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I try to avoid the necessity for attribution, but when speech would be confusing without it I don't follow the rule of using the 'invisible' said.
For example, "The dog is barking. Why is he barking? What is he barking at?" she questioned.
I would use 'questioned' here because she is obviously more than merely asking; her statement, with its succession of short expressions, denotes bemusement. She is not merely asking, she is puzzled and interrogative.
The invisible said is becoming so bland. If a dialogue tag is needed, make it interesting.
I'm sure your editor will hate that idea!
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