Why Content Quality Trumps Grammar Rules

What’s more important? Grammar or Content?

I just read a book that took me on a page-turning emotional roller coaster. Was the writing grammatically, correct? I have a vague memory of a few stumbling blocks that I had to slow down my reading to get the gist, but I don’t remember what they were. Because the story, the content, was that good. Did I ding the stars I gave for this review over a couple of unremarkable slowdowns?

Yes, grammar serves as the backbone of effective communication, providing the rules and structure necessary for clarity and coherence in writing. But is one invisible quotation mark going to spoil the entire story?

Judging from the book I gobbled up like a starving puppy, quality content goes beyond grammar, encompassing engaging, insightful, and relevant information that grabs the reader and keeps tugging.

A great story has the ability to inspire, educate, or entertain, leaving a lasting impact on readers and establishing credibility and authority in your writing.

Content is king, and engaging content is like the crown jewels. It’s not just about throwing together words; it’s about capturing your audience’s interest and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

But grammar tools are like spell-check on steroids – they help polish your writing and catch those pesky errors you might miss. Embrace these tools to level up your grammar game.

It’s true. Balancing engaging content with proper grammar is like juggling flaming swords – tricky, but so rewarding. Keep your content exciting while upholding grammar standards to create a winning combination.

Remember, it’s not about choosing sides – it’s about striking the perfect balance. I’ve never slapped a good book closed because of a glitch. That would probably have resulted in no reading for me. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Not even me, this computer I write on, or these pesky gnats that I smoosh eventually.

In conclusion, while the debate between grammar and content may persist, it is evident that both elements are indispensable in effective communication.

To do your best:

  • Let your manuscript cool for more than a couple of days.
  • Read it slowly the last time through.
  • Read it slowly one more time after it has cooled again… and publish.

The book I couldn’t put down? Here it is:

The inspiring, true story of Anne Dodds.

When her husband passed away after a long, trying illness, Annie Dodds was forced to sell almost everything to settle his estate.

Homeless, with little money, she wondered if it might be time to pursue a decades-old dream of living a quiet, self-sufficient life alone, off-grid. One day, when her son told her he knew of an old house on fifty acres, she knew it was time.

Feeling empowered and prepared by having read so much over the years, she loaded her belongings into the back of her pickup truck. But as she pulled into the driveway that first day, she could not imagine the challenges she would face, the obstacles she would overcome, the self-doubts she would master, and the soul-strengthening peace and contentment she would find living in a rundown old home on fifty acres of country heaven.

5-Stars! – An awesome page-turner that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride page after page. Here’s the Amazon link for eBook, Print, and Audiobook.

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Effective Off-Grid Living Tips for Beginners

Off grid tricks and tips for success

Living off the grid offers a unique lifestyle that prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and independence from traditional utilities and infrastructure. In this article, we tip-toe into the world of off-grid living — for writers and everybody else. Whether you are considering transitioning to off-grid living or just want to get away from it all, this post will provide you with insights to thrive in an off-grid environment. And… if you live in an area where power outages are the norm, your off-grid prep steps can be a literal life-saver!

The Basics of Off-Grid Living
Welcome to my wild world of off-grid living, where Wi-Fi can be sparse but the sense of freedom is abundant. Off-grid living means providing your own electricity, water, and gas. Plus, trash disposal. Ugh! I once saw a story about a woman who reduced her trash to one – that’s one – quart jar of trash to dispose of for an entire year!

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to take a bath in a teacup of water when you have to haul it all, gallon by gallon. Did you know that a gallon jug of water weighs 8 pounds? Water conservation, here I come!

As for propane… I have enough 5-gallon propane bottles to run heat, hot water, cooking, and refrigeration for about 6-weeks. I fill them all when I do my town run for a pick-up grocery order. Ahhh… something good came of covid after all…

Now let’s talk about electricity. I need it. There are certain amenities I refuse to live without anymore.

One is my laptop computer that I write and publish my family friendly tales with. Another is Ms Hessie, my Hessaire cooler for 100+ degree days. Nope. I’ve done my time. I want a comfortable temperature in my digs – and to be able to contentedly sleep my required hours.

My electricity comes from two sources. One is the rebuilt remains of a stand-alone 3.2Kw solar system that the marauders had their way with. It was awesome in the beginning. The other is completely portable and consists of 6 small power supply centers that I charge with portable solar panels. I can hit the road with them and have power anywhere I can find sun.

At this writing, I recommend the Jackery power packs. After four years of ongoing use, the Jackerys are still gleefully charging right along. None of the others – including Lithelli, are happily chugging. Although I have two VTOMAN heavyweights that have a year under their belts and are still perfect. But they weigh in at 45 pounds each… too heavy for this little lady to call portable without my handtruck.

Harvesting Rainwater for Off-Grid Use
When life gives you rain, harvest it! Collect rainwater from your rooftop, divert it into storage tanks, and use it for flushing toilets, watering plants, or even taking a refreshing off-grid shower. Rain, rain, don’t go away! But don’t drink it without filtering it!

Reduce trash and conserve water

To reduce my food storage wash water needs, I can my heat-and-eat food with a vacuum retort foil bag system. No dirty dishes and teeny tiny foil bag to toss. I don’t have to wash and store canning jars or dirty a kettle to reheat the contents! SCORE!

I just delisted ‘Adventures in Retorting’; a guide on using the vacuum retort system. I’ll be expanding, revising and updating it soon with more recipes, etc.. It will only be available in standard print because of the recipe format required for cyberspace. Look for it if foil pack retort heat and eat meals are on your docket.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing off-grid living is not just a lifestyle choice, but a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient way of life for you, me, and the planet. By implementing the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a thriving off-grid adventure that meets your needs while reducing your impact on the environment.

Remember that off-grid living is a journey that requires continual learning and adaptation, but the rewards of independence, self-sufficiency, and connection with nature make it a truly fulfilling path to pursue.

An endnote…

I’m currently putting together an ‘Off-Grid Prep Tips for Success’ book. I hope to get it published in the next month, or so. You can get a sneak peek at some of the tips through my You Tube, Instagram, and Tik Tok posts. The links below will pop you right into my page. Go ahead and explore… follow and like my reels to have them show up in your feed.

Book 21 of the Sally the Loner series is cooling its heels while I learn more about promotion. I’m a writer, not a promoter. It’s like pulling hen’s teeth, but I keep trying.

In the meantime, dear readers and writers, I hope you’re doing well and that you have an excellent week.

Here are some tales you might also like…

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me on how to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)