I have been editing my grammar and punctuation in my Book in a Year project before I finish of the ending and just wanted to clarify something with Lou or anyone else who has had a final edit done to their work. Below are some passages (repeated three times) of conversation and I wanted to know of each, which the correct format?
Is there a standard or is it a preference to the way a comma and lower case letters follow/interrupts a sentence of speech? After consulting many punctuation books and novels I have found all three methods used as given below – can anyone enlighten me as to the choices?
Also are the given lower case letters following the speech only for pronouns or can it be for verbs, nouns and adjectives, or is it selective?
I know all this must seem utterly confusing but … there is no place I go to find out. Help!
EXAMPLES:
1)“You were lucky then. We are slowly sinking the slave trade that you would otherwise have been taken into.” He seemed reserved in his offering of information. “I shall take you to a boarding house that keeps many potential students. Do you have the means to pay for lodgings?”
“I think so, at least for a few nights.”
The man nodded stiffly before ending their conversation. “Very well.”
2)“You were lucky then. We are slowly sinking the slave trade that you would otherwise have been taken into,” he seemed reserved in his offering of information. “I shall take you to a boarding house that keeps many potential students. Do you have the means to pay for lodgings?”
“I think so, at least for a few nights.”
The man nodded stiffly before ending their conversation, “Very well.”
1)Aleyah blinked. “Are you certain this is the way?” her brow creased in concern.
2)Aleyah blinked, “Are you certain this is the way?” her brow creased in concern.
1)“Bugger,” Aleyah yelled. “If I have to wash the floor again I won’t be pretty by morning.”
2)“Bugger.” Aleyah yelled, “If I have to wash the floor again I won’t be pretty by morning.”
