1. Punctuate THIS!

    Punctuate THIS! New Member

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    A pause between questions

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Punctuate THIS!, Oct 12, 2009.

    Is there a way show a pause after one question (to show that the answer is being considered by the askER) before the second guestion is asked? Or is that too a matter for the narrative?
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Yes. Do it in the narrative. In fact, there is a term for an action separating dialogue fragments. It's called a beat.

    Jack shoved Spike against the wall. "Where were you last night?" Then it dawned on him. "It was you who broke into the garage, wasn't it?"
     
  3. Punctuate THIS!

    Punctuate THIS! New Member

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    I like that! "Beat's" What an interesting concept.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    if a pause/self-interruption is only within the line of dialogue and not accompanied by action, that's shown by inserting an ellipsis:

    "Last night...it was you who broke into the garage, wasn't it?"
     

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