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- Jul 16, 2017
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Hi everybody. New chap on the block here. I have searched through the threads, not to mention driving myself crazy searching for an answer on the www to no avail.
My question is about dialog punctuation but not the dialog itself, the sticky thread is perfect for my needs. The question I have is how to punctuate what comes after the dialog in the tags and narrative. I've been trying to find an easy way to explain how this should be punctuated but come up with nothing and my 14 year old daughter who is writing her first book has asked me to try and clarify
For example. Assume a suitable line of dialog before each of these tags and please, no tips on style
I said with a little more enthusiasm this time.
Should this have a comma after 'I said' and why?
I said, running along the street.
Is the comma after 'I said' correct and why?
I said as a feeling of dread washed over me.
I said before Frank could open his mouth.
Is the absence of a comma after 'I said' correct and why?
Sorry to make my first post an ask but the threads here have a wealth of information I'm hoping to tap into now and add to hopefully in the future.
Thanks
My question is about dialog punctuation but not the dialog itself, the sticky thread is perfect for my needs. The question I have is how to punctuate what comes after the dialog in the tags and narrative. I've been trying to find an easy way to explain how this should be punctuated but come up with nothing and my 14 year old daughter who is writing her first book has asked me to try and clarify
For example. Assume a suitable line of dialog before each of these tags and please, no tips on style
I said with a little more enthusiasm this time.
Should this have a comma after 'I said' and why?
I said, running along the street.
Is the comma after 'I said' correct and why?
I said as a feeling of dread washed over me.
I said before Frank could open his mouth.
Is the absence of a comma after 'I said' correct and why?
Sorry to make my first post an ask but the threads here have a wealth of information I'm hoping to tap into now and add to hopefully in the future.
Thanks