Need Help With Quoting Something

Hi All,

I'm trying to build a relationship between my MC and her future lover, but they don't know it yet. It's all innocent for now. Anyway, he asks her to read something so that he can assess her reading skills. I would like for her to start reading the first page of Native Son, Richard Wright. Should I show it or tell it?

Option 1:
Dude: "I need to assess your reading skills, would you mind read..."
MC: Started reading the first page

Option 2:
Dude: "I need to assess your readings skills, would you..."
MC: "Brrrriiiiinnnnng! An alarm clock clanged in the dark silent room."

Paperairplane,

Thanks. I'm taking your advice.

What a cool website!!!!!!!

kimmi said:

2nd works for me too, honey.

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Kimmi,

Thanks. You and paperairplane have the coolest blogs and websites. I might have to display mine.

TrainofThought said:

Is it important to have Wright’s words in your story? I’d show it, although your option 1 isn’t really showing it’s telling me she starts to read the first page. As a reader, unless the reading has some link to the story, I’d rather see the first option, IMHO.

Click to expand...

Thanks Trainofthought. I'm still learning the difference, so this helps.