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Yes, that is acceptable. In dialogue, the only thing I'd say is unacceptable is trying to duplicate "sound effects" in the speech itself.Like if somebody is speaking with a mouth full of sandwich; ...
Your narration can also be more casual -- it depends on the overall tone of the work, but the Narrator POV is sort of a character, too. Sometimes, if it's generally more formal, by using the cas...
There is a myriad of different ways your sergeant could be feeling and acting regarding his subordinate. He could value his former sweetheart's happiness, and thus be protective of her husband, f...
I think instead of creating the language, you can save a lot of time by just doing as you did in the question: Decide on features of the language that will make a psychological difference in the ch...
If you're writing from the patient's POV, it's probably easier. You can show the patient's unfiltered reactions and thoughts to the doctor's questions before writing the patient's answer. "So, ...
It depends on the context. If you think it is clear to a reader who is speaking, don't use a tag. If you think it will not be clear who is speaking, put the tag first, to orient the reader, so th...
For me, it all has to do with rhythm. Read the conversation aloud. You'll hear where dialog tags feel like they should and shouldn't be. This is one of the ways that reading a lot educates writers...
Please note that I used to hand write everything and only type up what I felt was worthwhile later, largely due to a rather slow typing speed. Now I tend to do one or the other, typing some project...
In my experience, writing by hand is better for brainstorming and first drafts, and typing is better for editing later drafts. I usually work out new ideas on paper - I tend to have a lot of ques...
I remember what a huge deal it was when I graduated from elementary school (6th grade, age 12) and got my first typewriter as a gift. It was even an electric one! I already knew how to type becau...
The pros and cons of this choice are already covered in other answers from an objective perspective but I think it's important to consider the subjective assessment as well. Ultimately, the best s...
I think in recent years the gap between what is "possible" in a prose vs. film (both cinema and TV) has narrowed significantly - historically the limitations and expense of things like CGI and prac...
While the answers thus far are good, and match my advice (just do it), they seem light on the mechanics. For the writing process it is important that you show and highlight unusual features of your...
I've noticed something about many books and movies. Just as two characters are getting into a deep conversation, either sharing something important or showing emotion or leaning forward slowly to k...
A metaphor: at the top of the mountain is a well-reasoned exposition of the events of the story along with the reactions of those entities occupying the story; by well reasoned, I mean that the eve...
+1 wetcircuit; my initial thought as well (have other people comment on their appearance). So, something different: You don't need a mirror for the MC to comment on themselves, particularly with f...
Most people don't constantly think about their own appearance, which can make first person appearance describing a little awkward. But there are some legitimate times we do think a lot about how w...
But I've read that it's lazy writing to express the state of mind or event by just mentioning third part scene. I mean I can also elaborately mention her state of mind by showing all the other t...
Have them be mistaken for a celebrity He felt a tap on his shoulder. It was the woman who was staring at him before. "Excuse me, aren't you... No... Has anyone ever told you you look just like......
It tells us nothing The phrase Gary Jules 'Mad Mad World' has no emotional resonance with me whatsoever. It is not shorthand for "a specific emotional state". Popular music is not a universal ex...
I will provide quotes from The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed., and from The Editors Blog. The links to Chicago are behind a paywall and, unfortunately, can only be viewed if you have a subscript...
All instructions writers wrestle with these terms. Just remember that instructions should be absolutely clear, without ambiguity. "Preferred" can be ambiguous. Does a "preferred" printer stay that ...
My suggestion is to casually alude to it. I'm taking up the 'men is dress' example you mentioned. If you have characters going shopping for clothes, you can have both men and women casually comment...
Men do wear skirts: kilts, sarongs, hakamas, fustanellas... If your world is culturally diverse, any and all of those might have become common enough. In sci-fi stories in particular, new fashions ...
Treat it as if it were normal Where I live slavery is not considered normal. The notion that my neighbour had a slave in their house would probably end up on national news and cause public stir. O...
