemes) - BUT, I’d probably walk better in the heels after the martinis - you know, that drunk swagger - I’m all about that!:D So, JG, you failed your first test...

But, Leona? If it makes you feel any better, seeing as how I’ve just nix your plans at blackmail over me teetering in my stilettos, your word verification? That’s me trying to order a falafel after the stint at the bar.................;)
Murphy

Jami Gold said...

Murphy,

Yes, BAGS, exactly. Just because we are old BAGS doesn't mean we have to dress like them. Okay, granted, spandex isn't typical old lady attire, but still...navy-blue is just... No. :)

I failed the test? But I was trying to save us from any blackmail picture potential. Uh uh, that was all Leona. LOL!

Jami G.

Jami Gold said...

*sigh* Okay, so I was thinking. (And I'm only slightly less scary than Murphy when I do that. :) ) Remember a couple of weeks back when we were discussing how authors should blog and all that? And that if you don't think you're interesting enough, dedicated enough, etc. to do your own blog, that you could do a group blog?

Yeah, so, I was thinking that maybe this Cougar Club should spin off from edittorrent (Lord knows that Teresa and Alicia have been oh-so-patient with all this silliness) and become a We're-desperate-to-get-published-but-we-still-have-attitudes group author blog. Maybe others would be interested in such silliness?

Thoughts?
Jami G.

Jordan said...

Hm.... I'm digging the cobalt. I do so love blue for setting off my bling. Heck, I like blue so much I went to two schools with blue and white as their colors, cheer for another, and got sapphires in my wedding band.

Don't worry, Murph, I don't need a fake ID. But I will need a baby sitter. Er--for my kids. Not me.

I can def. be a designated holderupper. I don't even cyberdrink. I'm boring like that.

Wait--do the BAGS need a stick in the mud?

Riley Murphy said...

JG, I'm all about colors. Navy happens to be the closest blue to black you can get - and I'm also into taking all the help I can - so think slimming! Sheesh! On a different note - I did like your deflection - blaming it on the poor and unsuspecting, AKA Leona *grin* that's so totally up my alley! hehehe You’re forgiven so your working with a clean slate now.

Jordan? Stick in the mud? Funny, when I first read that I thought we already had one of those - but then I realized we haven't heard from Alicia in a while so she may have decided she couldn't keep up...*hand over mouth and I'm thinking: did I really just say that?* I ah, meant Alice. Yeah, Alice.:D

And JG, about your blog idea? It's something to think about and you're right we shouldn't be doing all this on their blog -- I told everyone up front - I should’ve restrained myself from dropping the BAGS definition that came to my mind...but it's such a juicy topic isn't it?
Murphy

em said...

JG, I don't think Theresa and Alicia mind. But, if you did start your own blog, Murph, I'd follow it. You give me my laugh for the day!
Jordan, in case you didn't follow the insults, I'm the other child in the group. You can hang out with me at the bar.:)
Em

Leona said...

LOL I love it. And a group blog would be fun and if everyone participated, not a huge drain on time. I'm liking our story lines here and i think it would make a funny short :D

I'm thinking Theresa and Alicia are using this commentary to get their laughs in for the day. They are also being very good sports!

I'm thinking we might need to card Jordan? But and if we have another DD for the ride, I won't mind putting one or two away myself.

But then again, if I'm the poor and unsuspecting (which I am, Murphy nailed that one :) maybe I'd better stay sober.

I've been trying real hard to use my commas right, keeping old BAGS in mind. You know, practice for my WIP. Um, hope this makes it better.

Leona said...

PS as you can see, when "I'm thinking" I'm as dangerous as JG and Murphy.

Jami Gold said...

Okay, that's great, but... Does anyone know how to start a blog??? LOL!

Or are we all clueless together? (which may be a funny story all by itself... the first month's worth of blog entries could be documenting our blond-worthy attempts to figure the stupid thing out. LOL!)

Jami G.

Leona said...

Yes, I do. Although I don't know how to do the fancy stuff. My friend started mine, and I learned how to do another one. Mine is through gmail's blogspot. We could do ours through that. I follow edittorent through that blog.

The trick will be learning how to add all the contributors. It can be done!

Unknown said...

Whew! I can't believe I missed all of this last part! Murphy! LOL! You started all this, don't you ever quit? I really don't mind stooping, if I'm with you, I'd likely be doubled over with laughter anyway:).
JG? I want to join the blog as well.
Leona, let us know when you have the blog thing all figured out! LOL
This is brilliant!
Babs

Jami Gold said...

Leona (and Babs, Murphy, Jordan, em, etc.),

Yeah, I just checked out the Blogger help section, it doesn't look like it should be too difficult if we really want to try this. :)

You can email me off my Profile (click on my name above my comment) and let me know if you're interested. In order to create a group blog I'd just need everyone's email address. And we'd have to come up with a name. So, maybe email with suggestions? Creative Cougars? No... Or - Creative Cougars in the Corner? ('cuz you know we've been bad!) LOL!

Jami G.

Leona said...

Okay, here's a few ideas on titles. Please vote for two, or make up your own. EVERYONE can vote.

BAGS, bones and blurbs

What writers write when...

The editor said what?

Queries, questions, quibbles

Blogs and Blurbs

Writers Block Anonymous

Writing with Dummies


These are just off the top of my head. Any one with ideas, please feel free to throw them out there.

Leona said...

LOL JG

Yes, I'm interested. What do you think of titles?

Jami Gold said...

Leona,

I'll email you off-list...

Jami G.

Leona said...

To continue this off list, please email me:) I'll be putting the names together of people who want to participate in a group-help-fun-author blog or who want to follow. Obviousely, as we all love editorrent, we will probably dissect things over and over and rehash things with humor as we learn from them.

If you haven't seen the latest blog, please read as it gives great insight for authors who are looking to keep their reader engaged! I have a question on my current WIP that went straight out of my head after reading it. It really got me thinking. Kudos

Riley Murphy said...

You guys have been drinking.;) If I were going to name a blog from the topic BAGS what about: BOOK BAGS subtitled: A place where old bags hang their novel dreams...
Do you guys really have time to do this? I don't know if I can commit. I'm not saying no BUT well, let me think about....
Murphy

Wes said...

Cougar Club??????? That's the title of my second WIP for Red Sage. And, NO, it is not a Mantasy!

And, can I go out with you guys?

Wes said...

Great title and subtitle for the blog!!!!

Riley Murphy said...

Wes, you did read all the stipulations of the club, right? We don't discriminate - so, I have to ask you. How do you feel about navy blue spandex and red, orthopedic high-heels?...Oh, and cherry blossom earrings - can’t forget those?
Murphy

Leona said...

It's okay Wes, I'll let you in.

whahahah. Food for the fodder... Murphy, you sure know how to paint a picture :) I may have to paint a pic in oils to commemorate theis conversation LOL

Seriously, Wes, email me and you will be notified if/when we get the blog up and running. Tell me anything you want me to know.

Maybe we should call ourselves the Edittorent apprentices :)


signed,
someone who likes to take LOTS of pictures and show them off AKA blackmailer

see me skipping off to prepare my scrapbook

Wes said...

Murph, that's just not me. Maybe I'll try to stretch the upper age limit for cubs.

Leona, thanks, we'll have a good time.

Jordan said...

@Leona—I'm legal, but I'm Mormon (and every Cougar Club needs a BYU Cougar! Right?), so I'm used to being the DD. Drink away!


BTW, ladies (pron: laydeeeehz), I know how to set up a group blog if you haven't already. (I'm a professional blogger in my "spare" time.) Oh, but Murphy, I think you'll have to change your Zodiac year to COUGAR. (As should we all ;) .)

Leona said...

@Jordan JG is setting it up, I'm collecting names - email me with info and whether you wanted to contribute which I hope you will. The more, the less if you know what I mean.

And Murphy's year isn't cougar? :D

verification word: hande - so not going there Murphy would tear me up and spit me out while I laughed my head off

Riley Murphy said...

I try to lay low and I still get picked on.:(

Wes: Stretch the upper limits??? I don't think we have enough available spandex to cover you on that.........;)

Jordan? Aren't I a distant cousin to the cougar? I thought I was a Tiger, isn't that close enough?

So, like, are you guys really serious about this blog, thing? It sounds like fun, but I don't think the timing is right for me. I promise to visit you once and while, though.:D

Murphy

Leona said...

Yes we are serious. And I'm sure you're welcome to contribute. The idea is for no one to have to do too much. If we get enough of us together for blogging - everything from questions to experience - we can all have fun and not have to put large amounts of time into running it.

em said...

Murph, I'm disappointed, but I'll wait.:) Leona,and JG, keep all the notes. I like the BOOK BAGS angle and Jordan's idea about everyone changing their sign, that's a good one!
Em

Unknown said...

Murph, :( I'm sulking. I was so looking forward to you teetering in those red heels after you had a martini.
Babs