The quick and simple way for writing dialogue and using quotation marks
Writing dialogue can scare some people.
They feel like they are off the beaten track in the punctuation wilderness.
But the truth is great quotes really lift an autobiography, memoir, biography or life-story project.
And learning to use speech marks is nowhere near as strenuous as hiking cross country.
As a newspaper print editor I’ve helped many reporters easily understand how to use quotes in writing.
And I can help you too no matter if you are just starting to write or polishing a manuscript.
So get comfy in your fave writing spot and get set to write dialogue like a pro…
Dialogue meaning
Dialogue writing is recreating spoken words in print.
Essentially dialogue captures who said what.
However, great dialogue is standout sections of speech.
It is not full or complete conversations.
Importantly these sections are written clearly for your reader using punctuation.
Why you need dialogue
Firstly writing dialogue can be really fun!
It breaks up blocks of narration, adds colour and puts the reader bang in the moment of a memory.
Even more, dialogue can help illuminate a person’s character by showing their perspective plus how they interact with others and the world around them.
Dialogue can also help move a story forward.
How to write dialogue
Think of writing dialogue like the icing on a cake.
You don’t want to go overboard and use too much.
Lots of dialogue makes it hard for your reader to keep up.
Therefore, 1-3 choice sentences at a time is plenty.
These should capture the key quotes of a conversation as accurately as you recorded or can remember.
So skip including flowery or polite pleasantries.
And don’t fall back on quoting to simply shoehorn information into a story.
Instead use a normal sentence.
Furthermore, the verb ‘said’ is preferred when writing dialogue.
Types of quotes in writing
There are a few ways to convey what someone has said:
1 Paraphrase
This is handy when someone didn’t express themselves very succinctly or clearly.
Paraphrase what was said instead of directly quoting.
For example:
I found her struggling for breath during the night and quickly we gathered everyone to dash to the hospital.
2 Partial quote
A partial quote is a snippet of what was said in double quote marks.
It can be worked into paraphrased speech.
For example:
The night was a blur of worry but I remember yelling “wake the children” before we piled into the old Ford.
3 Standalone quote
A standalone quote has gravity and is used sparingly for extra emphasis.
For example:
I walked into her room and called to Doug: “Quickly, she is struggling for breath.”
4 Extended quotes
Extended quotes are the most common type of dialogue.
On average they include about 2-3 sentences.
However, don’t fall back on extended quotes if it is more economical to paraphrase or use a partial quote.
For example:
“Wake the children,” I said.
“We need to get her to hospital.
“Quickly, she is struggling for breath.”
Punctuating dialogue
Basically all you need to remember for extended quotes is:
- Have a line of attribution for your reader to introduce who is speaking.
- The first quote opens with double quote marks, ends with a comma, close double quote marks and attribution such as: he/she said.
- Follow-on quotes open with double quote marks and end with a full stop (no close quotes).
- The final quote opens with double quote marks, ends with a full point and then close double quotes.
Clear as mud, yes?!
Once you follow this quoting style a few times it will become ingrained and you won’t need to think about it.
When teaching new writers I find it helpful to scribble the following reminder.
“xxxxxx,” he/she said.
“yyyyyy.
“zzzzzz.”
Stick on your computer screen for easy reference.
Ellipses, quote within a quote and other punctuation
Finally a few extra tips for sticky quote situations.
Use ellipses to show when words have been left out of a quote.
For example:
“Wake the children … she is struggling for breath,” I said.
For a quote within a quote use single quote marks.
For example:
“I hugged the doctors when they said ‘she is awake now’.”
Question marks and exclamation marks replace full stops and when required go within double quote marks.
For example:
“Wake the children,” I said.
“Do you think she needs to go to hospital?
“Quickly, she is struggling for breath!”
Final say
Writing dialogue is a wonderful way to capture the essence of characters and the drama of memories.
A little bit of written speech goes a long way for your reader, whether this is a partial quote or a string of extended quotes.
Use a punctuation formula (above) to easily reference and learn to write extended quotes.
It will keep you safe, sound and out of the punctuation wilderness.
Happy writing!
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
