#13 — Dialogue tags vs. action beats Dialogue tags can be tricky. But they're easy to understand after knowing the difference between them and action beats. Dialogue tags show who's speaking and how they're speaking. These can include but are not limited to: Begged Exclaimed Grumbled Muttered Mumbled Said Screamed Shrieked Snapped Whispered Yelled Dialogue … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #13
Tag: said
The moon
Once the blue moon risesYou can find me whispering to the starsAsking why I am left to the wolves They’ll speak of the highest mountainsI’ll ask about the dirt belowAnd they’ll point me toward the sea Once the red moon risesYou can find me yelling at the soilAsking if the wolves had to devour me … Continue reading The moon
Is “said” worthless?
In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time—and only once—everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word said for every single dialogue tag. I raised my hand and … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?
We can’t tell a “single story”
So, I watch Ted Talks from time to time. One of them caught my eye recently, and I decided to share it with y'all. It's called "The danger of a single story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Toward the beginning, she mentions how: "All my characters were White and blue-eyed. They played in the snow. They … Continue reading We can’t tell a “single story”
Battles with the word “said”
Many writers love the word said. They use it for every dialogue tag they can. But writers can overuse it. Said gives the reader nothing about the story. But there are other words that expand upon it, letting the reader know more about the characters and plot. These other dialogue tags include: Announced Boasted Commented … Continue reading Battles with the word “said”
Three Days, Three Quotes Challenge – Day 1
As a quote lover, I'm grateful for this challenge. Thanks so much to George from The Many-Storied Building for this nomination. He has a brilliant blog over there that's a great read. Check his website out if you got the time! The Rulebook: 1. Thank the person who nominated you. 2. Post a quote for three consecutive … Continue reading Three Days, Three Quotes Challenge – Day 1
Robin LeeAnn 