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!