Reply
Tue 14 May, 2013 12:20 pm
Hello, all. I've written a manuscript, but right now I'm going back and trying to get the punctuation correct. In the dialogue, when would it be appropriate to use the exclamation point? If I have the sentence set up like this:
“I don’t have the luxury of calming down!” Chandra hollered back.
Do I have to have an exclamation point, since it's already stating that the character is hollering, or would that be the best time to actually use it?
Here's another example:
“Come in, Grayson! Alec! Emmanuel! Anyone? Please, somebody, answer!"
Could I use all those exclamation points, or is that just considered poor writing? BTW, the character is supposed to be upset.
@celebfan,
In the first example, Cel, I'd agree you can do without it
In the second, I like 'em all
@celebfan,
Given that you have hollered in there. You should most likely include the ! in the first sentence. In the second, it's a matter of how you want the reader to read the line. If you have all the !'s then the reader will most likely stop after each name. So if the character is pausing between each name, then the exclamation marks are fine, if she's running down the list quickly, and only getting exasperated at the end then I'd downgrade them to commas.
Now you always need to worry about overusing a particular mechanic. If your pages are getting filled with them, then maybe consider some different ways to convey her distress.
It's hard to say without looking at the scene as a whole.
@celebfan,
Ok, thanks very much guys. I really appreciate it.
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace