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August Theme: Tags

Yes, we have already done a tip on dialogue tags ([link]). Since then I have learned a lot about tags and how they should be used. This time I am better prepared. We will spend a month on it, and hopefully, your questions will be better answered.

Week 1: The Purpose of Tags
Week 2: Tags and Adverbs
Week 3: Tags and Demographics
Week 4: Featured Author

Tags and Demographics

Okay, okay . . . I know what you're going to say . . . "You've told us about all these rules, but I've seen 'said bookisms' and adverbs in books before--really good books" (Marble).

And so have I.

The only thing I can say is that the books you have seen are written by published authors. "Duh! So what?" you ask. Well, I assume that published authors know what they are doing (not always but most of the time), which means that they know how to break the rules successfully. Until you are at that level, it is wise to learn the rules backwards and forwards.

Here is something I observed that is purely my opinion: demographics have something to do with how acceptable "said bookisms" and adverbs in tags are (Marble).

Here's what I mean: You are more likely to see "said bookisms" and adverbs in books for younger readers than in books for adults (Marble). Why? Because younger readers have shorter attention spans and can't read as well. Where you would have 1000 pages to tell a story in an adult novel, you may only have 50 words to tell a story to a preschooler. That doesn't leave much room for showing. As the audience grows, so can your writing vocabulary, just don't get stuck in thinking a young audience is a dumb one. Most times, a reader, no matter what the age, can figure out a long word by the context.

In any case, like I said this is purely my opinion based on observation. If writing is more than just a hobby for you, my advice is to take a class directed to the type of audience you are writing for. Right now, I'm in the middle of a children and teen writing course . . . and they are teaching me all the rules I have previously mentioned. There is nothing so valuable as to get the information from people who are actively in the business.

-~Michelay

Outside resources: Use and Abuse of Dialogue Tags by Anne M. Marble This is a good article that explains most of what we will be briefly discussing this week.

Club News

Start thinking of questions about publishing because next month's theme is going to be publishing FAQ. More info next week.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you don't agree with a tip or if you have something to add, feel free to comment. We're all learning here.

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Minimalist Contest

True love Contest



New Submissions

Onyx Reflection Chapter 1 by Cilen-chii
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