Dangling.

It occurred to me the other day, as I was completing an assignment for Creative Writing (my elective this semester) that I didn't really know what a dangling modifier was. This was for one of the exercises. I mean we DID cover them, but I'm still not entirely clear what they entail.

Which is ironic, because apparently they are "a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence." (1.)

Because of my unfamiliarity with such a grammatical concept, it follows that I have been dangling my modifiers all of the the place, which makes me wonder if this is a bad thing or not. On the one hand, I believe that creative writing  should allow you more fluidity with the rules of correct grammar. Seriously, I'm surprised that my grammar checker hasn't had a digital heart attack with all the fragment's I've made in my writing, though I see them as part of my style. I find short - often incomplete- sentences are punchier when conveying a moment that's particularly dramatic or comedic. It's more justifiable with dialogue, as people don't always speak in complete sentences.

For example:

"Most Excellent!" [Jake Mandible- Episode #8: Curt Conversation]

"At once, sir." [Nickelby- Episode #14: Restraining Renegades]

A veritable walking anachronism. [Describing Johnny the Marauder, Episode #20 Final Face-Off.]


Etc, etc.

Now on the flip-side to this, how much of it is just creative license and how much of it is just being sloppy? Sure, it's important for a writer to have their own distinctive voice, but if I keep making the same grammatical errors, will it be harder for me to be taken seriously as a writer?

I don't know, but it's certainly something worth thinking about.

On a side note, I have recently discovered someone else who has been using his social media sites to host and promote his own original stories (in serial format no less!

 Mike Cervantes has begun a Tumblr called The Scarlet Derby & Midnight Jay, a series about a married couple who moonlight as crime-fighters. It's still in it's early days yet, but it has a lot of potential. I'm not worried about competition as our stories are completely different entities. In fact, I'd very much like to work with this delightful young man at some point.

Hmm, I smell a crossover.

The Scarlet Derby & Midnight Jay can be found here:

http://thescarletderby.tumblr.com/

 Stay Tuned, Ladies and Gents ;)

Nate.



P.S.: Don't forget to cast your vote in the poll on the Official Drake Mandible Facebook Page.

We've got six votes so far, but I need MORE!

Muchas Gracias :D



(1.) https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/597/1/