Wattmag Issue #12

Is "Said" Dead?

So, is "said dead? 

What do I mean by that? Simple really. So many new and old writers on Wattpad are saying: "he said this" or "she says that". It's a pretty common verb used in many books to describe character talking. 

There's nothing wrong with the word and at times, it can be the most appropriate choice. But in my opinion, there are also so many other ways to say it - especially when your use of it might be getting a bit too excessive. The are many other word options that are limitless and at times, can really help convey the emotions of you character based on the way they deliver a line. I am by no means a professional writer, but here are a few tips of the trade I have learned over the years.

While scrolling through Pinterest on the hunt for writing tips, I came across the concept of "said is dead." There was an image that had a whole list of phrases on other ways to creatively say "said."

Right below, I have included some examples to help show the difference it can make when swapping out "said", for another word.

Paragraph Sample:

Before:

In the heat of the argument, she felt her blood boil in her veins. She was furious with him. She hated him. And she wanted him to know it too. 

"I hate your guts", she said. 

After:

In the heat of the argument, she felt her blood boil in her veins. She was furious with him. She hated him. And she wanted him to know it too. 

 "I hate your guts," she growled.

Get the clues?

A simple change of one word can convey a much deeper emotion. In the first paragraph, there is a lot left up to the imagination on how the girl could have delivered the line to the boy, but in the second paragraph, we get to really visualize her anger.

You can describe how your character is feeling this way. It is easier on your readers to get a better visual aid when you express how the characters are feeling and what they are doing. I know this can be an annoying thing to add for some people. You already see these characters in your head, why do you need to go into even more detail? But if you want your readers to see what you're visualizing in the most accurate way possible, then this is the way to do it.

I have been working on my own projects, sending them into publishers. I have been rejected. They told me I have great ideas, (which was great since they did not say I sucked. Or to stop writing lol.) but they said I needed to be more descriptive with my writing. I am learning as I go. Working on my crafts. I know other writers on Wattpad can often struggle with this too.

I noticed in my friend's novel, she always writes "he said this". Or "she says that". After a while, it got kind of boring for me to read. (Of course, I did not tell her that). 

Cautionary word of advice: Be careful not to barf information on your readers about the characters to the point where they get bored. That can be a bit too much too. There is definitely a balance between what is told and what is not that needs to be found. Some things are better left to the reader's imagination or left out purposely to create mystery.

I think it is a clever idea to read some writing tips. Even if you are a great writer you can still learn things to make your books even better than before! Have a search for some on Pinterest like I did - you never know what you might find!

Don't feel bad if you're one of those writers that always finds themselves using "said" to an excessive amount - or if you're one of those people who doesn't use it enough! Remember what you read here. Try reading over your work and finding which one flows best for you. I hope this helps! 

Happy summer guys!! Wow, time flies when you are having fun huh? June is already here!