Once more, the "rules"

"Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip."  Elmore Leonard

Blood Red Pencil (which should be a daily read for most of us) offered up this link to Elmore Leonard's article in the NYT about writing. 

Great points.  I especially love the quote above.  But I have to disagree about the continued hatred of other words than "said" in dialog tags.  Sometimes (but not too frequently) it really is okay to use something else, so long as it actually adds needed meaning instead of distracts.  And, sometimes, it's even okay to add more description to a tag.*

Perhaps, for example, your pov is close in so that the reader needs to know what your character intends by saying something.  Perhaps you don't want to spell out that your character is lying, so the most expedient and clear means of relaying that to the reader (or possibly underscoring the point so they don't miss it because it's subtle) is to have your dialog be "he lied." 

"How are you feeling, Joe?"

"Miserable," he lied in a husky voice.  "I'll have to leave early for a doctor appointment at three."

Yes, you could have him say it (he said in a husky voice); but lied seems acceptable to me.

Then there are the Tom Swiftys that a crit group member of mine hates.  Even one usage in a novel was grounds to break out the firing squad on the writer in question!

Sure, saying something like '"Yes," Tom said swiftly' is really awkward and does indeed call unfortunate attention to the writing; but occasionally it makes sense.  Very very occasionally.  Possibly almost never.  But I don't believe it's okay to toss out every option.  Seems like bandwagoneering* to me!

Never using anything but said just seem dull.  Just be advised these rules are not carved in metaphorical stone.  You can break them, for the right reasons, and probably not all that often.

*You like that?  I made it up all by myself.  You can bandwagoneer me and use it if you like, though.  I won't charge you or anything!  In fact, I'll uncopyright the use of bandwagoneer (verb or noun) right now. 

Comments

[bets]

I've used lied on occasion. I mostly go with said, but I tend to challenge myself to go tagless as much as possible.

I think "rules" tend to get thrown out when writers get to a certain level, and critiquers reach a certain level of trust. Until then, they create a nice foundation in an overwhelming new world. We're at a point in my group where we don't question word usage very much. If it's there, we meant to be there. Also makes it tougher when you do question, though, because we're hitting at something deeper than habit and skill, but professional decision-making. :)

[writtenwyrdd]

The trust issue is a good point. That convo the other day about if they don't trust your ability they over criticise has stuck with me. I think it's very true.

Rules are for helping you avoid pitfalls, but once you have the basics, it's time to experiment a bit and learn when and where you can break the so-called rules.

I try to avoid tags too. I prefer to have the stage business woven into the dialog to both avoid white box syndrome and make the writing more efficient and effective.

[Charles Gramlich]

I agree. the "rule of said" is one of those that is more of a guideline. It's definitely one that can be broken to good effect at times.

[Sherri]

It may be a stage every writer goes through, trying to figure out the "rules" and how to live by them. Once you reach a certain place in your journey, though, you feel comfortable trusting your instincts. Dare I say I'm there? Maybe not completely, but I'm working on it!

[Sherri]

And now I see I just dittoed what Bets said above. Maybe that means it's true. :)

[writtenwyrdd]

I also think it's true; but the "rules" still have value for writers, as in, what generally works for workmanlike, functional, clear writing. Then you get all creative and play with the rules to make art! :)

[laughingwolf]

write: he lied

who gives a rat's ass about his 'husky voice'?

what pisses me off is a question, followed by 'said', instead of 'asked' GRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[writtenwyrdd]

I think only a complete dunderhead would take the "rule" that far...but likely it happens. I can't recall having ever seen it, though.

[Tyhitia]

I'm reading books in regard to syntax at this very moment. Some tags I've used are locked away, never to be used again! :-)

[writtenwyrdd]

I knew a gal who consistently would use the construction "said Jill" instead of "Jill said" with the frequent addition of adjectives to make Tom Swifties. Never could convince her that it was a bad habit.

[Angie]

I've seen this particular pendulum swing a couple of times since I started paying attention. I tried to do it "right" for a while but after completely changing my dialogue tag habits a couple of times to fit the dictates of the literary fashion leaders, I finally decided the whole argument was stupid. Now I do whatever sounds good to me at the time I'm writing.

Angie

[fairyhedgehog]

I think you need a balance. I've read a book recently that completely ignored this rule and avoided "said" as far as possible. It was very irritating.

[writtenwyrdd]

That would be annoying. Any sort of writing that is being overly creative about the construction and not about the communication, writing which calls attention to the writing--that's obnoxious to read.