So I've read the different ideas about using words after someone speaks. I've read to ONLY use said, because other words distract from the actual dialogue. And I've read to leave off any "ly's."And I tend to agree with that. My question is this. Now people are leaving out the "he said" "she said" entirely. So a conversation would look like this.
"Jump on the horse."
"But I'm scared."
"You don't have to be scared."
"But I've never ridden a horse before."
...something like that. So what I want to know is if I use this format, what is the correct way to do it? If the paragraph before involves both people do I just proceed with the above example? Or do I start the conversation with; "Jump on the horse." said James. "But I'm scared." said Molly. ...and then go on from there? Is there a proper way to do this? And do agents/editors have a preference at all?
In many of the conversations in my book, it is obvioius that it is between my father and I, so this is coming about a lot.
Thanks, Lavinia
"Jump on the horse."
"But I'm scared."
"You don't have to be scared."
"But I've never ridden a horse before."
...something like that. So what I want to know is if I use this format, what is the correct way to do it? If the paragraph before involves both people do I just proceed with the above example? Or do I start the conversation with; "Jump on the horse." said James. "But I'm scared." said Molly. ...and then go on from there? Is there a proper way to do this? And do agents/editors have a preference at all?
In many of the conversations in my book, it is obvioius that it is between my father and I, so this is coming about a lot.
Thanks, Lavinia
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