The Professionalism of 'Said Ella' vs. 'Ella Said' in Novels

In the world of novel writing, the choice between 'Said Ella' and 'Ella said' as dialogue tags can often be a topic of debate. This article explores the nuances and implications of both styles, explaining their usage and the impact on the narrative's professionalism and readability.

Introduction

The art of novel writing involves a delicate balance of style, flow, and communication. Early in my career as an editor, I observed a distinct trend in the usage of dialogue tags. UK-based writers tended to prefer 'Said Ella,' in which the speaker's name is mentioned before the verb 'said,' while North American authors were more likely to use 'Ella said,' placing the verb first.

Grammatical and Stylistic Considerations

The choice between 'Said Ella' and 'Ella said' is largely a matter of personal writing style and the desired emphasis within the narrative. Both forms are grammatically correct. As an editor, one might argue that 'Said Ella' subtly distances the reader from the dialogue, emphasizing the dialogue itself. Conversely, 'Ella said' creates a more immediate and proximal sense of intimacy between the reader and the character, often lending a more immediate and immediate flair to the text. This is why newspapers and journalistic styles tend to favor 'Ella said,' as they require immediacy and immediacy in their reporting.

Practical Usage and Flexibility

It is essential to switch between these two styles naturally within the text. For example, when introducing a new speaker, it is often more efficacious to place the name before 'said' for clarity, such as:

"I'll be leaving at the end of the year, " Ella said.

Similarly, when the focus is on the dialogue itself, 'Said Ella' can be a better option. For instance:

"Don't feel you have to come if you are busy, " said Ella.

Both styles have their merits and can be used effectively based on the context and flow of the narrative. Grammatically, there is no distinction; it is the literary choice and the writer's preference that matters.

Universality and Distal vs. Proximal Proximity

Literary texts and writing styles often adhere to certain conventions to maintain a cohesive and professional appearance. For instance, the study of literary analysis often encompasses detailed discussions on the implications of such choices. 'Said Ella' is described as having a distal complexion, which means it is more distant and detached. Conversely, 'Ella said' has a proximal nearer complexion, making the dialogue seem more immediate and personal.

Even major news organizations, despite their need for immediacy and clarity, must occasionally revert to using 'Said Ella' due to complexity and messy composition issues. This can be observed in the following examples:

'We are on schedule for launching Bigga Biscuits next month, ' said Ella. Wellah, senior vice president for consumer products at Bigga Corp. 'We are on schedule for launching Bigga Biscuits next month, ' Bigga Senior Vice President Ella Wellah for consumer products said.

Here, 'Said Ella' allows for a cleaner presentation, whereas placing 'Ella said' at the end can introduce unnecessary complexity and imbalances.

Conclusion

The choice between 'Said Ella' and 'Ella said' is a personal and stylistic one, influenced by the writer's intended tone and the specific scene in the narrative. Both styles possess their unique aesthetic qualities and can be effectively employed based on the writer's preference and the desired impact on the reader. Whether distal or proximal, the most important consideration is how well each choice enhances the overall narrative flows and engages the reader.