Dashes

[DwayneA]

When do you use these? "--" (There's not supposed to be a space between them.)

[peachiemkey]

Here's some useful links from Google:

http://www.myenglishteacher.net/dashes.html
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/writingrules/qt/dash.htm
http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/dashes.asp

I personally enjoy using them in dialogue:

In writing dialogue, the dash is used to show breaks in thought and shifts in tone:

"How many times have I asked you not to —" Jasion suddenly stopped talking and looked out the window.

"Not to do what?" I prompted.

"Not to — Oh heck, I forget!"