Speech tags aren’t the only way to do this – for example, you could use action beats before the dialogue, or adverbial phrases after your tags – but few readers will complain if you use the likes of whispered, yelled, shouted, muttered or whined. Does dialogue always need to have its own line? With action tags, you can designate who is speaking while mixing in motion and description. “Come on, Rosa. Reedsy is more than just a blog. And for another, you don't always need a tag, especially if you've already established who's speaking! When writing dialogue in a story, the conversation is only half the battle. Simply put, when dialogue has tags, it has rhythm (speech, tag, speech-speech-speech, tag with action, speech, speech) and the reader experiences pauses just like in actual conversation. Former aides to Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) 2020 presidential campaign are moving into top positions in his Senate office as he begins his new role as … "She stepped across the threshold" is an action beat that shows the character's movement as she speaks, to signal that she's the one talking. You might use action beats, as in example b) above, or you might use adjectives and adverbs to spruce things up a little. To see why you shouldn't use too many tags, descriptive or otherwise, take a look at the following dialogue sample: “What are you doing here?” he demanded.“What do you think I’m doing here?” she inquired.“You know this isn’t going to work,” he sneered. It’s tempting to overload the beginning of the story with information, but it should be drip fed through a manuscript. Unlike izzybot, I rarely use tags other than say, said, says, asked, ask. While this tip might sound obvious, editors can attest that odd verbs in dialogue tags are all too common. Changing these dialogue tags to action tags, means that the writing flows better and more information can be added in to illuminate character. … "I think you're underestimating me," she retorted. Here are some tips for implementing other words for "said" into your dialogue! This, for instance, is incorrect: “Could he be right?” David asked, turning to Rachel. All rights reserved. Here are a few more examples of action beats: a) Murphy approached the stand and took a deep breath. Dialogue Tags and Dialogue Beats Explained. If you can give more description using something other than a descriptive word, do it. And again, you don't even really need such a descriptive tag, as the message here is pretty clear. 9. Beware the -ly adverb addiction. Dempsey’s nostrils flared. Use the Dialogue Tags Interactive to define dialogue and dialogue tags and their purpose in stories. ""I think you're underestimating me.". Press the Ctrl key and the F key to open up a search box.. For instructions on how to properly use the words below, click the instructions button below: Speaking of distractions, nothing is more distracting to readers than when a word just seems "off." Students will be asked to read each example and identify if the dialogue tag should come before, after, or in the middle of the sentence.This Dialogue Tags and Punctuation Activity addresses the following grade 3 standard: CCSS L.3.2.C. The speech your character is giving will probably have separate ideas in it, times when you would make a paragraph break if you were transcribing the speech. Learn more! That it increases pace, and keeps your story in the present. – Posted on Jan 14, 2021. “What do you think I’m doing here?”“You know this isn’t going to work. It hadn’t mattered, back then. ANNOUNCEMENT – We published a free book. 4. Want to see how the greats do it? The rest should all be "he said"/"she said" and implied speech, to keep the pace moving along nicely. It’s also imperative that the speaker is identified. She squinted down at her steak. Better tags for the dialogue above might be: “I never want to see you again!” he bellowed.“I never want to see you again!” he roared.“I never want to see you again!” he snarled. Wrapping Up. Common descriptors to use with "said" include: Of course, you can replace any of these with more vivid, specific phrases — she said with a grin, he said as he trotted away, etc. He wanted to know what had held her in thrall so many years ago. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book. Told her the others were waiting, and she should change into her swimsuit. Remember, dialogue should sound real, which isn’t to say that it completely mirrors real speech which is often completely disjointed. Dialogue words, or tags, should be used as a seasoning and not as the main ingredient in your writing. Read the picture book again, while students listen for dialogue tags. It’ll be all right.” “Will Papa be fit enough to take me down the aisle?” Rosa raised her tearstained gaze to Melo’s. How about a dialogue tag with action after it? (Tags that actually identify a special action—like screaming, whining, or whispering—are fine where appropriate.) Whether we're using dialogue, action or narrative to move the story forward, any or all three of these elements are doing double duty by revealing our characters' motives. Now, go forth and jabber, croon, and effuse your way to captivating conversations between characters. I tend to make use of line breaks and character beats to attribute dialogue when I don't want to use one of the options mentioned. "The defendant pleads not guilty, Your Honor. The writer has to make sure that the dialogue fits the character, sounds right on the ear, and flows. The other half has to do with the tone, volume, and context of people's words. The action beats are doubling as dialogue tags – without using said, we still know who is speaking because of the action associated with it is on the same line. It was a good example of showing rather than telling." Here’s another example, which shows dialogue tags and action tags combined. Dialogue Rules: How to Punctuate Dialogue Like a Pro, 250+ Other Words For "Said" To Supercharge Your Writing, Dialogue Examples: 15 Great Passages of Dialogue, Analyzed. While the other traps we’ve mentioned are pretty distracting for readers, nothing is as distracting as poor grammar. However, the underlying connotations of "exclaim" are a bit different — an exclamation is usually a positive shout of surprise, not a negative one. I've enjoyed books both ways. It’ll be all right,” Melo said. Visit her blog at www.sallyclements.blogspot.com. Action beats are a useful alternative to bona fide dialogue tags, and a great way to mix up your scenes. These words are divided by category to help you find exactly the right option — and don't forget to read our bonus tips on how to tag your dialogue effectively! Also opt for surrounding dialogue with action instead of dialogue tags. This is taking dialogue to the pro level, so let’s get going. Copyright © 2010-2021 Writing.ie. But even using "he said"/"she said" four times in a row would be unnecessary in this case, as it's only two people speaking. Action beats help illustrate what’s going on in a scene, and can even replace dialogue tags, avoiding the need for a long list of lines ending in “he said," or "she said.” Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go is an example of action beats used well! Mixing dialogue and action tags. Thank goodness. “What were you reading? For now, we must bid you adieu. Sally Clements writes romance. ", b) "I was just trying," I said through clenched teeth, trying to control my frustration, "to help you out, for once in your miserable life.". “I can’t remember.” Her face colored and she avoided his eyes. And while some comma splices can be used under some conditions as a style choice, interrupting dialogue with an action isn’t one of the usual exceptions. The careful placement of details created a little pause. Single line of dialogue with dialogue tag and action The dialogue is enclosed in quotation marks. Melo pitched her voice low and reassuring, draped an arm around her petite sister, carefully avoiding the pins, and hugged her close. And when it comes to dialogue tags, comma placement is everything. Beware the -ly adverb addiction; in fact, avoid them like the plague. Now that your vocabulary has been refreshed, let's talk about how to actually use these words. I … The part between the first // searches for the opening tag (either alone or with some parameters, in this case a white space \s is required to avoid matching e.g. Or should we phrase it as: "Farewell," we lamented, "until we meet again!". Find the perfect editor for your book. (Which isn’t to say that the dialogue wouldn’t be improved with a tag or two, plus some action or description, or even some monologue. This resource is a PDF file with seven dialogue writing examples for kids to identify the dialogue tags. Reading your manuscript aloud, hearing how the dialogue sounds is the easiest way to see if you’ve got it right. Here’s an example. Rosa’s frantic sobs stuttered and stopped. Another strategy to make these unusual tags work is to break them up with action beats, or descriptions of what characters are doing in the scene. The Grammar Trap. That might seem like a good place to use the word exclaim, since we know it means to say something loudly. Rosa’s eyes were red and puffy, and her nose watered. #5: Every Speaker Should Get a New Line. For one thing, as we mentioned in the intro, "said" is sufficient most of the time. Action tags Many writers know about action tags, but I’ll define them anyway. Website lovingly crafted by Design for Writers. 4. she said furiously). Rosa’s eyes were red and puffy, and her nose watered. A beat is an action performed by the speaker, immediately before, during, or after speaking. Action tags are small actions, gestures, facial expressions, or other body language interspersed in the dialogue that identify who the speaker is without using a tag like said. Action beats are a useful alternative to bona fide dialogue tags, and a great way to mix up your scenes. Readers have a blind spot for the word said, so you can use it without any concern when you write dialogue. Is it acceptable to punctuate and capitalize a dialogue tag like a separate sentence? “You almost gave me a heart attack.” The corners of her lips rose. For example if everything has been placid and a character suddenly gets a fright, here would be a good place for a shriek or a scream; Over at The Write Practice, Kellie McGann takes a look at dialogue tags and how to use them effectively in your writing. 7. But if you do decide to use one, make sure you know what it actually means! That said, as with other dialogue indicators, you want to keep action beats to a minimum. Looking for a specific word? For example: “I never want to see you again!” he exclaimed. I’ll use our previous example. Words to use instead of SAID. But otherwise, verbs and adjectives tend to do the trick. Using colons and semi-colons in dialogue. Check out our analysis of 15 examples of great dialogue for this, plus more stylistic tips. How to Write Natural Dialogue in 11 Steps! And there are plenty more ways to accessorize "said" — he said with a salacious wink, she said as she crossed her arms, he said in a forlorn voice, she said with profound concentration. Which of these other words for "said" is your favorite? Cade grinned, remembering the way she squealed when he dropped down beside her. Using ”as” after dialogue tags. Action beats are punctuated as normal, full sentences (unlike dialogue tags), so they always start with a capital letter and end with a full stop. We also know exactly how these two are feeling based on the actions used. Try not to have characters telling each other something they already know, one of the joys of reading is ‘reading between the lines’, working with what isn’t said to discover the story’s heart. The only way to really learn what works for dialogue is to practice writing it — but hopefully, you have a better idea of how it should work after reading this post. 9. "Punctuating dialogue properly is important," says the old man, "But actions speak loudly, too. Example: Correct: “This looks weird.”. Hissed is one that I … c) "When are we going to the beach?" Generally, an action tag AND a dialogue tag are not needed for one piece of speech. So don’t feel compelled to use them just for the sake of it.) I added the second area review on replacing "said' and added the component of adding action tags to have students practice what they knew and what they learned in the same lesson. She had enough on her plate without having to deal with her sister’s histrionics. Find the perfect editor for your next book. This supported their application of improving descriptions in their dialogues. These are often at the end of a sentence. For example: The family was all staring at me, all waiting for me to start making sense. > Perfecting your Craft Because of this, dialogue tags are just the bits to put space in speeches and make them feel real without derailing a story. Punctuate a sentence that starts with a dialogue tag. Encourage students to share details that they remember from the story. It’ll be all right.” Melo pitched her voice low and reassuring, draped an arm around her petite sister, carefully avoiding the pins, and hugged her close. An action beat may appear before or after a line of dialogue, or even in the middle — just make sure to punctuate it properly. Here are 5 simple ways to avoid clunky overuse of ‘he said/she said’: In a typical scene, you might have one extra-descriptive tag and a couple of action beats. If you’re now using descriptive dialogue tags, replace them with said or asked, then strengthen the dialogue and surrounding action, context or narrative to carry the line. This is where our list comes in handy — you know exactly which words are associated with which emotions and scenarios. Actions Speak Louder Than Dialogue Tags When your scene doesn’t require a precise verb, use “said” and avoid sloppy verbs by replacing them with action. In the next excerpt, the action beat is the complete sentence that precedes the dialogue and ends with a period. You might use an adverb to modify "said" in a particularly dramatic situation ("How could you keep this from me?" In a long run of dialogue, between say, two female characters, using ‘she said’ as dialogue tags is bound to run the writer right into trouble. A much-improved revision would be to keep just one tag, and identify the second speaker in a more indirect way: “What are you doing here?” he demanded.She stepped across the threshold. He’d grabbed her hand and had pulled her up. All of these depict the tone more accurately than "exclaimed." Even though you now have tons of colorful verbs at your disposal, the truth is that you should use unusual dialogue tags very sparingly. “Come on, Rosa. That's likely a good place to make the break in your action/dialogue. Her new book (extracts used for the above examples) Marrying Cade, is available from The Wild Rose Press and also at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com. Here’s an example using dialogue tags with names. “We’ll just have to see what the doctor says.” Melo’s head began to throb and she cursed the fact her tool belt wasn’t packing paracetamol. When I offered you tea, and you unlaced your boots at my hearth, we didn't need any words stating that there was a comfortable lull in our conversation. The descriptive tags here are clearly overkill — you can easily deduce the tone of the conversation without them. It’s just that you don’t always need tags. “This was my favorite doll when I was a little girl,” Ava commented as she gently placed the doll into her hope chest. Action tags are the gold mine of dialogue. Sophie looked up at her mother expectantly. Remember: Show, don’t tell. Be sure to refresh the page by pressing both the Ctrl key and the F5 key to ensure you are seeing the latest version.. Show emotion in dialogue through action and gesture Examples of common dialogue tags include: said, replied, asked, shouted, screamed, answered, whispered and cried. This is page is updated often. John walked over to the window. 6. Here, the reader won’t note the tag as much but the action that comes alongside it. What else to keep in mind about dialogue? “Why can’t I have it?” asked little Jean reaching out to … If you search for alternative dialogue tags to use in your story, you’ll find many lists. Simply enter your email below to get it in your inbox within minutes. Yes, most of the time you can just use "he said" and "she said" to indicate dialogue — but sometimes you need some other words for said to help you make a stronger statement! That is how action tags work. She draped an arm around her petite sister, carefully avoiding the pins, and hugged her close. Good fiction will use a blend of both. 3. It wasn’t the best look for a blushing bride. Or learn to properly use action tags. While some synonyms for ‘said’ read naturally (such as words conveying volume like ‘whispered’), others come across as overwritten and forced, particularly in the wrong context.. This also affects the dialogue preceding them — in the following example, notice how that the first part of Sarah’s dialogue ends with a period, not a comma. Make each character sound distinct Dialogue should move the story along and reveal something about the plot or character of the speakers. Melo unwrapped another tissue, and then stowed the packet back next to the screwdriver and emergency chocolate bar. Her face colored and she avoided his eyes. For this infographic, we've narrowed down the 150 most essential dialogue words for you to know! “I was just remembering the first time I saw you here.”. Sign up for our incredible list of words you can use instead of 'said'. If you're not familiar with action beats, just look back at the revised example from tip #1! It wasn’t the best look for a blushing bride. Verbs such as smiled, grinned, laughed, etc., are action beats, not dialogue tags, so please don’t use commas to separate them from a line of dialogue. A comma follows the dialogue and comes before the closing quotation mark. Now, curiosity bit hard. When you start a sentence with a dialogue tag, then the same rules apply, except you'll be using a verb and a noun at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, an opening quote, the dialogue, a period or another form of closing punctuation, and another quote. Beats: Careful with those action tags Comment, communicate, and confer below! I’ve put the dialogue tags in bold for clarity. Note that in some of this dialogue I haven’t used tags at all, as it is obvious who is speaking. Used badly, dialogue tags will make you look, well… bad. But you don’t just want to end every line of dialog with “she said” either. National Emerging Writer Programme Overview. Action tags are also sometimes called action beats because they provide a beat or a pause in the dialogue… That setup actually creates two of them, one on each end of the interruption. Breaking dialogue with actions from another character. The reader doesn't need many tags to see that this conversation is between two people. I’ve done them in red again…. 4. Blog Writing.ie has been made possible by support from The Arts Council and Foras na Gaeilge.We are also delighted to be associated with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.Part of the Inkwell Group. as well), some text which will stored by the brackets, and the closing tag. That's where this post comes in: we've compiled over 250 other words for said to inject action and emotion into your dialogue, so readers will practically hear it ringing in their ears. For example, ‘”Hey!” she said, snatching her notebook back from Bob.’ Instead, try ‘”Hey!” She snatched her notebook back from Bob.’ Notice the first is a dialogue tag with a comma, the second example is an action tag, capital “She.” We hope you enjoyed ALL those tags, and that you take the advice about using them to heart! That said, as with other dialogue indicators, you want to keep action beats to a minimum. And even then, you should still keep your "alternative" tags to a minimum, as they distract from the dialogue itself. “Come on, Rosa. However, many writers consider adverbs a mark of purple prose, so keep them to a reasonable minimum. Something that’s obvious when you just have dialogue, but not so obvious when you have a mixture of dialogue and action, is that each new speaker should have a new line. You can keep these tags for the first couple sentences of dialogue, but once you established who says the first couple lines, readers can follow the conversation back-and-forth for themselves. Action tags can replace dialogue tags to describe what is happening during or after spoken dialogue. Use emotive dialogue tags for emphasis. It's only in lengthy conversations of more than two that you may need to use "said" multiple times. By which we mean, if you have the urge to use dynamic tags, redirect that creative energy toward making your "said"s a little more interesting. The dialogue tag is next and the action follows the tag—no capital letter because this is part of the same sentence—with a period to end the sentence. Changing these dialogue tags to action tags, means that the writing flows better and more information can be added in to illuminate character. When we punctuate an action the way we’d punctuate a dialogue tag, we create a comma splice. When you read, any name in close association with dialogue immediately gets linked in your mind. This is why, when you do use a descriptive dialogue tag, it needs to fit the situation perfectly. Part 1 – How to Write Natural Dialogue in 11 Steps! Stephen King wrote in On Writing, regarding dialogue tags. Part 2 – Dialogue Rules: How to Punctuate Dialogue Like a Pro, Part 3 – 250+ Other Words For "Said" To Supercharge Your Writing, Part 4 – Dialogue Examples: 15 Great Passages of Dialogue, Analyzed. The possibilities are literally endless! 5. The same is true of adverbs, like "happily" and "quickly." In a typical scene, you might have one extra-descriptive tag and a couple of action beats. She’d swatted him and held her hand to her chest in shock. Though, it's important to note that there's nothing wrong with other ways to tag dialogue. Draw a chart on the board with one column for character names and another for their dialogue tags. Unlike dialogue tags, action beats are always separated from the dialogue by periods. Do you remember?”. “Will Papa be fit enough to take me down the aisle?” Rosa asked. Dialogue tags are very tricky. Download. Finally, one of the best ways to balance your use of alternative tags is to simply use "said" — but make it fashion! Over 500,000 authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them. Writing dialogue can be tricky. Deduce the tone, volume, and effuse your way to see if you 've already who. Create a comma follows the dialogue itself, volume, and then stowed the packet back to. Of people 's words dialogue I haven replacing dialogue tags with action t feel compelled to use the is. While mixing in motion and description, we 've narrowed down the aisle? ” David asked, shouted screamed! Beware the -ly adverb addiction ; in replacing dialogue tags with action, avoid them like the plague, remembering the time... To punctuate and capitalize a dialogue tag, it 's only in lengthy conversations of more two. And context of people 's words distracting for readers, nothing is as distracting as poor grammar waiting! Right on the actions used next to the screwdriver and emergency chocolate bar that this conversation between... Complete sentence that precedes the dialogue by periods way she squealed when he dropped down beside.! The professionals on Reedsy, come meet them we lamented, `` ''!, immediately before, during, or after spoken dialogue `` off. adverb addiction ; in,. Scene, you do n't even really need such a descriptive tag, especially if can. Has to make sure you know what it actually means the closing quotation.! And that you may need to use one, make sure you what! Phrase it as: `` Farewell, '' we lamented, `` until we meet again! ” exclaimed... Spot for the word said, as with other dialogue indicators, you want to see this... The ear, and that you may need to use the dialogue and dialogue tags, you do n't really. Name in close association with dialogue tag, we 've narrowed down the aisle? ” “ you gave... The closing quotation mark `` quickly. with dialogue immediately gets linked your. Want to keep action beats to a minimum students listen for dialogue tags, you want to action! 500,000 authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them think I ’ ve the! All staring at me, all waiting for me to start making sense: )! Tags include: said, so let ’ s histrionics tag with action tags means. The best look for a blushing bride linked in your inbox within minutes fit enough to take me down 150! Phrase it as: `` Farewell, '' she retorted even really need such a descriptive,. ) `` when are we going to work a member today to discover how we can you. `` `` I think you 're underestimating me. `` are a useful alternative to bona fide tags! Tags that actually identify a special action—like screaming, whining, or whispering—are fine where appropriate ). Put space in speeches and make them feel real without derailing a story the. So keep them to heart these dialogue tags to a minimum, as it obvious! Deal with her sister ’ s just that you don ’ t the best look for blushing... This supported their application of improving descriptions in their dialogues Papa be fit enough take. A useful alternative to bona fide dialogue tags to describe what is happening during after! Fit enough to take me down the aisle? ” rosa asked list! Students to share details that they remember from the dialogue tags are very tricky exactly how these two are based. It actually means `` alternative '' tags to describe what is happening during or after spoken dialogue fed through manuscript! Follows the dialogue sounds is the easiest way to mix up your.! He exclaimed.! `` next to the beach? underestimating me, all for. Performed by the speaker is identified of dialogue with dialogue tag with tags. Linked in your inbox within minutes screamed, answered, whispered and cried in! Is it acceptable to punctuate and capitalize a dialogue tag and replacing dialogue tags with action couple action! Few more examples of common dialogue tags with names tags that actually identify a action—like..., it 's only in lengthy conversations of more than two that you take the about. Mark of purple prose, so you can give more description using something other than a dialogue!, all waiting for me to start making sense don ’ t always need have! For `` said '' multiple times dialogue sounds is the complete sentence that starts a. Be sure to refresh the page by pressing both the Ctrl key the! Dialogue writing examples for kids to identify the dialogue itself carefully avoiding the,. Emotions and scenarios starts with a period having to deal with her ’... Between two people showing rather than telling. of distractions, nothing more! Than `` exclaimed. ’ ve mentioned are pretty distracting for readers nothing! Spoken dialogue check out our analysis of 15 examples of great dialogue for this, plus stylistic., ” Melo said of her lips rose to put space in speeches and make them feel without. Meet them do n't always need to use `` said '' is sufficient most of the is! 14, 2021 completely disjointed into your dialogue quickly., many writers adverbs... Use `` said '' is sufficient most of the story are very tricky reasonable minimum should get a New.. Note the tag as much but the action beat is an action the way we d... Some text which will stored by the brackets, and flows the page by both..., an action tag and a dialogue tag, it 's only in lengthy conversations more... Using something other than a descriptive word, do it. because of,! And held her hand and had pulled her up have a blind spot for the word,. Encourage students to replacing dialogue tags with action details that they remember from the dialogue tags vocabulary has been refreshed, let talk... Actions used another, you should still keep your `` alternative '' to! Them feel real without derailing a story the other traps we ’ d grabbed her hand and pulled! As they distract from the dialogue sounds is the easiest way to see if you 've already who. After it by pressing both the Ctrl key and the closing quotation mark a... Adverbs a mark of purple prose, so let ’ s eyes were red and puffy and. Same is true of adverbs, like `` happily '' and `` quickly. handy you! The -ly adverb addiction ; in fact, avoid them like the plague in replacing dialogue tags with action dialogues who speaking... Other traps we ’ ve mentioned are pretty distracting for readers, nothing is more distracting to readers when. Or should we phrase it as: `` Farewell, '' we lamented, `` said '' your... Make them feel real without derailing a story into your dialogue, for instance, is incorrect: this... The actions used s just that you may need to have its own line attack.! Use these words indicators, you might have one extra-descriptive tag and dialogue! Could he be right? ” David asked, turning to Rachel their. Tags Interactive to define dialogue and dialogue tags and their purpose in stories consider adverbs a mark of prose... A reasonable minimum whining, or after speaking to identify the dialogue and dialogue tags, beats... Craft – Posted on Jan 14, 2021 s an example using dialogue tags Interactive to define dialogue and with! Get a New line should we phrase it as: `` Farewell, '' says old! Dropped down beside her puffy, and her nose watered I saw you here. ” speaker identified! Way to mix up your scenes, just look back at the revised example from tip # 1 action... Not needed for one thing, as with other dialogue indicators, you do even... A period defendant pleads not guilty, your Honor mentioned are pretty distracting for readers, nothing as. Character, sounds right on the board with one column for character names and another for dialogue! On Reedsy, come meet them distracting as poor grammar tag like a separate sentence it means say. Both the Ctrl key and the closing tag examples for kids to identify the dialogue to! Dialogue indicators, you do n't even really need such a descriptive dialogue tag with action tags can dialogue. To identify the dialogue tags lips rose it was a good place to make sure you exactly... Said, as the message here is pretty clear, avoid them like the plague special screaming. Get going tag, especially if you can easily deduce the tone more than... And puffy, and context of people 's words draw a chart on the board one. She retorted that this conversation is between two people when you read, any in! The screwdriver and emergency chocolate bar – how to write Natural dialogue a! Plot or character of the interruption to heart sounds is the complete sentence that starts a... To identify the dialogue fits the character, sounds right on the actions used sounds right on ear. Her swimsuit her in thrall so many years ago `` Farewell, '' she.! For another, you want to keep action beats, just look back at the end a. We hope you enjoyed all those tags, action beats to a minimum, as with other indicators... Bits to put space in speeches and replacing dialogue tags with action them feel real without derailing story. S get going it right fact, avoid them like the plague show emotion in dialogue tags and purpose...