JKR's writing style (was Re: Changes I would make)

[va32h]

No: HPFGUIDX 177425

> > Laura wrote:
> >
> > Finally, someone pointed out the "she said / he said +
> > adverb" problem, something that I had NEVER noticed
> > before, even though I have read all of the books multiple
> > times and listened to them on audio in the American,
> > British, and German versions.  ...

va32h:

I too only noticed it when it was pointed out to me.  I don't think 
there's anything wrong with "he said/she said"...certainly authors 
should use words with varying connotations when those words are 
necessary...but as often as not "said" really is the most appropriate 
word. 

In the course of normal events (normal by HP standards anyway), 
characters don't scoff and smirk and hiss and mumble their way 
through every conversation.  When one speaks in an ordinary tone of 
voice, that's "he sad/she said". 

I find that if I read a story that uses a lot of alternatives 
to "said", I start to think "okay, this author is trying too hard to 
use variants of 'said'" and it starts sounding fake. 

I would quibble with JKR in that she tends to use the word "mutter" 
when characters are casting spells, and I don't think that word gives 
off the right connotation.  Muttering is something one does when ones 
is insulting a person and doesn't want them to hear, IMO. 

She also uses "bemused" a great deal...no one is ever bewildered, 
perplexed, confused, thrown for a loop, etc. in her world.  They are 
always bemused.  

va32h