How to Indicate Silence

[TheWritingGroup]

I think that's different.

OP wants to write that the character on some level tried to speak but couldn't (for whatever reason, purely physical or more deeply psychological).

Exactly. She has gotten so excited that she forgets she's currently physically unable to make a sound.

-Annie

 

[Wonderer67]

In a story I'm working on, I want to show that my viewpoint character opens her mouth and tries to speak, but no sound comes out.

Which is better?

" "

or

"_____"?

I would describe it, as other people have said. Either from her perspective or another person’s perspective.

Be descriptive!

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

I started to form the words, but the sparkle in her eye, the way she bit her lip, the way she crossed and recrossed her legs while using her middle finger to gently caress the underside of her breast screamed that any words I could find would be as meaningless as they were unnecessary.

 

[AlexBailey]

Jena is deep in thought. Her eyes dart as words slip past her lips in inaudible murmurs. She seems to drop into a trance until she completely freezes—then she erupts!