Ask Jerry
Is the Use of Italics for Thought Still Used?
Asked by Patti Struski on August 27, 2020
At the end of your great class about layering in description you mentioned using the characters thought or inner monologue to help connect the character to the story line. In a recent writers group I am in, someone questioned that I didn't use italics for thought. I was pretty sure I heard you say that its being fazed out. Wondering if that is true, or should I let the editor determine that? Thanks.
Jerry's Answer
Just be consistent, Patti, and your publisher will make the decision. The general market has almost entirely abandoned italics for thoughts, and the Inspirational market is quickly following suit. That said, my publisher recently told me they're still using them, which made me glad.