Were you taught at school to avoid using 'said' in your writing? Let me explain why teachers tell you that.
It isn't because there's anything wrong with 'said.' It's because teachers have to teach children from a young age to use a variety of vocabulary and find words that convey precise meaning.
Think about it. That's quite a tall order.
And so we come to the first reason why 'said' is a wonderful word. It has umpteen alternatives, all of which convey precise meaning. Children are already familiar with these words; and when they write stories, they have ample opportunity to use their new skill.
And that is why teachers tell you not to use 'said.' Ta da!
In the world of adult writing, it's different, because – and here we come to the second reason why 'said' is wonderful – 'said' is invisible. You could read it or write it a dozen times on every page without its ever jarring.
Every time an alternative is used, it isn't invisible. Nothing wrong with that – in moderation. But the more times alternatives are used, and the wider their variety, the more visible they become.
I'm thinking of a novel I read some years ago in which the author seemed determined to avoid 'said' at all costs.
The characters asked, answered, replied and exclaimed. They wondered, whispered, chuckled and muttered. They shouted, snorted, cajoled and observed.
And it was all highly visible. Every single one of those verbs (which would have thrilled any primary school teacher) was visible and the more of them there were, the more visible they became. For 'more visible,' read 'more annoying.'
Then, in the middle of an argument, the heroine riposted.
After 200 pages of confirming, suggesting, murmuring and giggling, it was the final, pretentious straw. I closed the book.
Sorry about my little rant, but I hope it's helped illustrate my point. Humble, under-rated 'said' is a dependable workhorse of a word.
And unless you want me to come back and haunt you, please don't ever let your characters do any riposting.
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Comments (6)
A great post.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks, as always, for an interesting read.
Writing for school and writing for publication are two entirely different beasties. Being a short story writer, Wendy, you must have to be even more disciplined than a novelist.
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment.