So, after judging a few more contests and communicating back and forth between critique partners and editors, I decided it might be helpful to share some of the things I’ve learned since becoming a published author.
I’ve started a Saturday feature of short blips focusing on one writing point.
I may not make it every Saturday, and the point may or may not be seven sentences, but I’ll give it my best shot.
Here is today’s tip: Dialogue Tags
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| Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Public Domain |
- Use dialogue tags sparingly.
- Editors and publishers prefer the tag said, because the word is practically invisible to readers.
- Said doesn’t pull readers out of the story the way tags like, screeched, yelled, bellowed, grunted and so on do.
- Make sure your tags are something humans actually do. (No barking, growling, etc.)
- Avoid tags whenever possible, though at times they are essential.
- You can almost always add an action and eliminate a tag.
- Giggled, laughed, sighed, prayed, etc. are not dialogue tags; they are actions.
Now before you get your knickers in twist, remember there are always exceptions. These are suggestions, not absolute rules.
