Fellow writers...How would you write a text message in a book?

Question

I am writing a modern book and was wondering how you would do that. Any help??
So far i have tryed this:
Nikole opened the message and it was from Carly, one of her friends from Massachusetts. It said “hey gurl watz up?” she replied saying “just touring the elm skool.” *VRRRRR VRRRR* It was Carly again, the message read “with your parents? Not fun. :( Well I gtg bye!”
Is this good or should i try something else??

Answer 1

The common method for written communication (emails, letters) in a book is italics or a different font. That should work for text messages also.



For synonyms check here http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/said

Answer 2

Nikole opened the message and it was from Carly, one of her friends from Massachusetts.

It said “hey gurl watz up?”

She replied saying “just touring the elm skool.”

*VRRRRR VRRRR* It was Carly again, the message read “with your parents? Not fun. :( Well I gtg bye!”

And, put the messages in Italic.

Answer 3

I find the best way to come up with synonyms for "said" is to just get rid of said all together whenever I can:





Nikole opened the message and it was from Carly, one of her friends from Massachusetts. "hey gurl watz up?"



she replied “just touring the elm skool.”



*VRRRRR VRRRR* It was Carly again. “with your parents? Not fun. :( Well I gtg bye!”

Answer 4

You got some good advice on the text message issue but I wanted to address your need for synonyms for the word said.



You don't need any. Said, is basically an invisible word, like "the." The reader doesn't really notice it unless you replace it every time with another alternative, and that is a bad idea.



He said

She responded

He chuckled

She asked

He bellowed

She retorted



Things like that can get very monotonous very quickly. Use said unless it is necessary to use a different word. Don't substitute it just for the sake of it. That's just my opinion though. =)

Answer 5

Personally I believe you might try something else, as there is so very much being done in texting. Ones are truly trying to make it the right language as well as spelling is not proper. Just call me a fuddy dud, lol!!! You might consider using the word respond, barked, Hope I have helped you.

Answer 6

I would show that I was writing a text by using a different font, making it italic, or putting it in bold.

It would be easier to distinguish it as a text message and would help it stand out.

I hope that helps :)

xo xo

Answer 7

some that i assumed-approximately off the suitable of my head: merciless summer by Alyson Noel, that's written in like Blogs, and letters, and emails. Boy around the corner by Meg Cabot, i think of is written in a format like that, i'm undecided even with the undeniable fact that i've got in no way study it. heart On My Sleeve by Ellen Wittlinger that's in emails, IM's. those are bearing directly to the only ones i can think of of besides those by Lauren Myracle :) happy analyzing.

Answer 8

http://books.google.com/books?id=_GQwNgAACAAJ&dq=ttyl&ei=MfttSsOJIqTwMp2ooO8O



Did you ever read that book? It will probably help.