God is in the Details

Punctuation may seem like one of those “small” things we're not supposed to sweat. I often hear would-be writers describe past English teachers as “comma Nazis” who beat down the creative impulses of their students. “Who cares if I put a dash or a semi-colon there?” these aspiring authors rant. “What difference does it make if the quotation mark goes after the period?”

I'm sure there are writing instructors out there who do ignore lyrical prose and discourage enthusiastic students, so intent are they on ferreting out stray semi-colons and exposing errant ellipses. But if we let them, these fuss-budgets can help us bring clarity to our writing.

Allow me an analogy. Let's say you invite friends to dinner because you're a fantastic cook with a vast repertoire of recipes. However, after they arrive you tell them if they want clean plates, they'll have to wash them themselves. Also, they'll be eating with plates on their laps because your table is towering with junk. After all, you're too busy creating a delicious meal to be bothered with details like clearing off the table or providing clean forks. No matter how good the food tastes, your guests' enjoyment of the event is seriously hindered because you didn't care enough to complete the experience.

Likewise, we puff ourselves up saying we're expressing important ideas, forming flowing phrases built on precisely right words. We can't be bothered with quotation marks and colons. But you've invited a reader into your world and your writing. Don't make them to guess what you mean or figure out what you intend. That takes them out of the experience.