Annanan1

When writing fiction how should you show thoughs?

i.e "Stupid question" he thought. I have never been able to sort out whether you should put thoughts in quotaion marks as above or do they go in intallics because it is not technically speech or is there some other rule.

Anyone know?

terrib

I've seen thoughts put in quotation marks....I italicize mine. Don't know if that's write or wrong Anna, but I'm sure some smart person will tell us.

lilacstarflower

Italics - easier for the reader to get

__________________

Tom

Yes, Italics, I find, make it much clearer for the reader whilst quotation marks may end up confusing the reader. Either way you do it however, I'm sure most people will understand it.

__________________

Mike C

It depends on context. The above is correct, you're showing it as (non-vocalised) speech.

"Hey, what's next, Buddy?"

Stupid question.

I didn't answer.

This is also correct; the italics make clear what would be covered by 'he thought'. First example is still the better, though.

Italics work best for longer passages of thought - the internal monologue.

__________________
My writing
My Photo Blog
Web design for Writers
The Oddville Press