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Punctuating
Dialogue
In fiction writing, there are several ways to
punctuate dialogue. Varying the way you punctuate dialogue keeps the story fresh.
Punctuating Dialogue: The Basics
 When using a dialogue tag such as said, place a comma before the closing quotation mark.
"The truth doesn't sting. It hurts," said Morrissey.
After a question or an exclamation point, don't place a comma.
The dialogue tag isn't capitalized.
"Do you love me?" asked Catherine.
"I will not!" said Jet.
When you write action after a question or an exclamation point statement, capitalize the first word of the next sentence.
"I will not!" He stood up in a quick minute.
Start a paragraph when a character speaks.
"Sarah, you've been rude all morning," said Steve.
"Have I? I hadn't notice."
Use double quotes around dialogue and a single quote when a character is quoting another.
"When I walked into the room he said 'Turn around. You're not welcome here.' I stood there from the shock."
Here's how you format a character thoughts.
Use quotes:
"I wish she'd stayed lost. She brings me nothing but unhappiness" thought Mae.
Use italics:
I wish she stayed lost. She brings me nothing but unhappiness, thought Mae.
Make the story compelling by including action along with dialogue. Example:
After pacing around the living room all afternoon, he made a decision. Today he was going to tell her. He went into their bedroom. The one they shared since they were both nineteen. Ten years of marriage has a way of feeling like fifty. "I want a divorce."
Liza put the book down. She was reading the Harry Potter series, years after the books were published. He hated that about her. The way she refused to read New York Times bestsellers until five years after the book made the list.
"I consulted with an attorney. With no kids and no assets, the divorce should be smooth sailing."
"I'm not sure how to respond."
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