This article will teach you when to use single quotation marks in creative writing- whether you’re writing a short story, novel, or screenplay.
Key Facts About Quotation Marks
First, know the difference between a block and a run-on sentence. A block is a sentence or a group of sentences which function independently. In other words, it can stand alone as a complete thought. A run-on sentence is a string of words or a phrase which is linked grammatically and cannot be broken down into separate units. To create a sense of tension and anticipation, use a short, choppy sentence whenever possible in place of a block. You can also use a dash or a colon to separate the different parts of a longer sentence or piece of dialogue. A colon is a full stop followed by a small change in direction and typically appears at the end of a quoted sentence or a run-on sentence. A dash is a full stop followed by a slight change in direction and usually appears at the end of a sentence, though it can appear in place of an adjective or adverb for a brief moment. These punctuation marks help create a sense of tension, suspense, and action in your creative writing.
Second, be sure to use quotation marks where appropriate. In English, the use of quotation marks is relatively new, arising from the French and later the British tradition. In the French language, however, single quotation marks are as old as the language itself. This is because French has always had a strong oral tradition and because it was necessary to quote someone in order to prove their point. The French also often used double quotation marks, but these are extremely rare today. The correct way to do it is to use single quotation marks whenever you are quoting a word or a short phrase. If you are quoting a longer piece of dialogue or a piece of prose, you should use multiple quotation marks as necessary. When in doubt, check with your instructor or a tutor.
Using Single Quotation Marks In Creative Writing
Now that you know the basic facts about quotation marks, let’s discuss when and how to use them effectively in your creative writing.
When To Use Single Quotation Marks In Creative Writing
There are times when you should use single quotation marks in your creative writing instead of block or run-on sentences. Let’s say you are writing a short story about a lonely old woman who finds comfort in her dog Baxter. You might start out with the following dialogue:
“Baxter, go home,” the old woman said, her voice breaking a bit as she spoke the last word. She reached out to pat the dog’s head as it rested on her lap; then she noticed her missing teeth and cringed. She slowly removed her hand and sighed. “I’ll be fine without you, dear boy,” she added, giving the animal one last pat. “Now, go on. You know you want to.”
This is a perfect use of single quotation marks. The words “go home,” “dear boy,” and “fine” are all direct quotations. Notice how easily this short passage of text can be differentiated from a stream-of-consciousness narrative or a traditional story. The use of these precise quotations gives this story a sense of authenticity and places the reader right inside the head of the protagonist. The dialogue here is fluid and natural, but it also flows easily into a clear structure filled with tension and foreshadowing. You can experiment with this technique, using it as sparingly as possible while still maintaining a strong narrative voice.
How To Use Single Quotation Marks In Creative Writing
There is more than one way to use single quotation marks in your creative writing. Let’s say you are writing a short story about a boy who loves comic books and plays video games all day long. One day, the exasperated mother of a classmate chastises the boy for being so obsessed with his hobbies that he doesn’t do his homework. In response, the protagonist defiantly declares:”
“Comic books are my life. I couldn’t live without them.”
In this case, the father of the boy in question happens to be a documentary filmmaker. Since he is more of the “traditional” type, when he watches the movie he will cringe a bit at the liberties the author took with his statements. Still, he will recognize that he was right about the importance of homework in general and the need to be a bit more serious about some things in life. As a filmmaker, he will also understand the need to contextualize material- especially when making a fictional retelling of actual events.
In the same way, if you are writing a traditional love story and decide to include a few too many clichés, your editor will remind you of this story’s lack of authenticity by insisting you use more precise words.
Ultimately, it’s all about balancing authenticity with storytelling. Sometimes you need to choose between the two. Use your best judgment and make the right decision for your story.