Hi
I'm new and to save trawling through a plethora of questions I thought I would ask this and apologise if it's a repeat.
When writing dialogue in a fiction novel should it be 'Jane said or said Jane'?
Many thanks
Pauline
Hi
I'm new and to save trawling through a plethora of questions I thought I would ask this and apologise if it's a repeat.
When writing dialogue in a fiction novel should it be 'Jane said or said Jane'?
Many thanks
Pauline
I've wondered this myself! So I cheat, by mixing it up, often depending on the length of the sentence. Maybe I'm too picky but it works.
A bit of feedback I had (from the wonderful Cressida who I'm sure you all know) was; don't be afraid of overusing the word 'said'. My first draft was full of whispers, nods, shouts, calls, mutters, answers etc.... a simple 'said' will suffice, and is easier to hear.
"You're so strong Tarzan".
"Tarzan eat good food and do much exercise, this is why I am so strong".
"Of course Tarzan, carry me to our tree house".
................
Just to show that you don't always need to put the obvious, who said what.
thanks for all the answers. 'You're right Tarzan' Jane replied.