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"The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or to say a new thing in an old way." -Richard Harding Davis
My name is Darkin and I'll be your guest host for this issue of For Authors.
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Punctuation Basics for Fiction Writers
To comma or not to comma, that is the question every fiction writer asks. Correct punctuation is necessary to convey your story to the reader, almost as important as the story itself. Incorrect or forgotten punctuation can distract your reader and pull them out of your tale.
Most of us learned punctuation in grade school. As soon as we got older, it just didn't seem as important. Chatspeak and abbreviations have seeped into our writings, altering what is considered "correct" writing. Well, punctuation is just as important now as it was then. Here are the basics you will need when writing fiction.
End Punctuation
Every sentence needs an ending. In most cases that ending will be a period.
The dog ran down the street.
Direct questions should have a question mark.
Why did the dog run away?
Empathic statements, interjections, and commands need an exclamation point. But use this one sparingly. Too many will lose the effect.
"Hey!" she said. "Stop that!"
Commas
These are tricky little devils that often give writers the biggest punctuation headaches. Just where do those little darlings go?
Separating main clauses linked by conjunctions.
He loved his mother, but he needed to be on his own.
Set off introductory elements.
Of course, the clock stopped working right at midnight.
Set off nonrestrictive elements.
She vacationed in La Jolla, which is in California, every year.
Separate items in a series.
He found the clock, ball, and spoon needed to win the scavenger hunt.
Separate two or more adjectives.
He was captivated by her long, silky hair.
Special note on commas and dialog. When writing dialog using words that describe how something is said (asked, screamed, whispered, etc) use a comma at the end - or beginning - of the spoken part, before the quotations.
It's time to go to the dance," Jessica squealed.
But not when describing an action.
Jessica smiled. "It's time to go to the dance."
Semicolon
A semicolon separates equal and balanced sentence elements. These are stand alone sentences connected by a similar thought.
Amanda loved going to the mall; the shops always had things she wanted to buy.
Colon
This is used to signal that the words following will explain or amplify the previous section or to indicate a series of words. Colons aren't needed often in fiction writing.
The teacher said, "There are several reasons Americans are fatter today: lack of exercise and convenience of fast food."
Apostrophe
This little mark is used to show possession, omission of letters, and plural words.
Possession:
Sandra's cat has six toes on each paw.
Omission:
Charlie couldn't figure out why the basement was flooded.
Plural words are especially tricky.
Singular: Mrs James likes the ballet.
Plural: The James' like the ballet.
Quotation Marks
Single (') and double (") are used to enclose direct quotations: both speech and writing.
Double quotes
"He always was a strange boy," Annie said, sadness in her voice.
Single quotes aren't used as much in fiction.
"She told me 'he always went to the store' at this time," Eric said confused.
Dash
The dash signals a shift, insertion, or break in thought.
No matter what she said -- and he thought about this often -- she'd be right.
Parentheses
Like the quotation marks, parentheses always come in pairs and enclose a brief example or fact.
Our house was haunted by a terrible demon (known as the furnace).
Ellipsis
These three little dots usually signal the omission of something. In fiction it's used to build suspense, but don't over do them.
"It was here a minute ago," she said confused. "Maybe Robert...."
Writing fiction is more than creating characters and worlds, it is about writing. A good grasp of punctuation is needed for your writing to be understood. It is the sign of a professional writer.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
darkin
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Here are some items I've found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!
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Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail boxes for this week's issue. I had a wonderful time writing this issue and would love to hear what you think about it. Here is some feedback I received from the last time I was a guest editor.
darkin
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Submitted By: reikidreamer
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for this weeks topic! This is the month I've chosen to start working harder to improve my spelling, punctuation and grammar. I didn't buy just one book on the subject. I've bought three! My tendency is to get caught up in the story and forget the technical aspects. Thanks for reminding me that the difference between a good writer and a great writer are the mechanics!
ReikiDreamer
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Submitted By: Raine 
Submitted Comment:
I'm no editor but as a reviewer, I can't agree with you more. You can have all the wonderful ideas in the world, but if you can't be bothered to learn the basics of your craft, why should an editor be bothered with you? Misspelled words and sloppy puncutation scream "lazy". And learning how to put together a strong and effective sentence isn't work, it's honing your craft and can only benefit you in the long run.
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Submitted By: Cubby 
Submitted Comment:
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I could not agree with you more! As a reviewer, my stronger points are finding punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors. Sometimes I think I should've been an editor instead of a writer. If I could only strengthen my plots and not lose my way half way through a book, I'd have a better chance of becoming an author. Then again, I suppose if I actually sent my stuff out, I'd have an even better chance, eh? Thanks for the great newsletter!
~Cubby ")
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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:
I neber miss spell werds. I guest its cos I weally ema gude spelter.
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Submitted By: emerin-liseli
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter! I love that you highlighted the importance of good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I hate to see those basics overlooked.
Thanks,
Emerin
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Submitted By: Sharon 
Submitted Comment:
Loved your article, especially about spell check and using correct grammar. I can't tell you how many times I see the pronoun "I" not capitalized. I think we have text messaging and e-mail to blame for that among younger people, but older writers should know better. Once a spell check is performed, writers have to read their story again to make sure that all their words are used properly, and PLEASE capitalize ALL prounouns.
Sharon
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Submitted By: StephBee 
Submitted Comment:
Darkin, two thumbs up for a good newsletter. The actual mechanics of writing is a must to "get right." Master the mechanics. It's less distractions for the reader.
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For Authors: November 14, 2007 Issue [#2069]
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