IMing?

MysteryRiter · Feb 20, 2012

While editing my novel, I came across a scene in the beginning of the book where the MC IMs his secret crush (could I have made that sound any more boring?). It seems like IMing would be bad to include in a book, right? But the thing is: without getting into the plot too much, my MC is too afraid to talk to this girl in person and they've talked through IM a lot in the past (I didn't describe those scenes, it's just referenced). My MC needs to have this particular conversation with her and the only medium of contact he is comfortable with (for the time being) is IM. If a scene with IMing is a no no like I think it is, how can I get around this?
Thanks!

missesdash · Feb 20, 2012

There are plenty of books with IM's, texts, emails, whatever. You're fine.

Becca C. · Feb 20, 2012

IMing appears in a lot of books. It isn't a no-no at all.

MysteryRiter · Feb 20, 2012

Oh, ok! Thanks!

I just assumed it was bad to include. Glad it isn't.

fredXgeorge · Feb 20, 2012

I've come across books where practically the half the book is characters texting or IMing each other. That I can't stand. But if there's only a conversation or two and a natural part of the story/characters (like yours sounds) then absolutely go for it.

Todd Young · Feb 20, 2012

I think IMing can work really well. I don't see any problem with it.

tengraceapples · Feb 21, 2012

My current YA is filled with I'M
Go for it!

Detri Redmond · Feb 21, 2012

IM'ing is realistic...

My question is how do you format textxing/IM'ing in a novel? Do you change the text from times/courier into something else or what?

Becca C. · Feb 21, 2012

Detri Redmond said:
IM'ing is realistic...

My question is how do you format textxing/IM'ing in a novel? Do you change the text from times/courier into something else or what?

Do whatever you like. I personally bold the username and make it single-spaced (whereas the manuscript is double-spaced). Like this:

character1: hey what's up?
character2: nothing much, you?

As long as it's easy to tell that it's an IM and who's speaking, you're fine. Publishers will change the formatting to however they like it anyway.

Slyest Fox · Feb 23, 2012

I have to wonder if IMing is even as common anymore. A book set in 2003 should absolutely be chock full of it, but hasn't Facebook essentially replaced that? I'm not too far out of the young adult category, and I don't think I even know anyone who uses AIM anymore, for instance.

mickeyDs4 · Feb 23, 2012

I use it in my book Silent Sonata. More people use Facebook but the messaging thing. Skype is more prevalent but it still offers Instant Messaging.

totopink · Feb 23, 2012

My personal preference don't mind IM'ing as long as they don't use text speak or dumbed down language, however I have read lots of books that do that and lots of books that don't so I don't think the inclusion of IM'ing in general is one to try and avoid if it's necessary to your plot.
Just please don't use lots of abbreviations or acronyms because they quickly become outdated and painful to read. I once read a book that had a glossary of acronyms and just ugh, no, never again. Painful.

IMing?

MysteryRiter

Murder isn't so bad...

missesdash

You can't sit with us!

Becca C.

MysteryRiter

Murder isn't so bad...

fredXgeorge

I heart sexy elves and wizards.

Todd Young

tengraceapples

Detri Redmond

Apprentice Wordslinger

Becca C.

Slyest Fox

mickeyDs4

totopink