I recently had someone DM me on Instagram that, while they enjoy my books, I use past participles incorrectly, and it bothers them.

So, look…I'm sorry it bothers you. If you're a grammarian ::lifts pinky:: like I am (outside of writing fiction novels), sometimes that can be jarring. However, unless it's a glaring typo or misspelling/incorrect word, I'm intentionally breaking those grammar rules.

More things you might find, as an FYI:

I split infinitives. I use conjunction starts. I end sentences with prepositions. I'm married to the em dash, and I'mma stand beside it. I use fragments like it's a limitless credit card.

I appreciate you reaching out.

Even when it comes to actual errors, authors know, and we agonize.

The thing is, errors show up in books published by Avon and Simon & Schuster as well, and they've got money-money.

Just so you know, I'm probably going to keep participling my pasts and junctioning the functions of my conjunctions. I break some grammar rules primarily to mimic everyday speech, as I've found that it makes fiction easier to read in terms of a general audience.