Tuesday, March 13, 2012

I Need a Tag!


Dialogue tags. Yeah, we’re supposed to avoid them - start with an action instead. But your character can only scratch her nose or flip her hair so many times. 

Said is preferred. It's barely noticeable. But after too many, you'll notice.

Could it be you need something with punch? Well, that's where I come in. As it turns out, I’m a tag collector. And over the years, I’ve made a lengthy list. *And keep in mind, these are just fun, unusual tags.

For example: What did the agitated character do?

she bleated.
she blustered.
she bristled.
she crabbed.
she fussed.
she griped.
she groused.
she gruffed.
she grumbled.
she grumped.
she rumbled.
she spat.
and
she squawked.

Got one of those annoying sarcastic characters?

she chided.
she clucked.
she cracked.
she deadpanned.
she dug.
she egged.
she flouted.
she guffawed.
she heckled.
she mocked.
she mouthed off.
she poohed.
she quipped.
she sassed.
she scoffed.
she smirked.
she snarked.
and
she sniped.

Here are a few of my favorites:

she bubbled.
she coaxed.
she dazzled.
she ho-hummed.
she quavered.
she scrooged.
she sing-songed.
she tacked on.

And my ultimate favorite: *drumroll*

“Yeow!” she onomatopoeiad.

If you'd like a copy of my full alphabetized list (I've never had time to categorize it), contact me at enderle4@earthlink.net






88 comments:

  1. Great list, Dottie. I'll no doubt go through the day adding tags to my co-workers utterances. I'd love a copy of your list. I'll email you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The problem with all these choices is that writers become lazy in their writing. When you choose to use physical actions as dialogue tags, you are taking shortcuts that will often leave a reader jolted out of the story. Things aren't always simple, and many readers, myself included are very visual when reading a book. A few examples of what I mean are.

    *spat is the past participle of spit. You do not spit words. You can spit while you speak, but take a moment to spit, now say a word, then try to say that word while spitting.

    *flount is the act of treating with contemptuous disregard. It is an action, not a way of speech.

    *guffaw is the act of laughing in a loud and boisterous manner. Again, guffaw then try to speak. It is almost impossible because of the manner of the action.

    *a smirk is a smile or smug expression, a physical action. You can say something WITH a smirk, but to smirk something is just not a physical possibility since it is a an action not a tone.

    *dazzling is an action that happens when you look into a bright light or the act of impressing someone. Again, it is not a tone it is an action.

    *scrooge - a type of person. We all know what it means, to be miserly, how can you speak miserly? You don't speak actions, you speak in tones.

    *onomatopoeiad - while this certainly could be a tag, it is so outrageous in its attempt to be "different" that if I read it in a manuscript I was considering, I would stop reading and reject immediately.

    Writers need to be aware of the huge difference between physical acts and tones. To use these words improperly is simply incorrect and there are entirely too many other ways to display what you are trying to convey when using them. And if you take a poll, you might be surprised to find that readers are often annoyed by a writers attempt to use so many different words to replace "said."

    Karen Syed
    http://klsyed.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen, today's novels are so different. All of these examples, as well as the my 500+ list, all came from children's and YA books I've read over the years. It has less to do with grammar and more to do with packing a punch.

    With that said, I don't think it leads to laziness. Most writers use them sparingly. But the books I acquired these from were traditionally published and went through the editorial process. And quite a few were awarding-winning novels.

    As for onomatopeiad, I only saw it once, in a Christopher Moore book. He writes humor. I added it because I thought it was cute. It's not in my tag list and I don't expect anyone to use it. I put it there as a joke.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I bleated with laughter at your collection of tags and would love the complete list. You've emphasized numerous ways for a character to speak.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I amended the post, stating that these are meant for fun.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a collection, Dotti. I was entertained and laughed my sides sore. Thanks for the chuckle. Please send me the list too.
    *hugs*
    ~J

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dotti, I loved your list. There are times--especially with humor--when an unexpected tag fits. And, Karen, I've had words spit at me. Lighten up and take the list as given--fun alternatives when said just won't work.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great list, Dotti! I tend to be a 'said' purist, but writing is all about conveying a picture to the reader. Sometimes a unique dialouge tag is the very thing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Julie, can't lighten up. As an editor and a publisher who is constantly being scrutinized for every little "failure" I get a bit testy when there are so many authors out there who, like me, did not get the joke. I admit it has been a long month (IRS audit) but I have already had three emails telling me that you can spit out a sentence (LOL) but I hold to my belief that someone does not spit out a sentence, they spit while saying the sentence.

    I know that many, if not ALL of these are used frequently in writing, but I still don't think it is always correct. An occasional usage would not be horrible, but have you ever read a book where the author does it ALL the time?

    None of us are always going to agree on everything, but I am comforted to know that we can have spirited conversations on the things we don't stand together on without fear of being seen as a pooper. I just didn't get the joke...I can be dim sometimes. LOL But I try not to make a habit of it.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL, Dotti! I notice some of these more unique tags, too. It's cool you collected them -- maybe something you can use for your standup comedy act (are you still doing standup?) I have a book with romance phrases in it with are supposed to be taken seriously but are obviously overdone and more funny than useful.

    Also, I collect old series books and some of them have crazy tags. The one that still makes me laugh when I see it if instead of saying "she exclaimed" they say "she ejaculated"...now that would be a funny tag to see (g).

    Thanks for the chuckle!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I purposely left ejaculated off my list for good reason. :) And I also own that romance phrase book. The list of colors in the back actually come in handy.

      Delete
    2. I'll try and see if I can find a place to use that one. :-)
      *hugs*
      ~J

      Delete
  11. LOL, Dotti! I love characters who growl and squeak. People really do growl and squeak when they speak. My middle child is mildly autistic and had a speech delay that involved a slight growl before he got the word out when he was in speech therapy. Scared a few of his teachers, but definitely evocative of the difficulty of speech for him. I, myself, have squeaked more than once -- and not just when I saw a mouse :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before I had my tonsils out, I squeaked every flu season. And I tend to growl sentences a lot during edits.

      Delete
  12. Ha, I've seen some really bad tags in my time, but I've never kept track of any of them. I try my best to stick with "said" or no tag at all (when it's abundantly clear who is talking). I will sometimes use "asked," but only sparingly. However, I have been known to change things up here and there, partly because I don't want to hit that same drum again, partly to keep myself amused. When I go back and revise, I scrutinize every tag, though, to make sure it should stay. I kill many of my darlings that way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have the guts to use most of these, but lots of authors take the risk. And really, isn't it up to the editor in the long run?

      Delete
  13. Hey Dotti, I think your list is awesome - sorry Karen. With so many terrific books published, you can't quibble with success!!
    If you want to HOOK kids on reading (your books) you need to give them characters plots and dialogue they think is cool. Dotti does just that.

    Books for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
    http://www.margotfinke.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love that you have collected these, Dotti! What fun. I think "bleated" is my favorite, especially if it was a person speaking and not a goat. :)

    Like you, I almost always use "said" and avoid tags altogether whenever possible.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very fun list, Dotti!
    These got me thinking of Tom Swifties...
    "Put more air on the fire!" Tom bellowed.
    "I'm having so much fun in the bath!" Tom bubbled.
    "I think A.A. Milne is overrated," Tom poohed.
    I won't even attempt to write one with "ejaculated."
    Thanks for making me smile!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey Dotti! I love your list. As a new writer, it makes me want to go and change all my dialog tags from said to one of those...I joked :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love the list, Dotti, thank you, "she bleated."

    ReplyDelete
  18. He he, that's brilliant. The best I read, and most alarming was that it was several times in an otherwise brilliant book, was, 'she opined.' Please, no! Just once, maybe, if absolutely necessary but then no, just no.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I didn't know you could dazzle while speaking. Clearly, I have been doing something wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very funny, Dotti. And Christopher Moore is a riot too -- I'm pretty sure no one rejected his ms for the use of "onomatopoeiad" . . . and they'd regret it if they had!

    ReplyDelete
  21. :) Very True but done so light hearted :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. My friend, Jan Fields tried to post this herself, but Blogger is a bit contrary. Here's what she had to say:

    Spit is used regionally as a mode of speech -- without a doubt. I don't know how many times down South I've heard folks told to SPIT IT OUT when it means JUST SAY IT ALREADY. And "spat" in casual use for speaking in a biting viperous tone is also completely okay and common (though since Karen doesn't know it, I'm assuming it MIGHT be regional). I know it's hard to keep up with both (1) how language is used all over and (2) how language evolves beyond dictionary definitions, but it's worthwhile for writers to do so. It's important to coloring our tone and making our writing feel real rather than just feeling "correct." The Sally, Dick and Jane primers were "correct"
    but none of us want to write them today.

    Now, personally, I mostly use "said" or "asked" or "replied" because I want the reader's eye on the dialogue, not the tag -- but when you need something with more punch and more effect, I'm going to go with what gets my tone across. And my editors (all experienced professionals in the educational and trade books industry) seem to like that really well. Would I use every word on this list -- nope -- and neither would Dotti or anyone on this thread.
    But SOMEONE used each one and apparently used it for effect well enough that the person's editor thought they were spot on.

    Which is one reason I'm a HUGE champion of not dealing in absolutes as a writer -- it'll make you look bad every time. Flexibility allows you to reach your reader exactly the way you intend. When we give thought to the right word for each instance, we will be effective (even when some folks don't think we're "right.")

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ha!! These are so fun! Thanks for posting this.
    I can't imagine anyone picking through them and using more than one or two in a book -- we all know that "said" is most preferred because it disappears. But it's great fun to see this cool list.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Super, Dotti! And I loved Jan's comment, too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. LOL, Dotti! Great list. I started one once, years ago to see just how much silliness I could come up with instead of always using "said" - but yours surpasses my feeble attempt. "Great fun!" she bubbled... >;-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I can see using creative tags to spice things up, but I can see Karen's point. It does get annoying when they're used in every line, like the writer looked over her dialogue, realized she used "said" too many times, and decided to throw in a bunch of random, ill-chosen tags to make it sound more exciting.

    Personally, if I can avoid using a tag at all, I do. If Sally and Judy are talking and I want Sally to say "How's your mother doing?" and I've already set the story up so my readers know that Judy's mother is in the hospital with cancer, it seems redundant to say 'Sally asked' or even 'Sally coaxed'. This list is funny, though.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wonderful blog post. This is absolute magic from you! I have never seen a more wonderful post than this one. You've really made my day today with this. I hope you keep this up! Towing Near Me Austin

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made. 24 Hour Towing Woodbridge

    ReplyDelete
  29. I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! Auto Wrecker Clarksville

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, This type of articles keeps the user's interest in the website, and keep on sharing more. Towing Service Memphis

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is really nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact. Car Towing Houston

    ReplyDelete
  32. A debt of gratitude is in order for the post with respect to this. I discover this kind of data exceptionally helpful. Heavy Wrecker Humble

    ReplyDelete
  33. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Car Towing Stafford

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is a great post. I like this topic. This site has lots of advantages. I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways. Thanks for posting this again. Towing Service Albuquerque

    ReplyDelete
  35. I want to thank you for your time of this wonderful read!!! I definitely enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must-read blog! Wrecker Service Henderson

    ReplyDelete
  36. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Flatbed Towing Bowling Green KY

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Anyway, I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Towing Service DeSoto

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. Towing Service Buda Kyle

    ReplyDelete
  39. I found this article very interesting and informative. It will definitely add to our knowledge. 24 hour towing Huntsville TX

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is absolutely too a great posting we genuinely experienced glancing through. It is a long way from every day we have a hazard to look at a touch of something. 18 Wheeler Towing Shreveport

    ReplyDelete
  41. I see the greatest content on your blog and I extremely love reading them. Towing Service Watertown TN

    ReplyDelete
  42. Keep ‘em coming. you all do such an excellent task at such Concepts… cannot tell you how significantly I, for a single appreciate all you do! RV Towing Portland TN

    ReplyDelete
  43. It is extremely nice to see the greatest details presented in an easy and understanding manner. 18 Wheeler Towing Cincinnati

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few posts. I like your style of writing. Flatbed Towing Lewisville

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am very glad after reading your amazing article, thanks for sharing. Winch Outs Bentonville

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am happy subsequent to perusing your stunning article, a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing. Parking Lot Towing Coppell

    ReplyDelete
  47. A debt of gratitude is in order for composing such a decent article, I faltered onto your blog and read a couple of posts. I like your style of composing. Tow Truck Dallas

    ReplyDelete
  48. It is incredibly ideal to see the best subtleties introduced in a simple and getting way. Car Towing Bastrop

    ReplyDelete
  49. Keep them coming… all of you do such a great assignment at such Concepts… can't reveal to you how essentially I, for a solitary welcome everything you do! Flatbed Towing Shirley NY

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your grip on this theme is astonishing. It truly connected to me and I am happy I discovered this material. Much thanks. RV Towing Addison

    ReplyDelete
  51. I see the best substance on your blog and I amazingly love understanding them. Flatbed Towing West Park FL

    ReplyDelete
  52. This is total to an extraordinary posting we really experienced looking through. It is far from consistently we have a peril to take a gander at a hint of something. Roadside Assistance Corpus

    ReplyDelete
  53. I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, keep it up. Parking Lot Towing Gulfport MS

    ReplyDelete
  54. Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You’re doing great work. Keep it up. Towing and Recovery Hattiesburg MS

    ReplyDelete
  55. Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming articles. Motorcycle Towing Mobile

    ReplyDelete
  56. Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck with the upcoming update. This article is really very interesting and effective. Towing Service Little Rock

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read. I learn new information from your article, you are doing a great job. Keep it up. Towing and Recovery Montgomery

    ReplyDelete
  58. Well, I like your high-quality blog site design plus your posting abilities. Keep doing it. Cheap Towing Owensboro

    ReplyDelete
  59. Excellent read, Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Heavy Wrecker Huntsville AL

    ReplyDelete
  60. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed reading this post. big fan, thank you! Towing Cypress

    ReplyDelete
  61. Writing a blog post is really important for the growth of your websites. Thanks for sharing amazing tips. Cheap Towing Marshall

    ReplyDelete
  62. Love your site. My thanks for doing such a good job. I will come back to read more and inform my coworkers about your site. Motorcycle Towing Missouri City TX

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thanks for sharing such an amazing article, really informative. Tow Truck Near Me Selma TX

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely dig it and personally suggest it to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website. Car Towing Carrollton

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hello, the whole thing is going perfectly here, that’s truly good, keep up writing. Towing Service Tomball

    ReplyDelete
  66. Good layout and perfect communication skills. Thanks for sharing a nice piece of info. Auto towing Tuscaloosa AL

    ReplyDelete
  67. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made. Auto Mechanic Littlefield

    ReplyDelete
  68. Wonderful blog post. This is absolute magic from you! I have never seen a more wonderful post than this one. You've really made my day today with this. I hope you keep this up! Tow Truck Near Me Tyler Tx

    ReplyDelete
  69. I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment! Semi Towing Lakewood

    ReplyDelete
  70. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, This type of articles keeps the user's interest in the website, and keep on sharing more. Towing Service Richardson

    ReplyDelete
  71. This is really nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact. Flatbed Towing Rockwall

    ReplyDelete
  72. A debt of gratitude is in order for the post with respect to this. I discover this kind of data exceptionally helpful. Auto Towing Cleveland TN

    ReplyDelete
  73. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Towing Company Victoria TX

    ReplyDelete
  74. This is a great post. I like this topic. This site has lots of advantages. I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways. Thanks for posting this again. Car Towing Kenner LA

    ReplyDelete
  75. I Need a Tag: Perfect for organizing life's chaos efficiently! Awesome! Javi's Towing & Transport Orlando

    ReplyDelete
  76. Captivating and concise! 'I Need a Tag!' offers insightful guidance on the elusive art of crafting the perfect tagline. With practical tips and engaging content, this blog is a must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their branding game. Prepare to be inspired in just a few clicks!Javi's Towing & Transport Orlando

    ReplyDelete