: Re: Examples of dialog beats and bookism I was wondering if there is a list of ideas on how to add beats to dialog. For example: "Listen to me!", John said excitedly. "We can sell all these

What I like to do is replace an adverb with an action. Not all the time, but a lot of the time.

"Listen to me!" John said, his voice beginning to rise in excitement. "We can sell all these coins now and get rich today." He lowered his voice, glancing around to make sure nobody was listening. "Let me take care of it for you, okay? I can make you rich, Sarah, you just have to trust me." John waited for an answer, watching Sarah in careful contemplation like a hawk watching a rabbit. He wondered if he was too forceful with her. Perhaps she viewed his persistence as nothing more than an attempt to swindle her? He raised his hands in a placating gesture, hoping he wasn't coming off as too forceful. "I have made many people rich in the past. I know how this is done."

I do use adverbs more than Stephen King and other high-profile authors recommend, as I think they can be quite handy in novels, but if possible I will use an action instead of an adverb.

But since you kind of asked about beats, here's some I use:

"How could you!" Trey said incredulously

He said with a smile

"It's time for you to leave," He said with a hint of bellicosity.

"Yeah, because she really gives a damn about me," He retorted.

"I also saw her at the mall," Mark added.

He continued.

"Wait," Trey began, backing up slowly.

He noted

"The best way to survive is to leave this place at once," Jessica opined.

Is that why he hates me? Jessica mused silently.

"Where are you going!" Steve demanded.