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Posted By: Quicksilver Jan 31, 2004 - 05:14 pm

In the story I am working on my character thinks alot. How do tell the reader that he is thinking and not just saying something out loud? How do I put thoughts into my writing? Please send responses.

Posted By: RongFo Jan 31, 2004 - 08:12 pm

There are basically 3 ways to go:

The first is to simply write that the character thinks something and/or add direct thoughts like you would use dialogue. EX: The bounty hunter's armor struck Joe as rather gaudy, but he figured bounty hunters weren't exactly known for their fashion sense. "Who wears orange and pink together?" Joe thought.

Second, you can use italics (represented by underlining the passages in your manuscript) for all internal dialogue. EX: The bounty hunter leveled his blaster at Joe. That is some oogly armor. "Does your mother let you go out dressed like that?" Joe asked.

Third, you can use the technique of deep focus (I've seen it called by many other names). Essentially, establish early on that your PoV characters will be revealing their thoughts to the reader in their own voice, and it becomes a part of the style of your story. EX: Joe searched the room. Where did he leave that mop? The dead bounty hunter sure bled a lot for an android.

Posted By: Quicksilver Feb 01, 2004 - 04:47 am

Thanks. I started using italics but I didn't know if that was the correct way to write thoughts. Thanks for clearing it up.

Posted By: Eleika Feb 01, 2004 - 08:33 pm

RF, just to clarify ... when using italics as thoughts, it should be changed to underline when submitting to a publisher?

Posted By: Aldan Feb 03, 2004 - 02:50 pm

I don't think so, since the technique you use will make it obvious what you're doing (thereby spelling it out in big, bright, capital letters), and thus make it obvious to the publisher that those are thoughts. If a publisher requires a different technique of his authors, that will be made known by the editor or the publishing rep.
Of course, once you know what they want, it'd be wise business to adjust your methods to fit their requirements. Some people are too proud to do this. Those people are "independent writers".

Posted By: RongFo Feb 04, 2004 - 02:49 am

Aldan and Eleika,
Indeed, different publishers have different requirements, but a LARGE majority still prefer the "traditional" formatting. Basically, italics can be really easy for typesetters to miss. Therefore, the preferred (and near-universal--not counting e-publishers) shorthand for italics is underlining. And calling attention to it is the point. Editors understand the convention and expect it from experienced pros (and novices who do their research). IMHO, it's better to be safe with a traditional choice, than to irritate or offend an editor (who can reject your work) or a typesetter (who can either mangle your work or polish it to typographical perfection).

Posted By: Aldan Feb 09, 2004 - 10:10 am

Oh, believe me, I KNOW. The jibe at independent writers (not stiff, because I can respect them w/o having to be like them) was regarding the fact that if you do NOT do it the way it is expected, then, chances are, you'll only be published by a "independent" publisher. But, those who do are standing by their laurels, so I can respect them for it IF that's the reason for it. Of course, so many didn't get published by a good publisher because they didn't meet the expectations of said publisher(s).