Dialogue Tags in Writing (With Examples!)

How do you use dialogue tags in a story? What are some of the most common dialogue tag mistakes writers make? There are some confusing and even conflicting rules out there about punctuation, capitalization, and even verb choice when writing dialogue. But if you remember that the purpose of dialogue tags is to support or enhance—NOT distract from—the dialogue, all of the rules start to make a lot more sense! Looking for more writing workshops? Check out my FREE course! https://skl.sh/33iwgFH The only dialogue tag rule you need to know 00:00 Dialogue tags and punctuation 00:16 Dialogue tags and capitalization 01:02 Dialogue tags and verb choice 03:31 Common dialogue tag mistakes 08:39 Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot): WRITING/WORK STUFF Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. https://amzn.to/3cStKui Adjustable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. https://amzn.to/2OYh0tX Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. https://amzn.to/3vNmk3Z Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. https://amzn.to/311nRoP Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. https://amzn.to/3vH71Kh Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. https://amzn.to/3tzIvZE Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. https://amzn.to/2OUCaJx I'm a Skillshare Ambassador! I've been binging their courses on filmmaking and video editing, as well as writing, but there's all kinds of stuff for creative types! Try it out FREE for two week! https://skillshare.eqcm.net/RyG57R COFFEE STUFF Ninja coffee maker. https://amzn.to/31533Nu Cold brew pitcher. https://amzn.to/3cSKVM9 Zulay milk frother. https://amzn.to/3r7DDJu VIDEO MAKING STUFF Canon G7X Mark iii camera. https://amzn.to/3r9BfCb Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. https://amzn.to/3r7G6Un Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. https://amzn.to/31hqpzD JJC mini tripod. https://amzn.to/3feXxjJ Rode clip mic. https://amzn.to/2OSaLb2 ______________ Check out my free Create Dynamic Characters course, a quick writing workshop that'll help you create a protagonist who transforms AND find an organic plot for your novel in just 20-30 minutes! https://michelleschustermancourses.thinkific.com/courses/create-dynamic-characters Plus I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey, including: From Premise to Plot: A Guide to Plotting My FIRST First Draft Checklist My Revision Game Plan The Query Formula Download 'em all here: https://www.michelleschusterman.com/freebies _____________ BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13O7yipKHeIF2-QJ_K9IKIdLQAlN8NgEOF62qQjUjEVM/mobilebasic ________________ SUPPORT INDIES! Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm125381 Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! https://bookshop.org/lists/writing-craft-books-529da1d1-34de-4584-a85f-003f96088b57 ________________ Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! https://reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: https://reedsy.com/p/michelle-schusterman **full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!** ___________ MY BOOKS https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6522087.Michelle_Schusterman https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17086515.M_Shelley_Coats?from_search=true __________ Music from https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/cinematic DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!