How, do, you, use, a frea,king comma?,?

I just got back some stuff I’ve been writing on from an editor and it is evident, I don’t know how to use a comma. I think every other correction or suggestion was about a comma. Either I put one in the wrong place or I left one out when there needed to be one.  I’m pretty sure that knowing how to correctly use a comma is important to be a successful writer. Alas

As I went back through the Word document and made the necessary corrections, I started thinking, “Man, its a lot easier to be great at something when you are great at the basics.” So, I busted out my Oxford Essential Guide to Writing and relearned how to use a comma. With a little practice, I’ll, be, a, comma, King.

I think this principle is essential for success in anything. If you want to be great, you need to excel in the basics.

• If you want to be a great writer, practice grammar.

• If you want to be a great basketball player, practice dribbling.

• If you want to great musician, practice the scales.

• If you want to be a great husband, practice taking out the trash (or cooking, doing laundry, giving foot rubs, etc)

• If you want to be a great __________, figure out the basics and practice.

I know the issue with this. No one likes working on the basics. They’re not fun. Why would you want to run up and down the court dribbling when you could be shooting 3-pointers? Why would you want to read a book on grammar when you could be writing? But, the point is, you’ll be able to have way more fun and be a whole lot better when you are excellent at the basics. So, I’m headed back to my grammar book.

What basics do you need to work on?