1. B-Ware

    B-Ware New Member

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    Quick question

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by B-Ware, Dec 17, 2009.

    Quick question,

    How would I have my POV character interupt another character in speech "How would I write that correctly"

    ===========================================
    EX:

    Charlie (Character that's speaking, and is not the POV Character) says:

    "I suggest a cup of stew t...." [here she is interrupted by Bill, the POV character]

    Bill says: "I don't want your damn stew!"

    =============================================

    How would I write this correctly *Please write an example and not just refrences to books*
     
  2. LordKyleOfEarth

    LordKyleOfEarth Contributor Contributor

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    Kyle read your post and said, "Its pretty simple you just use some---"

    "Stop wasting his time. Use some hyphens already!" shouted LordKyle.
     
  3. Kas

    Kas New Member

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    Yes, listen to Lord Kyle.

    Just to clarify. . . Two hyphens make an em dash (--). There should be no spaces to either side of the dash if you're writing for North American markets. Use the em dash to interrupt speech.
     
  4. Ecksvie

    Ecksvie New Member

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    When writing, I've always used the three dots (...). I think its called an ellipsis or something similar. The em dash looks better though now it's been brought to my attention. I'm writing in British English rather than American English though. I dont know whether my usage is correct or whether I'm just stupid :p

    I should probably go look it up.
     
  5. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    An ellipsis at the end of quoted text (...) denotes trailing off speech. An em dash (marked in manuscript by two adhacent hyphens, not three) denotes interrupted speech.
     
  6. B-Ware

    B-Ware New Member

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    Ty everyone, my mom was actually telling me the same thing but shes not a writer so I didn't know if it was correct or not. I guess I will listen to her more than often now :p
     

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