I'm working on a novel and I'm stuck on a stylistic question about using contractions in narrative versus dialogue. In dialogue, it's obvious—characters should sound natural, so they use contractions the way people actually speak .
But what about the narrative passages that aren't dialogue? I've read conflicting advice. Some say narrative should have fewer contractions to maintain a more formal storytelling voice. Others say it depends on your point of view—if you're writing in close third person, the narrative should reflect how the character thinks, which might include contractions .
I've also heard that avoiding contractions altogether can make writing sound stilted and unnatural . I'm writing contemporary YA, so my instinct is to use contractions to keep the voice fresh and relatable. But I don't want to sound unprofessional. Any published authors or experienced writers want to weigh in?
But what about the narrative passages that aren't dialogue? I've read conflicting advice. Some say narrative should have fewer contractions to maintain a more formal storytelling voice. Others say it depends on your point of view—if you're writing in close third person, the narrative should reflect how the character thinks, which might include contractions .
I've also heard that avoiding contractions altogether can make writing sound stilted and unnatural . I'm writing contemporary YA, so my instinct is to use contractions to keep the voice fresh and relatable. But I don't want to sound unprofessional. Any published authors or experienced writers want to weigh in?