I've done the search here and gone through a number of threads on the topic. It seems that a lot of threads end up in argument.
So, may I have some help on the proper use of em dash and semi colons in fiction.
Also, where does a comma fit in.
One of the issues is that I use the em dash sparingly, but in this short I've used both em dash and semi colon a lot because of voice. If I make the sentences short I lose the flow.
Take the sentence below from my WIP (this is a short sentence):
If anything, it was after we moved out that father completed his crash course, unfortunately not on life, but the subject of death.
OR
If anything, it was after we moved out that father completed his crash course -- unfortunately, not on life -- but the subject of death.
Also another example that has me in knots is this one. Please help improve this:
Grandmother then lowered her head, and vigorously wiped her already dry eyes before saying, that when the time came to take charge, where did father end up because of this overdose of maternal love? Nowhere, but a landmine—that too after spending a lifetime in meditation—by all means a respectful activity, especially for the dead.
So, may I have some help on the proper use of em dash and semi colons in fiction.
Also, where does a comma fit in.
One of the issues is that I use the em dash sparingly, but in this short I've used both em dash and semi colon a lot because of voice. If I make the sentences short I lose the flow.
Take the sentence below from my WIP (this is a short sentence):
If anything, it was after we moved out that father completed his crash course, unfortunately not on life, but the subject of death.
OR
If anything, it was after we moved out that father completed his crash course -- unfortunately, not on life -- but the subject of death.
Also another example that has me in knots is this one. Please help improve this:
Grandmother then lowered her head, and vigorously wiped her already dry eyes before saying, that when the time came to take charge, where did father end up because of this overdose of maternal love? Nowhere, but a landmine—that too after spending a lifetime in meditation—by all means a respectful activity, especially for the dead.
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