Here is what I have right now. one of my MCs is having an emotional breakdown over the other MC. A certain ways through, he recalls something the other MC told him. Is it ok to use italics to mark the line of dialogue that the MC is remembering? After all the stuff I've read on the internet about writing, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out where its usage is appropriate, and where it isn't. Not that it's that hard, it's just when it comes to things like this. Example of my usage: ...He recalled Izzy's words from breakfast that morning: “Honestly, when I think of that night, it makes everything seem alright, you know? Like spending that time with you somehow made up for the pain.” Remembering this brought him to tears.
No, this is not a correct use of italics. New writers (and some senior ones who should know better) often try to use italics like duct tape, anytime they want a piece of text to look somehow differrent. It will label you as an amateur; not to every editor, but to enough of them. Every red mark on your manuscriipt becomes part of the overall impression the submissions editor develops of you and your writing. So you want to minimize those red marks.
