1. VM80

    VM80 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2010
    Messages:
    1,209
    Likes Received:
    46

    Formatting chat/im conversations

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by VM80, May 2, 2011.

    What is the best way to format chat or instant messenger conversations taking place within a story?

    Thanks :)
     
  2. Melzaar the Almighty

    Melzaar the Almighty Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2010
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    55
    Location:
    UK
    I'm sure someone will come along and say "Like normal conversation or set them apart and indent them". In my teenagey fantasy thing I put them in arial in contrast to the times new roman of the rest of the text and put line breaks between the the bits of conversation, but I'm probably only going to keep it that way to amuse myself - I hear it's best not to do lots of funny tricks with your word processing software when you send stuff to publishers.
     
  3. Eunoia

    Eunoia Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2010
    Messages:
    4,391
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    England
    I don't really know, but I guess one way is doing it a bit like a script, for example:

    Person1: Hi, how are you?
    Person2: I'm good, what you been up to?
     
  4. TheIllustratedMan

    TheIllustratedMan Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2009
    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    6
    I'd either put it in as a transcript (ie: blocked out from the rest of the text, formatted like Eunoia shows above) or just describe it as you would a normal conversation. Just use "wrote" instead of "said".

    So... Melzaar was right about someone coming along and saying that. :p
     
  5. Velox

    Velox Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2010
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    In the novels I've read that have had some sort of thing from a computer [be it email, IM, etc.], it's usually a different font and indented. Then I'd just do it exactly how it shows up on AIM [name (time): sentence].

    I've never seen it done like normal dialogue [with quotes and then "s/he wrote"], and I prefer the above better anyway, as it distinctly sets apart the novel from the IM script.
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    they're best done as block indents and in whatever format they appear on the computer/cell phone/whatever screen...
     
  7. VM80

    VM80 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2010
    Messages:
    1,209
    Likes Received:
    46
    Thanks everyone.

    I'll need to do some thinking... Something I'm thinking of writing may include quite a bit of 'chat', so...

    I wouldn't want it to become annoying, but it's essential to the story (and based on fact to boot!)

    VM
    x
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice