I was just editing a client’s memoir and noticed quite a few ellipses in an email from a friend in the story. I asked, Is that really how this character would write? If not, try replacing most of them with commas or periods.
Why?
Because the main character already uses ellipses throughout her own dialogue and inner thoughts. By that point, I’d grown used to seeing her liberal use of them. But this is one of those subtle ways we can differentiate voices on the page.
If you naturally write with lots of ellipses—and they beautifully reflect your narrative voice—that’s cool. Keep them where they belong. (Ideally for moments of hesitation, interruption, longing, uncertainty, or thoughts that intentionally drift away.)
Think of punctuation as choreography.
It tells the reader when to breathe, pause, rush ahead, or linger.
But when you’re writing dialogue, emails, letters, texts, or journal entries from another character, their punctuation becomes part of their personality. Giving them a different rhythm helps create the feeling that another human being is speaking—not just the author wearing a different hat. 
Even though you know I love me a good hat.
It’s a small craft choice, but readers feel the difference, even if they can’t quite explain why.
These tiny craft tweaks create a surprisingly big effect. They’re the sort of thing readers don’t consciously notice, but they absolutely feel.
Little observations like these—the ones that help writers hear voice instead of just learn rules—are often the most valuable because they teach instinct as well as technique.
I’ll try to share more of these little craft tips more often.
And hi!
I’ve missed you.
It’s been a minute since I blogged… or maybe a million minutes.
I’ve been pouring my creative fire into a few other projects (more on those soon), but I started this blog back in something like 2006, if memory serves, and it feels really good to be back on this page.
I hope you’re finding time to create whatever your heart is aching to create today. To wrangle this wild thing we call time. She’s a beast for all of us. Ha. But she’s absolutely worth wrestling to the ground.
I still have one spot left in my July 30th Virtual Retreat, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible group of writers. If you’d like to be our fifth. (I keep my retreats intentionally small so everyone gets plenty of time for group brainstorming, manuscript feedback, and one-on-one attention.) You can learn more here.
In the meantime, happy weekend, my friend.
Has anyone told you you’re wicked beautiful this morning? 
Write on! 
Linda x
