A simple question really. I paid no attention as I wrote the entire book and easily interchanged between saying and said.
Do I have to stick with using only one of those for the entire book? Either said in past tense or saying in present?
Hey Dave. I’m not sure I understand the question, so let me know if this is off-base.
Your use of saying or said should match the tense of the rest of the narrative. If you’re telling the whole story in past tense, use said. If you’re telling the story in present tense, typically we would use says or maybe (maybe?) saying.
“I don’t know,” he said, as he looked me in the eye.
“I don’t know,” she says, as she looks me in the eye.
Saying indicates continuous or ongoing action. I think it would be relatively uncommon to use on a regular basis in dialogue. I’d love to see an example of what you mean.
I hope I’m understanding the question and that this answer helps!
