| Words that are NOT dialogue tags Why aren't they dialogue tags? Because dialogue tags should be words that describe physically possible ways to speak words. One cannot smile a word. One can smile before, during, and after speaking a word, but one cannot smile a word. One can whisper, grumble, shout, yell, holler, mumble, murmur, or say a word. Can you see the difference? Of course, we've all read novels where the authors have their characters doing all sorts of things with their words. It was how most of us were taught in school. "Try to be unique, clever, and imaginative." But that's a teaching whose time has passed. I know it's strange, weird, lacking clever imagination, and different from the way most novelists write. But think about it. Can you figure out why eliminating these words from our list of dialogue tags is a good thing? I'll give you a few hints: Dialogue tags should be as invisible as possible. They should not explain something the reader already knows. They should not describe what the speaker is attempting to do by saying the words (the reader knows what the speaker is trying to do from the words that are spoken). All such explanation is redundant. Tags should not be distracting in any way. So, then, if these words are not dialogue tags, what are they? Most are, and can be used as, action beats. Keep in mind, dialogue tags are a part of the same sentence as what is being said. Action beats are NOT. They stand alone in their own sentence. For example: "This is so stupid," Maddy said. "More rules for us to follow." "Well, Maddy," Alisabeth whispered, "rules aren't always bad things." Keenan leaned in. "Some rules are actually good for us." He spoke in his best Yogi Bear. "Oh, give me a break." Maddy flicked a wad of paper at Keenan. "Rules are rules." "Maddy." Mrs. Dewberry waited for all of her students to look at her. "You have to know the rules before you can break them." "Yes, Mrs. Dewberry," Maddy said as she pouted. "But enough with the lesson." Mrs. Dewberry smiled. "Let's have lunch!" Alisabeth laughed. "I thought I just heard her stomach growl." I hope this makes sense. It is, after all, a fairly new concept that has arisen in fiction writing. (And mostly because of Renni Browne and Dave King of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers fame. If you haven't checked that book out yet, you really should. It really lays out how novelists should work their novels to reach today's audience.) So. Okay. Without further ado. My running list of words that are NOT dialogue tags. Can you think of any I've forgot? And, yes, these are actual tags I've seen in published novels, in my own novels (I almost hate to say), and in the novels I've read for my editing business. They're based in past tense, as in "he said." Except, these tags don't just "say." Enjoy! |
"Oh, yes," she . . .
| insisted marveled ranted slurred declared admonished expostulated sympathized chided theorized encouraged disagreed pointed out lashed out demanded fumed vociferated ventured recited erupted exploded blazed persisted improvised averred retorted guessed admitted finished prompted inserted supplied commented interjected pressed mocked ground out announced agreed warned tested answered explained ordered dodged frowned stated requested repeated required urged panicked balked grated begged pleaded told went on breathed instructed corrected postulated hypothesized summarized cautioned rasped groused baited testified chortled |
| protested hissed commanded remanded began continued exclaimed worried dictated expounded beamed smiled observed grinned laughed sputtered stammered stuttered reasoned pontificated sneered leered sighed breathed considered snarled sniffed shot out or back snapped growled mocked teased remembered chided kidded responded grunted choked out choked threatened lamented spat out spat gloated whined conceeded invited objected suggested promised scolded added finished mimicked mused remonstrated criticized referred interrupted concerned fretted broke in nodded intoned boasted pointed out gasped crowed uttered defended |
| quoted called cried mouthed denied stopped pressed on basked spoke managed swallowed reciprocated seethed raged argued attempted coaxed scowled scorned offered recanted opinionated introspected counseled looked summarized concluded completed paused revelled judged hankled squealed chattered chuckled questioned guessed concerned moaned soothed rebuked informed apologized countered advised returned acknowledged complained spouted quipped charged croaked jumped in shrugged burped grilled greeted welcomed queried inserted puzzled prayed smirked reminded shared grumped bellowed rationalized jeered |
not dialogue tags?
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| Matthew 7:24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. |
