#1 [url]

Aug 8 07 2:17 AM

QUOTE
When an author wants to break up the dialog more, a better style is "I'm not so sure this is such a good idea." John gazed toward the horizon, a look of concern on his face. "We could be in for some trouble here."

That second method forces the reader to slow down and contemplate the danger, suspense, etcetera. I think these two methods are hugely effective at controlling tempo.


Agreed, but formatting must be done properly or it doesn't work. I've read a lot of stories by new authors who sandwich a different character's actions in the middle of the speaker's words. VERY confusing. Dialogue with or without tags should either be in a paragraph by itself or with the action of the speaker.


"It's a bird!" Louise said

"It's a plane!"

"My heels are killing me." Lex Luther pointed at the sky.

"It's Superman!" Jimmy said.

Lousy example, I know, but you get the picture. Either Lex is a cross dresser or he's not the one talking.



Tina

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