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alexpgpThe exclamation point doesn't get much respect, and it's awfully easy to understand why. People who assault your eyeballs with text awash in exclamation points often have other bad habits, such as writing text with the Caps Lock engaged.
Of the exclamation point, Elmore Leonard said “You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose.”
“Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind,” noted Terry Pratchett.
My favorite quote about exclamation points, however, is from D. Keith Mano, who wrote, "The exclamation point may only be used in dialogue, and then only if the person speaking has recently been disemboweled."
Which I think is a really good illustration of "show vs. tell" in getting one's point across.
Cheers...
Of the exclamation point, Elmore Leonard said “You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose.”
“Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind,” noted Terry Pratchett.
My favorite quote about exclamation points, however, is from D. Keith Mano, who wrote, "The exclamation point may only be used in dialogue, and then only if the person speaking has recently been disemboweled."
Which I think is a really good illustration of "show vs. tell" in getting one's point across.
Cheers...
