Subject: [FFML] [Grammar][Punctuation][SPAM]
From: "Aika" <carnet@mail.jps.net>
Date: 4/29/1998, 8:46 AM
To: fanfic@fanfic.com

[Warning: lengthy stuff ahead]

I had a question about grammar/punctuation when I read the following 
fanfic:

Big Bore <bigbore@eagle.ptialaska.net>
[R.5][repost/revised]Shoki Saga Chpt 9:  Steel on Steel

[Three examples, same pattern]

#1  "We were only after Ranma this time, but since you came along as
well, we can train you too!"  Rumbled the man to the little black
piglet. 

#2  "I thought the duel didn't start until noon?  It is barely 
eleven!"  Snarled Shoki.

#3  "You are not Ranma!  Who are you!"  He roared.

In each case, the dialogue started with a quotation and ended with an 
exclamation mark (!) followed by a reference to the speaker.

Are those three samples properly punctuated? I have seen this type of 
sentence pattern in other fanfics by other authors (sorry to single 
you out, <bigbore@eagle.ptialaska.net>) . If someone out there can 
correct me, it would help me improve my own fanfics.

My guess is:

"You are not Ranma! Who are you!" he roared.

Since the above line is a complete sentence, shouldn't the 'h' be in 
lowercase? 

I've looked through the Prentice Hall Reference Guide to Grammar and 
Usage by Muriel Harris (1992 edition), and although I could not find 
a definite answer, I found something close. Here is what the guide 
stated:

[p. 110, Section 26b]

"Did Henry ever pay back that loan?" she wondered.

In the above example, 'she' is in lowercase. 


Peace.
Brian H.
carnet@jps.net