Playing Tag

No, not the children’s game. I’m writing about dialogue tags: “he said”, “she said”. Those kind of tags. 

I write a lot of dialogue in my books. I like to tell a person’s situation through dialogue, but I try not to overuse it. That can make a book difficult to read. When I use dialogue, I try to avoid using tags whenever possible. I’d rather use dialogue to s how the reader who is talking through their actions/reactions while they are talking. 

That’s not to say tags aren’t useful because they definitely are. I can use or not use a tag to show a person’s tone or demeanor. Matt’s face twisted in pain. “Get the h ell out of here. I don’t even want to see you anymore.”   

Using tags are a good way to get the reader to understand a pause. Matt’s face twisted in pain. “Get the hell out of here,” he said. I don’t even want to see you anymore.” 

Or try using a tag to emphasize an emotion. Matt’s face twisted in pain. “Get the hell out of here,” he moaned. “I don’t even want to see you anymore.” 

Get the idea? Play with your dialogue tags. Try eliminating them, substituting them, or using them. You’re the writer so if it feels right, use them.  

On a completely different subject, I just released my fourth book – NEVER BROKEN – on Amazon as an eBook and a paperback. I hope you’ll take a look and enjoy it! 

Dee Morgan 

Never Broken, Martinis with Mom and Martinis at the Ranch are available on Amazon, Kindle, IBooks and Amazon Paperback Books. An Unacceptable Truth is available on Amazon and Kindle and IBooks.

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