Hi! This is Tierney. I'm the new Deadly Vixen

Hello everyone,

How are you? Thanks for stopping by. My name is Tierney O’Malley, a new member of The Deadly Vixens. *grinning* Yeah, Sarah, Sierra, and Gracen gave me this great opportunity to join them. Thanks ladies. You’re all awesome.

An hour ago, I wrote a formal letter of introduction. Today is my first time to post as a deadly vixen. I reread the letter about three times looking for grammatical errors, misplaced punctuation or wrong tense. After the fourth edit, I thought, nah, just bag this. Why write a sterling letter of introduction. I’m not applying for a job or trying to impress academicians, schoolmarms, grammarians, and the general public who are obsessed with conceptions of right and wrong in the English language. I thought you ‘d give me a warmer welcome if I introduce myself the way I would if we met at the grocery store, school, or anywhere. Nothing wrong with being casual, right? People respond with ease this way.

In all of my school years, too much emphasis has been placed on the discipline of learning and using the rules of English when speaking and writing. My teachers bombarded us with rules, usages, and taxing supplements of books on grammar to the point that I became inhibited. I delivered speeches, participated in debates without being conscious of any rules at all. Because of that, I missed the thrill of expressing myself freely, of conquering the audience. Luckily, I was able to squash my inferiority complex. How? I told myself to speak up, to write anything naturally. I blasted the mental block (I’m horrible in tenses, bad in grammar, etc.) and started writing. And I succeeded, too. I wouldn’t be blogging right now if I let fear of writing win.

There is magic in words if you can say them exactly the way you want them delivered. I am not saying that you write with absolute disregard of the correct grammar usage. Of course, there should be time for a rewrite. But like my English professor once told me, “Write first. Perfection comes later.” She was right. If you want to write, pen your draft. Don’t be afraid. Unless you learn to say and write what you want, you won’t be able to say anything that is worth saying, or worth reading. If I didn’t overcome the fear of making mistakes, my first story, To Trust A Wicked Man, is probably still languishing in my story folder.

So, Tierney O’Malley here everyone. Waving hi from the Pacific Northwest. I am a published author. My second book, Three Christmas Kisses, will be available for purchase on December 15, 2008 from eXtasy Books. You can find more about my upcoming releases on my website at http://tierneyomalley.com/

I like meeting people and I am so glad you came for a visit. Whether you are a reader or writer, I‘d like to hear from you. :o)

Tierney O’Malley