Interior Dialogue
Interior Dialogue
How do you show interior dialogue for your main character? Do you put it in quotes? Do you italicize it? I have Googled this and just ended up confused. What is the best way for WoTF?
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Re: Interior Dialogue
crlisle wrote:How do you show interior dialogue for your main character? Do you put it in quotes? Do you italicize it? I have Googled this and just ended up confused. What is the best way for WoTF?
When you say interior dialogue, are you talking thought processes or an exchange between multiple characters? (Italics would probably be best for either, but if it's multiple characters speaking telepathically it may get a bit confusing.)
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
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Re: Interior Dialogue
I am a fan of free indirect speech, which does not use italics, but you can still use italics to convey direct thoughts. I have only seen quotes used for something said aloud, whether to themselves or another person.
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Re: Interior Dialogue
reigheena wrote:I am a fan of free indirect speech, which does not use italics, but you can still use italics to convey direct thoughts. I have only seen quotes used for something said aloud, whether to themselves or another person.
I'm also a fan of free indirect speech, though I've experimented with italics from time to time. It really depends on what I'm trying to do with a story, I guess.
I have, from time to time, literally had one character speak into another's head, because I've written stories where symbiotic spirit possession is a thing. In those cases, I use italics to represent the speaker who's less 'in control' talking directly into the other character's mind, and have the other character reply out loud. Makes for some interesting conversations (also potentially awkward if other people overhear, but that just makes for more interesting conflict).
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it. ~ H.G. Wells
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, ?
https://ticknortales.com/
R, SF, SHM, SHM, SHM, F, R, HM, SHM, R, HM, R, F, SHM, SHM, SHM, SF, ?
https://ticknortales.com/
Re: Interior Dialogue
disgruntledpeony wrote:crlisle wrote:How do you show interior dialogue for your main character? Do you put it in quotes? Do you italicize it? I have Googled this and just ended up confused. What is the best way for WoTF?
When you say interior dialogue, are you talking thought processes or an exchange between multiple characters? (Italics would probably be best for either, but if it's multiple characters speaking telepathically it may get a bit confusing.)
I like the way you think! I was thinking along this line, "What is in the box?," he wondered. So I guess I should write it this way: What is in the box? he wondered.
Volume 37: R, HM, HM, Silver HM
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Re: Interior Dialogue
reigheena wrote:I am a fan of free indirect speech, which does not use italics, but you can still use italics to convey direct thoughts. I have only seen quotes used for something said aloud, whether to themselves or another person.
What is indirect free speech? Could you give me an example? It sounds intriguing.
Volume 37: R, HM, HM, Silver HM
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Re: Interior Dialogue
crlisle wrote:reigheena wrote:I am a fan of free indirect speech, which does not use italics, but you can still use italics to convey direct thoughts. I have only seen quotes used for something said aloud, whether to themselves or another person.
What is indirect free speech? Could you give me an example? It sounds intriguing.
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php ... speech.php gives a decent explanation. Basically, it's the thought, told in third person, without the "he thought" marker. So to use your box example:
free indirect speech
He set the box on the table. What had he put in here? He opened it.
vs direct thought
He set the box on the table. What did I put in here? He opened it.
Silver Honorable Mention: 3
Honorable Mentions: 8. Published HM - Infant Insomnia
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Honorable Mentions: 8. Published HM - Infant Insomnia
Other published works
Re: Interior Dialogue
Yes, I see. Free indirect speech has more visual action to it. I get into the character's head easier vs direct thought. This is awesome! Thank you so much!
Volume 37: R, HM, HM, Silver HM
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Re: Interior Dialogue
You're welcome!
Silver Honorable Mention: 3
Honorable Mentions: 8. Published HM - Infant Insomnia
Other published works
Honorable Mentions: 8. Published HM - Infant Insomnia
Other published works
Re: Interior Dialogue
crlisle wrote:disgruntledpeony wrote:crlisle wrote:How do you show interior dialogue for your main character? Do you put it in quotes? Do you italicize it? I have Googled this and just ended up confused. What is the best way for WoTF?
When you say interior dialogue, are you talking thought processes or an exchange between multiple characters? (Italics would probably be best for either, but if it's multiple characters speaking telepathically it may get a bit confusing.)
I like the way you think! I was thinking along this line, "What is in the box?," he wondered. So I guess I should write it this way: What is in the box? he wondered.
You could also avoid the situation altogether by writing something like this:
He turned the box over, the inlaid woodwork smooth against his fingertips. The multi-colored grain patterns outside the box were beautiful, but the contents inside remained a mystery.
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Re: Interior Dialogue
morganb wrote:crlisle wrote:disgruntledpeony wrote:When you say interior dialogue, are you talking thought processes or an exchange between multiple characters? (Italics would probably be best for either, but if it's multiple characters speaking telepathically it may get a bit confusing.)
I like the way you think! I was thinking along this line, "What is in the box?," he wondered. So I guess I should write it this way: What is in the box? he wondered.
You could also avoid the situation altogether by writing something like this:
He turned the box over, the inlaid woodwork smooth against his fingertips. The multi-colored grain patterns outside the box were beautiful, but the contents inside remained a mystery.
That is beautiful.
Volume 37: R, HM, HM, Silver HM
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
Volume 38: Q1 pending
Published in Sci Fi Lampoon: "My Ten Cents"
To be published in LTUE 2022 anthology: "The Last Dance"
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