Writing Height and Time in a Manuscript
Question: When describing a character's height in a manuscript should it be written in words or can numbers be used?
The same question for time, 1:00 or one o'clock?
Answer: Using numerals rather than words is more common in nonfiction, where accurate facts and figures are more important. In fiction, the standard is to use words, with some exceptions.
Sometimes numerals are used when it would be unwieldy to use words, such as with large precise numbers. For instance, you would write "five million troops" because it's a nice round number, and the reader knows the character/narrator is just giving an approximation. But if it is important to give an exact number, such as "5,384,238," you would use numbers. Writing that out in words would be too unwieldy.
It also makes a difference if your character or narrator has a reason for being precise.
In conversation, a character might say to someone "I'll be there by two o'clock" or "around two," knowing that they won't be held to that exact time. On the other hand, a character might say, "the robbery will take place at 2:53 p.m." when precise timing matters.
You would also be more likely to use numbers if your story is being narrated to some extent in the style of a detective, reporter, or scientist's report. For instance, "Tuesday, March 3rd, 10:15 p.m. I was staked out in front of City Hall..."
Unless the narrator or character has a strong reason to make a precise measurement of someone's height or an exact note of the time, it is better to write "five-foot ten" or "one o'clock."
For the same reasons, in fiction you will generally write "percent" rather than "%," "dollars" rather than "$," and "inches" rather than inverted commas.
Comments for Writing Height and Time in a Manuscript
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Recent Postings
-
Mystery Novel Resolution
Apr 24, 18 04:07 PM
Hello, Glen, First of all, thank you for reading my question and providing your valuable suggestions. I wrote around fifty thousand words of my mystery
-
Betrayal
Apr 19, 18 09:54 PM
Question: This site is exactly what I needed to actually pull out those someday ideas off the shelf, but I can't seem to find anything on character betrayals.
| search engine by freefind |
Celebrating our 2nd year as one of the...
Step-by-Step Novel Planning Workbook
NEW! Make Money Writing Nonfiction Articles
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful. You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
