The Art of Breathing in Your Writing

This whole month, I’ve illustrated how to use punctuation to control pacing through breathing in your writing.

No, I’m not talking about literal breathing — although, I assure you, that’s important, too — but rather how the rhythm of your writing controls the pace, the pauses, and ultimately, the impact of your story.

Explaining Pacing in Writing

Pacing in writing refers to the speed at which a story unfolds, guiding the reader through the narrative at a rhythm that enhances the experience.

Pacing is a crucial element of storytelling because it controls the flow, influencing how readers perceive the events, characters, and emotions in your story. It’s like the heartbeat of your narrative. Fast pacing can build excitement and tension; slow pacing allows for reflection and emotional depth.

The key to mastering pacing is understanding how to use pauses effectively. Pauses are the breaths in your writing — they give your reader a moment to absorb what’s happening and prepare for what’s next.

Pacing Ideas and Concepts

1. Pacing and Genre.

Different genres have different pacing expectations. Action-packed thrillers often have fast pacing, with short sentences and quick transitions to maintain excitement and suspense. On the other hand, literary fiction might have a slower pace, allowing for detailed character exploration and thematic development. Understanding your genre’s typical pacing can help you meet reader expectations.

2. Sentence Structure and Pacing.

One of the most direct ways to control pacing is through sentence structure. Short, choppy sentences can create a sense of urgency, making the reader feel like things are happening rapidly.

He ran. The door slammed. Silence.

This structure conveys speed and tension. Conversely, longer, more complex sentences can slow the pace, encouraging readers to take their time and absorb the details:

He ran through the darkened hallways, the sound of his footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls — the door creaked shut behind him, plunging the room into an eerie silence.

3. Pacing through Dialogue.

Dialogue can significantly impact pacing. Rapid-fire exchanges between characters can speed up the pace, especially during arguments or high-stakes situations. Pauses between lines, indicated by ellipses or dashes, can create tension and slow down the pace, making readers hang on to every word.

4. Pacing with Action and Description.

Action scenes are usually fast-paced, with less description and more direct movement. They keep readers on the edge of their seats, racing through the narrative to see what happens next. However, to prevent exhaustion, action scenes are often balanced with slower-paced sections that provide descriptive detail, character introspection, or world-building.

5. Pacing through Chapter and Scene Breaks.

Where you choose to end a chapter or scene can also affect pacing. Cliffhangers create a quick, dramatic end, urging the reader to continue. In contrast, a chapter that ends on a reflective note can give readers a chance to pause and consider what they’ve read.

6. Varying Pacing for Impact.

Effective storytelling often involves varying the pace to maintain reader interest. A story that’s too fast all the way through can be exhausting, while a story that’s too slow can be dull. By mixing fast-paced action with slower, more contemplative moments, you create a dynamic rhythm that keeps readers engaged.

7. Pacing and Reader Emotion.

Pacing isn’t just about speed; it’s also about controlling the emotional impact of your story. A slower pace can give readers time to connect with characters and feel the weight of their experiences. A faster pace can heighten the intensity of action or drama. By understanding how pacing affects emotion, you can better control how your readers feel as they move through your story.

8. Pacing and Plot Development.

Regarding plot, pacing is about deciding how quickly events unfold and how much time you spend on different parts of the story. For example, a slower pace might be used to build suspense before a major plot twist, while a faster pace might be used to rush toward the climax. Balancing these elements is key to maintaining momentum and interest throughout your story.

Controlling Pacing With Punctuation

And now, we come full circle. Ellipses, periods, hyphens and dashes, em-dashes, en-dashes, colons, semi-colons, commas, and Oxford Commas.

Punctuation marks are your best friends when it comes to creating these pauses. A well-placed comma or a thoughtful em-dash can slow down the reader just enough to highlight a crucial point or create suspense. Ellipses … linger in the moment, feeling the weight of what’s unsaid. Periods are the full stops, giving your readers a chance to take a breath and process the sentence before moving on.

The beauty of using pauses is that it gives you, the writer, control over the reader’s experience by indicating to the reader when to take a breath. You can guide them through your story at the pace you want, rushing through action scenes or slowing down for heartfelt moments.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment with pacing. Play with pauses, vary your sentence lengths, and watch how the rhythm of your story transforms.

R

The Oxford Comma: Friend or Foe?

Ah, the Oxford comma! A tiny and rather misunderstood punctuation that causes a surprisingly big debate amongst editors.

Ye Olde Oxford Comma

The expression "Oxford comma" comes from its association with the Oxford University Press, a prestigious publishing house linked to the University … of Oxford. Duh.

The association dates to the early 20th century when the Oxford University Press’s style guide (often referred to as "Hart's Rules," first published in 1893 by Horace Hart, who was the Controller of the Oxford University Press) advocated for the use of the serial comma to avoid ambiguity in writing.

People thought the name was catchy, so yeah, here we are.

The term became widely recognized because the Oxford style guide insisted on this punctuation to ensure clarity in writing, especially in complex lists where the meaning could be ambiguous without the comma.

Cool. But What Does It Mean To Me?

If you’re a new author, you’ve probably come across the Oxford comma — sometimes called the serial comma — and wondered, "Do I really need this?"

Hmmm … maybe?

The Oxford comma comes before the "and" in a list of three or more items. Example:

I packed my bags, my camera, and my notebook.

Without the Oxford comma, it reads:

I packed my bags, my camera and my notebook.

Sure, it’s a small mechanical difference, but it translates to a world of difference in clarity and meaning.

Please consider this classic example:

I’d like to thank my parents, Oprah Winfrey and God.

Without the Oxford comma, it sounds like your parents are Oprah and God. That’s pretty awesome but probably not what you meant.

By adding the Oxford comma, it becomes clear that you’re thanking three separate entities:

I’d like to thank my parents, Oprah Winfrey, and God.

Hey, look, ma — it’s a list!

Okay, Brass Tax and Donuts: What’s the Technical Difference Between an Oxford and a Regular Comma?

A “regular comma” is any comma used according to standard punctuation rules, which includes separating elements in a sentence, such as items in a list, clauses, or adjectives. An example again:

I packed my shoes, my hat and my jacket.

You use an Oxford Comma in a list of three or more items. The Oxford Comma is the comma placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction (usually "and" or "or") in a list of three or more items. Vualla:

I packed my shoes, my hat, and my jacket.

Here, the Oxford comma is the one after "hat."

It’s more readable, wouldn’t you say?

Why Use It?

Well, some style guides require it, whereas others do not.

Style Guides that Prefer the Oxford Comma:

• The Chicago Manual of Style: Strongly advocates for the Oxford comma, especially in complex sentences, to ensure clarity.

• APA (American Psychological Association): Also recommends using the Oxford comma in academic writing to avoid potential confusion.

• MLA (Modern Language Association): Prefers the Oxford comma for similar reasons, especially in scholarly works.

Style Guides that Don't Require the Oxford Comma:

• AP (Associated Press) Style: Generally does not require the Oxford comma, except in cases where its absence would lead to ambiguity. The AP style is commonly used in journalism and by news organizations.

• The New York Times Stylebook: Follows a similar approach to AP, often omitting the Oxford comma unless it's necessary for clarity.

Editor Preferences:

• Clarity and Consistency: Many editors prefer the Oxford comma because it prevents misinterpretation and awkward sentences. They see it as a simple way to ensure that a sentence's meaning is clear.

• Style Guide Adherence: Editors often follow the preferred style of the publication they are working with, so their use of the Oxford comma might be determined by the house style rather than personal preference.

• Flexibility: Some editors adopt a flexible approach, using the Oxford commas when it adds clarity but omitting them when the sentence is straightforward.

While some styles don’t require it, and it’s not a hard rule, using the Oxford comma can often save you from potential confusion.

So, should you use the Oxford comma? My opinion: you should, yes, most of the time! It’s a simple way to keep your writing sharp and your meaning clear. Plus, it’s one of those small details that can set you apart as a careful, thoughtful writer.

R

#WritingTips #OxfordComma #NewAuthors

Behold! The Mighty Comma, Colon, and Semi-Colon

For weeks now, I’ve been talking about breathing in your writing.

Pausing and waiting — bridging ideas with dashes or slowing the reader down to emphasize something, like when something dark and sinister waits for them just around the corner.

Today, we’re talking about the most common nitty-gritty punctuation tools: the comma, colon, semi-colon, and period. These little marks can make a big difference in your writing, but they can also trip you up if you're not careful.

Let’s break them down in a friendly, no-fuss-no-muss way.

The Comma (,)

Think of the comma as the humble sidekick of punctuation. It's there to help you out, making your sentences clearer and your lists tidier. Use commas to separate items in a series:

I packed my bag with a notebook, a pen, and a sandwich.

They also help when you’re linking independent clauses with conjunctions:

Yeah, I wanted to write a novel, but I decided to write short stories instead.

The Colon (:)

The colon is like a drumroll. It introduces lists, quotes, explanations, or a punchline.

She had one goal: to become a published author.

Notice how it sets the stage for something important? When using colons, make sure what comes before it is a complete sentence on its own.

The Semi-Colon (;)

Ah, the semi-colon — oh man, I love these guys! Often misunderstood yet incredibly useful, the semi-colon is a bridge between closely related ideas. Think of it as stronger than a comma but not as final as a period.

I love writing flash fiction; it allows me to tell powerful stories with fewer words.

But the semi-colon is so much more!

• Clarifying Complex Lists: When listing items that include commas, a semi-colon helps avoid confusion.

  • Example: "The conference will feature talks by Jane Smith, an author; John Doe, a publisher; and Alice Brown, a literary agent."

  • Explanation: The semi-colons separate the list items clearly, preventing misreading.

• Balancing Lengthy Clauses: A semi-colon can balance lengthy clauses within a sentence, making it easier to read. For example:

  • Example: "He traveled the world searching for inspiration; she found hers in the everyday moments."

  • Explanation: The semi-colon maintains the balance and flow between the lengthy, related clauses.

Sure, semi-colons are super cool, but they’re often abused. Some writers (ahem, is it hot in here?) fall in love with the semi-colon and start using it everywhere. This can make your writing seem choppy or overly formal. Remember, it’s a special tool — a conjoining tool — and not a default punctuation mark.

• Misconnecting Clauses: A common mistake is using a semi-colon where a colon or comma would be more appropriate.

  • Example: "I bought a new laptop; because my old one was too slow."

  • Explanation: The second clause is not independent; a comma or a full stop would be better.

• In Lists Without Internal Commas: Using semi-colons in simple lists where commas suffice can confuse readers.

  • Example: "She bought apples; oranges; and bananas."

  • Explanation: Commas would work perfectly here, and semi-colons are unnecessary.

The Period (.)

The period is the full stop in your writing. It’s the punctuation mark that brings a sentence to a close. The period is simple and powerful; it lets your readers know that a thought is complete.

Writing is both an art and a craft.

It gives your readers a clear pause and signals that you’re moving on to a new idea.

Mastering punctuation marks can elevate your writing and make your sentences breathe. But then there’s the art of bending all of these rules to create a distinct, unique voice in your reader's mind.

Stream of Consciousness

Stream of consciousness is a narrative style that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf often use punctuation creatively to mimic the inner workings of the mind, like:

• Long, run-on sentences: To reflect a character's unfiltered thoughts.

  • Example: "She walked along the beach feeling the wind in her hair and the sand beneath her feet and the sound of the waves crashing and the seagulls calling."

• Minimal punctuation: To create a sense of immediacy and immersion.

  • Example: "The night was dark and the road was long and her heart was heavy and she kept walking and walking and walking."

Ellipses and Dashes

Ellipses (…) and dashes (—) are powerful tools for creating pauses, breaks, and interruptions in dialogue and narrative. They can convey hesitation, suspense, or a sudden change in thought. For instance:

• Ellipses: Indicate a trailing off or an unfinished thought.

  • Example: "I just don't know if I can…"

• Dashes: Create emphasis or an abrupt shift.

  • Example: "She reached for the door — and stopped when she heard the noise."

Lack of Punctuation

Some writers, like Cormac McCarthy, are known for their sparse use of punctuation. This minimalist approach can create a unique, rhythmic prose that feels raw and immediate. For example:

• No quotation marks in dialogue: To blend dialogue with narrative seamlessly.

  • Example: "Are you coming with me he said She shook her head No I can't"

• Sparse commas and periods: To maintain a steady, flowing pace.

  • Example: "He walked through the desert the sun beating down the sand stretching endlessly"

Innovative Uses of the Semi-Colon and Colon

Writers like George Orwell and Kurt Vonnegut have used semi-colons and colons to great effect, creating emphasis and rhythm in their prose. For example:

• Semi-colon for dramatic effect:

  • Example: "He knew what he had to do; there was no other choice."

• Colon for emphasis:

  • Example: "There was one thing she feared most: failure."

Breaking the Rules for Voice

Sometimes, breaking punctuation rules can help convey a character's unique voice or the tone of a narrative. For example:

• Using commas for breathless narration:

  • Example: "And then, she ran, faster than she'd ever run before, because if she stopped, even for a second, it would all be over."

• Capitalization for emphasis:

  • Example: "He realized then that THIS was the moment he'd been waiting for."

Short, Stabby Sentences

And, myself, I’m a fan of the short, stabby sentence to create a sense of tension and drama. It’s the volleyball spike to end the game.

I’ve said enough.

Punctuation is a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. By understanding and occasionally breaking the rules, you can craft prose that is uniquely yours, adding depth and emotion to your writing. So go ahead, experiment — breathe, and let your unique voice be heard!

R

#WritingTips #NewAuthors #PunctuationPower

Mastering the Ellipsis

Okay! The last time around, I walked you through using em-dashes in dialogue. This week, we’re still on the concept of pausing, but we will discuss the ellipsis.

An ellipsis, or ellipses in the plural, is a punctuation mark of three dots. It generally represents an omission of words or leaving something unsaid. It’s a hesitant or dramatic pause in dialogue, a trailing off, a natural conversational element.

You’re familiar with it. It looks like this: (...) unless you agree with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), which suggests it should look like this: (. . .) — three dots separated by spaces.

“Jenny, there wasn’t a time where . . . I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

Did you catch the preceding space between ‘where’ and ‘I’m’? Yeah, that’s also CMOS. Coincidentally, CMOS also says there shouldn’t be a space when ending with punctuation. Here are some funky CMOS examples:

This ellipsis … is in the middle of a sentence.
This one is at the end. … Note the space after the period.
A comma precedes this ellipsis, … with similar spacing.
What do you mean? … More of the same.
But when punctuation follows …, close it up to the ellipsis.
Is that wise …? We think so.

Even more confusing, some word processors auto-transform an ellipsis into an ASCII character.

Mechanically, an ellipsis can capture hesitation and pause perfectly in dialogue. For example:

"Well, I thought we could go to the park . . . if you want."

See how it leaves the sentence hanging, inviting the reader to fill in the blanks? It's a subtle way to add depth to your characters and their interactions.

It’s a Trap!

That said, too many writers fall into a common trap: abusing ellipses.

Sure … it sounds natural … but when recreating … the sound of speech in their heads … the writer creates an abundance of pauses … that translates to too many dots on the page … or … becomes a truly lazy way … to connect sentences. Sometimes, you trail off for no reason …

It's easy to get carried away, but too many ellipses can make your writing seem fragmented and your characters overly hesitant or unsure.

It’s Clutter!

When I read a passage in a book, I don’t want to trip over things left on the floor, step around objects, or take a running jump to get to the conclusion of a paragraph. Ellipises are white noise gaps that don’t need to be present in every paragraph, thought, or monologue.

It's like cursing or too many exclamation marks — less is often more.

It’s Tedious and Trite!

Whether you’re writing for contests or not, I presume you want your writing to stand out. You don’t want it to feel amateur or stumbling, or, howdy-hum-dum boring. So, here’s my advice: don’t.

1. Avoid using the ellipsis.

2. If you must, use it very sparingly, and only in dialogue.

3. When using it in dialogue, imagine your character placing their thumb against their chin and staring thoughtfully out into space. Then, consider, Jedi: Is that the pause you’re looking for? Would an em-dash, comma, or semi-colon be more effective?

When writing a narrative, ellipses can indicate a time jump or an unfinished thought. They create a sense of mystery or suspense, but again, use them sparingly. A well-placed ellipsis can add intrigue, but overdo it, and your readers or a judge might find it distracting.

So, what's the takeaway? Use ellipses to enhance your dialogue and narrative, but don't rely on them too much. Keep your writing clear and concise, and your readers will thank you.

R

How to Use Em-dashes in Dialogue

The other day, I wrote about how em-dashes differ from commas and last week, I wrote about the distinction between em-dashes, en-dashes, and hyphens.

Today, let’s talk about how to use em-dashes in dialogue.

If you're new to writing or just looking to refine your skills, this little punctuation mark can add dramatic emphasis to your characters' conversations.

Interruptions and Cut-offs

One of the most common uses for em-dashes in dialogue is to indicate interruptions or cut-offs. It shows that a character’s speech is abruptly stopped by someone else or by an event.

• “I don’t think you should —”

• “No, you listen to me!”

Notice that’s not a hyphen (-), and, in this case, the em-dash clearly shows that the first character was cut off mid-sentence.

Sudden Changes in Thought

Em-dashes are also great for showing a character’s sudden change in thought or self-interruption. This can make your dialogue feel more natural and spontaneous. For instance:

• “I was just thinking — oh, never mind. It’s not important.”

Here, the em-dash adds a realistic pause, giving the impression of a natural, off-the-cuff conversation.

Adding Afterthoughts or Clarifications

An em-dash can introduce an afterthought or clarification, making the dialogue feel more natural and spontaneous:

• “He’s my brother — my half-brother, actually.”

Adding Emphasis

Sometimes, a character might want to emphasize a point or add an afterthought. An em-dash can help you achieve this:

• “I swear I saw it — a ghost, right there in the hallway!”

The em-dash highlights the dramatic reveal, adding a punch to the dialogue.

Creating Suspense

An em-dash can be used to create suspense by cutting off a character’s speech right before an important reveal:

• “I know who the killer is — it’s —”

Introducing a Sudden Realization

Use an em-dash to show when a character suddenly realizes something mid-sentence:

• “We could always — wait, did you hear that noise?”

Correcting Oneself

When a character starts to say something and then corrects themselves, an em-dash can help illustrate this shift:

• “We should meet at the — no, wait, let’s go to the café instead.”

Emotional Outbursts

We can use an em-dash to denote surprise and heightened emotional states:

• “I can’t believe you did that — how could you betray me like this?”

Give it a try. Experiment with em-dashes in your dialogue. They can add a lot of depth and realism to your characters’ conversations.

R

#WritingTips #DialogueMagic #NewAuthors

An Em-dash vs. Comma: What's the Difference?

Hey!

Last week, I wrote about the distinctions between an em-dash, an en-dash, and a hyphen.

But if you’re a budding writer and want to polish your prose, you've probably encountered a tedious mental debate: When should I use an em-dash instead of a comma?

These two punctuation marks can change the rhythm and clarity of your sentences, so let's explain them in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.

The Em-Dash (—)

The em-dash is like a sudden breath in your writing. An interruption. It creates a dramatic pause or an abrupt change in thought. It's longer than a hyphen and a bit more versatile. Use it to add emphasis or to insert additional information that you want to stand out.

The cake — a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece — was the highlight of the party.

Here, the em-dash makes the description pop, giving it extra weight and attention.

Also, you may wonder if there should be a space between the first and last words in an em-dash. In the previous example, you see I added an extra space between “cake” and “a,” and “masterpiece” and “was.”

Most American style guides, like The Chicago Manual of Style and The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, recommend using em-dashes without spaces.

The cake—a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece—was the highlight of the party.

However, some style guides, especially in British English, recommend using spaces around em-dashes.

The cake — a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece — was the highlight of the party.

Ultimately, consistency is key. Pick a style and stick with it throughout your document. For most American English writing, it’s standard to use no spaces around em-dashes. The big takeaway is to do as you please but be consistent — avoid drawing attention to inconsistencies.

The Comma (,)

The comma, on the other hand, is the everyday pause of punctuation. It provides a gentle pause, helping to clarify the structure of your sentences and separate elements. Use it to list items, separate clauses, or add slight pauses in your writing. It indicates to the reader, “When to take a breath.”

The cake, a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece, was the highlight of the party.

In this sentence, the commas offer a smooth, flowing pause, giving the reader time to digest the information without any dramatic flair.

When to Use Which?

The key difference lies in the impact you want to create. Use an em-dash when you want to emphasize or highlight something important. It’s perfect for adding a bit of punch to your prose. Use a comma when you need a subtle, less interruptive pause. It’s ideal for keeping your writing clear and easy to follow.

Abusing the Em-Dash

Oh, good sir, nothing infuriates me more.

It’s totally possible to overuse the em-dash just like any other punctuation mark. While the em-dash is a powerful tool that can add emphasis, drama, or a sudden change in thought, relying on it too much can make your writing seem choppy or overly dramatic.

Here are a few ways em-dashes can be overused:

Overemphasis

Using em-dashes too frequently can dilute their impact, making every sentence seem overly dramatic or important, which can tire the reader.

Lack of Variety

Good writing often requires a mix of punctuation marks to create rhythm and flow. Overusing em-dashes can make your writing feel monotonous or one-note.

Confusion

Too many em-dashes can confuse readers, making it harder for them to follow your train of thought or understand the structure of your sentences.

Example of Overuse

The cake — a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece — was the highlight of the party — and everyone agreed — it was the best they'd ever had — even better than the bakery's famous cookies — which were also delicious.

Example of Balanced Use

The cake — a triple-layer chocolate masterpiece — was the highlight of the party. Everyone agreed it was the best they'd ever had, even better than the bakery's famous cookies.

Alternatives to Em-dashes

To avoid overuse, consider mixing in other punctuation marks:

• Commas for slight pauses and lists.

• Colons for introducing lists or explanations.

• Semicolons to link closely related independent clauses.

• Parentheses for adding supplementary information without the dramatic flair of an em-dash.

By mastering these tools, you'll be able to control the pace and tone of your writing, making your stories even clearer and more engaging. Rock on.

R

#WritingTips #PunctuationMatters #NewAuthors

Em-dash, En-dash, and Hyphen: A Quick Guide

True, punctuation — like dashes — can add flavor to your writing, but let’s get the dashes right. Not all dashes are created equally, and they have different uses and meanings. You may not realize it, but there are three dashy distinctions we need to work on as new authors.

Let’s get to it!

Em-dash (—)

The em-dash is called an em-dash because its width is approximately the same as the height of the capital letter "M" in the font set. This convention dates back to the days of typesetting when the dash's size was physically measured against the letter "M" on the typesetting blocks. Thus, "em-dash" refers to the comparable length of the dash. But what does it mean?

The em-dash is the drama queen of punctuation. It's long and loves to make an entrance, creating a pause that grabs your reader's attention. Use it to add emphasis, break thoughts, or insert an aside — just like this. It’s the length of an “M” (hence the name) and is perfect for those moments when you want to make a statement.

Most word processors translate a double hyphen as an em-dash and insert the ASCII symbol (—) rather than (--).

Here’s the skinny on how to create an em-dash in Windows.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Alt Code: Hold down the Alt key and type 0151 on the numeric keypad (not the numbers at the top of your keyboard). Release the Alt key, and the em-dash will appear.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word

1. AutoFormat: In Microsoft Word, you can type two hyphens (--) and then press the spacebar or continue typing, and Word will automatically convert it into an em-dash.

2. Insert Symbol: Go to the "Insert" tab, click "Symbol" on the far right, choose "More Symbols," find the em-dash in the list, and click "Insert."

Method 3: Using Character Map

1. Character Map Application: Search for "Character Map" in the Windows search bar and open the application. Find the em-dash in the list, select it, click "Select," and then "Copy." You can now paste the em-dash wherever you need it.

Method 4: Using Unicode

1. Unicode: Type Ctrl + Shift + u, then type 2014, and press Enter (this works in certain applications that support Unicode input, such as some text editors).

Here’s how to create an em-dash on a Mac.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Press Option (or Alt) + Shift + - (hyphen key). This will insert an em-dash directly into your text.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word

1. AutoFormat: In Microsoft Word for Mac, you can type two hyphens (--) and then press the spacebar or continue typing, and Word will automatically convert it into an em-dash.

2. Insert Symbol: Go to the "Insert" menu, select "Symbol," then "Advanced Symbol," find the em-dash in the list, and click "Insert."

Method 3: Using the Character Viewer

1. Character Viewer: Click the "Edit" menu and select "Emoji & Symbols" (or use the shortcut Control + Command + Space). In the Character Viewer, type "em dash" in the search field, find the em-dash, and double-click it to insert it into your text.

And here’s how you create an em-dash in Google Docs.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Keyboard Shortcut: On a Windows computer, press Alt + 0151 on the numeric keypad. On a Mac, press Option (or Alt) + Shift + - (hyphen key).

Method 2: Using the Special Characters Menu

1. Special Characters:

   1. Place your cursor where you want the em-dash.

   2. Go to the "Insert" menu.

   3. Select "Special characters."

   4. In the search box, type "em dash" and it will appear in the grid below.

   5. Click on the em-dash symbol to insert it into your document.

Method 3: Using Auto-Replace

1. Auto-Replace:

   1. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Preferences."

   2. In the "Automatic substitution" section, type a unique text string that you want to replace with an em-dash, such as --.

   3. In the "Replace with" field, paste an em-dash (you can copy one from another document or use the Special Characters menu to get one).

   4. Click "OK" to save the preference.

En-Dash (–)

The en-dash, being about half the width of an em-dash, gets its name similarly from its size relative to the letter "N." The en-dash is a bit more modest, shorter than the em-dash but longer than a hyphen, and is typically used to indicate a range, like “1990–2000” or “pages 45–50.” Think of it as a connector, bridging elements together smoothly.

On Windows (Microsoft Word):

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + - (on the numeric keypad). This will insert an en-dash.

2. Insert Symbol:

   • Go to the "Insert" tab.

   • Click "Symbol" on the far right.

   • Choose "More Symbols."

   • In the Symbol dialog box, find the en-dash in the list, select it, and click "Insert."

On Mac:

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Press Option + - (hyphen key). This will insert an en-dash.

2. Insert Symbol:

   • Go to the "Insert" menu.

   • Select "Symbol," then "Advanced Symbol."

   • Find the en-dash in the list and click "Insert."

In Google Docs:

1. Keyboard Shortcut:

   • On a Windows computer, there is no direct shortcut for an en-dash, but you can use the Special Characters menu (see below).

   • On a Mac, press Option + - (hyphen key).

2. Special Characters:

   • Place your cursor where you want the en-dash.

   • Go to the "Insert" menu.

   • Select "Special characters."

   • In the search box, type "en dash," and it will appear in the grid below.

   • Click on the en-dash symbol to insert it into your document.

3. Auto-Replace:

   1. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Preferences."

   2. In the "Automatic substitution" section, type a unique text string that you want to replace with an en-dash, such as --.

   3. In the "Replace with" field, paste an en-dash (you can copy one from another document or use the Special Characters menu to get one).

   4. Click "OK" to save the preference.

Hyphen (-)

Finally, the hyphen is the author’s workhorse. It’s the shortest of the trio and is used to link words, forming compound terms like “well-being” or “mother-in-law.” It’s straightforward, functional, and gets the job done without any fuss.

Why Does This Matter?

Using these dashes correctly can enhance the clarity and style of your writing. Imagine crafting a beautiful sentence, only to have a contest judge/reader stumble because of a misplaced hyphen for an em-dash. By mastering these, you’ll polish your prose and keep your readers hooked.

So, hop to it! The next time you're writing, remember the roles these dashes play. Your story — and your readers — will thank you for it!

R

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