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How to Write a Novel – 3 Quick Tips
Punctuation Guide
The aim of using punctuation correctly is to give structure and form to your writing. It also allows your work to be noticed for the right reasons!
Bullet points and numbering You would be more likely to find bullet points and numbering within business or academic work rather than creative writing, however they are used from time to time. Bullet points are essentially a vertical list. The bullet points give it more prominence. It is not normally important for the items to be in any particular order. Example:
• Gives clearer definition
• Lower ongoing costs
• Lower training requirements
With numbered points the order does matter, either in terms of importance or of time. Example:
Staff training priorities
1. Test all staff to identify current competence level
2. Booster training to ensure staff are all at level 2 within two months
3. All staff to be at level 3 within six months
4. Set up a monitoring process
No full stop is needed at the end of each point for either bullets or numbering.
Hyphen ( - ) A hyphen can be used between numbers or dates to indicate a range to the reader. Examples: Most people entering the franchise market are 40 – 45 years old. The shop opens at nine o'clock Monday – Wednesday. It can also be used where there is no joining word. The students claim that it is not their fault – hardly surprising is it? It also turns two words into one. Full – time employee.
Double ( " ) and single ( ' ) quotation marks. Whichever you choose stick with it. You can though use a combination within your writing. An example of this would be to use double marks for direct quotations and single marks to highlight film or book titles within the same work.
Please try to remember these basics of punctuation. It will keep your reader focused on the story!
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