1 Topic by Dirk B. (edited by Dirk B. 2019-07-07 22:27:45)

Topic: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

The opening line of my book is a quote from Macbeth that my character is thinking about (it's foreshadowing). Normally, book quotes should be in quotation marks. However, my character is thinking about the line, not speaking or reading it. Thoughts in my book are formatted using italics. I'm inclined to put it in italics, maybe with quotation marks.

“By the prickling of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.”
Father Gregorio Romano chuckled as he remembered the quote from Macbeth. Strange chills running up and down his spine and a sense of foreboding had brought the memory to the fore, interrupting his prayer. He took a calming breath and dismissed the sensations as nonsense. All was well.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Dirk

Quote Post 1

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

I'm probably the last person to listen to on this, but I'll say it anyway, since you're telling us it's a remembered quote from Macbeth, you might use italics or quotes but probably don't need both, or could even stretch and use neither if phrased just right. How's that for clearing it up, lol. Just be consistent with how you use italics and quotes throughout. Take care. Vern

Quote Post 2

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

I see you attended the less is more academy. Me thinkst your right. Since it's a thought, I'll use italics and let the test that follows explain where it's from.

Thanks
Dirk

Quote Post 3

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

I don't see any need for the quotation marks. The italics tell us the character is thinking the line, and the narrator tells us it's a quote. Also, the quotation marks make it look like Father Romano is speaking his thoughts, as though it were a line of dialogue.

Quote Post 4

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

Thank you, Richard. I came to the same conclusion. I use it once at the beginning of the scene and again at the end (after a demonic being attacks the orphanage). Father Romano should trust his instincts.

Quote Post 5

6 Reply by j p lundstrom (edited by j p lundstrom 2019-06-04 15:13:39)

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

Way back in the day before the home computer and Amazon, my best friend was a devoted fan of Ray Bradbury. She waited impatiently for every new release, and pre-ordered his latest, which (she had read) was supposed to be called Dark Carnival. What a disappointment when she finally picked up her long-awaited purchase, got it home, and opened it! The woman at the book store had ordered something called Dark Cavalier. My friend ranted and raved for days.
I believe that book was released under the title Something Wicked This Way Comes. Whenever I hear that quote, I think of that story.

Quote Post 6

Re: How to format book quotes? - Writing Craft

There was a movie by that name, too. I never saw it, but the title stuck.  When I needed something for my book opening, I went back and found the original quote. It sounded like a good opening line to hook the reader, so I structured the scene to be able to place it at the very top and very bottom of the scene. Thanks to Ann for suggesting I find a way to balance the two parts.

Quote Post 7