Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

There are lots of rumors and ideas floating about these days, and there have been disgruntled members for as long as I've been on the site. I don't expect anything to change, and those who truly aren't happy with the status quo have other options.

As far as the contest goes, I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to use dialogue tags. Some people use more spacing between speakers, or different colors of font. I usually use bold font for one speaker and regular for the other. You might want to read the contest rules and see if that is still a requirement.

In the meantime, I wouldn't hold my breath if you're waiting for change at FanStory.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2024

Wow! what a gorgeous picture. And thanks for the read and edits. I redid the story. I used color. Karen

Comment from giraffmang

Good

Hi there,

Some of these ideas have been floated in the forum from time to time. lol

It would be better if the end punctuation like question marks came inside the speech marks.

Following speech tags should always be lower case unless a proper noun or a name.

Be careful with the emotive speech tags, they can detract from what is said to how it's said.

We write to be read," she implored." - delete the speech marks from after the tag.

"Did you see that T-shirt he is advertising? I might buy one; it is hysterical.
Let's Eat Children.
Let's Eat, Children.
Punctuation Saves Lives.
He could make a mint selling it in college bookstores," - in this section, technically every new line is a new paragraph and should have opening speech marks attributed.

All the best
GMG

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2024

I edited. And, as per others suggestions, I used color not tags. Problem solved. This was cathartic. And, fun too. Thanks for the read. Karen

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Thanks for weighing in on the posting and your great ideas. I think making reviewing required is a good idea. I also agree with the winner takes all concept not real draw for a contest.
One suggestion:
She inquired? (she) All your speech tags should be lowercase unless it's a proper noun.

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 Comment Written 18-Nov-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2024

Thanks for the read and your edit. As suggested by others, I removed all tags, and used color instead. It sure looks less busy. Karen