Now I'm going to have read one of his books.
"3. Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue." I agree with this but like to use "spoke" once in a while to help define who's talking. (Don't we all break the rules once in a while?) From my pending manuscript:
“And here’s the deal.” Cove paused and let the phrase sink in, his lips tight but wide, showing neither a frown nor a smile. “You know more about the silver Dodge than you’re tellin’ me.” He paused and spoke with emphasis. “I know it. I can feel it in my bones.” Cove’s head twisted and his eyes narrowed, staring dead into the Hispanic’s eyes. “Armando,” Cove said in a slow staccato voice, steadily tapping out each word. “Who’s the guy that drives the Dodge?”
And one more:
Cove spoke, watching for a reaction. “Sorry about calling you up so late, but you did say ‘anytime, night or day’?”
But maybe I'm not breaking his rule? - Tony
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