If you're using dialogue, here are some helpful hints

Dialogue Rules, Dude. Dialogue Rules!

·      Dialogue requires the use of “quotation marks.”

·      Start a new paragraph every time a new speaker speaks. Paragraphs are indented.

·      Punctuation goes to the left of the quotation mark.

·      A tag line tells the reader who spoke.

·      Use a comma at the end of the quotation if the tag line is a sentence fragment.

Example: “Dialogue is difficult to punctuate,” warned Mr. Kline, the fantastic creative writing teacher.

·      Use a period at the end of the quotation if the tag line is a complete sentence.

Example: “It may be hard, but I can do it.” Mary immediately began writing.

·      If the tag line precedes the quotation, separate them with a comma.

Example: Mr. Kline said, “I know you can. Did I mention what a good creative writing teacher you have?”

·      Often, clauses that follow the tag line require a comma.

Example: “Yes. Several times,” groaned Mary, rolling her eyes.

·      Question marks and exclamation points also go to the left of the quotation mark.

Example: “Where do question marks go?” asked Mr. Kline.

Example: “To the left! To the left!” chanted the enthusiastic kids.

·      When the tag line interrupts a single sentence, it is surrounded by commas (both of which are to the left of the quotation mark).

Example: “I know it’s complicated,” he encouraged, “but it sounds like you’re getting the hang of it.”

·      When the tag line interrupts two complete sentences, it is preceded by a comma (or a question mark or an exclamation point) and followed by a period.

Example: “I hope we get to practice soon,” Mary urged. “I learn more from doing than from listening.”