Self-Editing Tip: Avoid run-on sentences and sentence fragments.
A run-on sentence is when two independent clauses (ideas that can stand alone as sentences) are joined without the right punctuation. It's like trying to pack too much information into one sentence without giving your reader a chance to process it. This can cause confusion as one idea or thought meanders into the next with nothing to signal the shift to the reader.
A sentence fragment is when a group of words that looks like a sentence is missing one of its essential parts—a subject or a verb. It can lead to confusion, making it difficult for readers to tell where your message is headed.
Overall, steering clear of run-on sentences and sentence fragments is a good idea because it promotes clarity and effective communication, keeping your writing organized and helping your readers follow along with your ideas.
However . . .
In fiction, the rules can be a bit more flexible, and strategic use of fragments and run-ons can add a dynamic quality your writing. Knowing how and when to bend the rules can enhance the mood, build tension, or help convey a character's emotional state.