Thinking

by A.L Star
23rd December 2012

I read on another site that when a character is thinking something, what they're thinking shouldn't be italic since it isn't the right use of it, but I do this because it's easy for me to remember what's being said out loud and what someone is thinking. If I have been doing the wrong thing, how should I show someone is thinking?

Replies

In my manuscripts use of italics means I'm thinking of moving that particular body of text into the dead file. Needless to say I'm not a fan of them. Your words should convey whose thoughts we are in and why. Leaning letters are lazy in all respects.

Profile picture for user dividedheart
Victoria
Whithear
5240 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Comic
Contemporary
Romance
Young Adult (YA)
Speculative Fiction
Short stories
Writing and Editing
Victoria Whithear
23/12/2012

In my own book, more than one character has an inner voice (though not always their own). This voice is conveyed in italics.

It might not be considered correct, but it helps make clear that there is a voice not normally used by the character in normal dialogue.

I have to agree though that a large block of text is distracting if all italic.

Profile picture for user JB Wilson
John
Wilson
330 points
Developing your craft
Short stories
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Adventure
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Comic
Speculative Fiction
Gothic and Horror
Philosophy and Religion
John Wilson
23/12/2012

I don't use italics. I use inverted commas around the text. Whenever in doubt, I keep it simple. Have you considered looking through contemporary novels.

Profile picture for user Adrian
Adrian
Sroka
19900 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Historical
Middle Grade (Children's)
Young Adult (YA)
Adventure
Adrian Sroka
23/12/2012