It goes without saying (but I will) that authors want readers to know who is doing the talking in their books. There are ways to do that well and ways to distract your reader from your story by doing it clumsily.
A couple of points.
1) If you have to ascribe conversation to a character, consider doing it by beginning the segment with action, then have the character speak. For example:
I didn’t smile. “Those aren’t ready yet. How about a
pumpkin muffin? You can pay me tomorrow.”
From
the kitchen, Linda called, “Always a pleasure for a good customer.”
2) The similar option to avoid is using action and also specifying who said something.
Mr Hawthorne," I said, taking a hammer from the toolbox, "it's time to find that box of nails."
3) It is often appropriate to simply say he said or she asked. I use this at least a couple times in each chapter when writing in first person. I asked, I said. The key is not to do this many times a page. Or designate the speaker by name, just not every time.
4) Clarity is key, of course. When two people converse, a reader can follow who said what for a number of lines of dialogue -- as long as each person's dialogue begins a new paragraph.
5) When more than two people converse, it's important to ascribe almost every person's speech -- within reason. If one character asks another a question and they answer, it's generally clear who replied.
6) My personal pet peeve is authors who try to convey emotion when designating the character talking. This usually involves adverbs, the bane of good writing.
"It's time to go to the parade," Jan said, gleefully.
"Funerals always make me cry," I said sorrowfully.
Remember the adage, show don't tell. Jan can turn a somersault to show her glee.
By the way, when it's your book, do what you want. Just keep the reader in mind.
* * * * *
To learn more about Elaine, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment