Numbers are an often overlooked but crucial part of fiction writing. From character ages to distances, from dates to monetary amounts, how you present numbers can affect the readability, flow, and style of your work.
The rules for writing numbers in fiction differ from those in academic or non-fiction writing, where precision and consistency are the primary concerns. In fiction, the main goal is to maintain a smooth narrative flow and keep the reader engaged.
Here’s a guide on how to write numbers in your fiction to enhance readability and storytelling.
1. Spell Out Numbers from One to Ninety-Nine
A widely accepted rule of thumb in fiction writing is to spell out numbers from one to ninety-nine. This rule helps maintain the narrative flow without jarring the reader with abrupt numeral interruptions. For example:
Correct: “There were fifty-three candles on the cake.”
Incorrect: “There were 53 candles on the cake.”
When numbers are spelled out, they blend seamlessly with the text, helping the reader stay immersed in the story.
2. Use Numerals for Large, Complex Numbers
While spelling out numbers like "one hundred and twenty-four" or "nine thousand two hundred and thirty-five" is grammatically correct, it can be cumbersome and distracting in a narrative. For such large or complex numbers, use numerals:
Correct: “The property was valued at $1,234,567.”
Incorrect: “The property was valued at one million two hundred thirty-four thousand five hundred sixty-seven dollars.”
However, be mindful of your genre and audience. Literary fiction may tolerate (or even prefer) more spelled-out numbers, while genre fiction like thrillers or sci-fi might lean toward numerals for clarity and brevity.
3. Keep Dialogue Realistic
In dialogue, it's best to spell out numbers because people generally don’t speak in numerals. For example:
Correct: “I’ve told you a hundred times!”
Incorrect: “I’ve told you 100 times!”
If the number is particularly large or specific and it would make sense for a character to refer to it in numerals, then use numerals in dialogue. For instance:
“He won the lottery? How much did he win?”
“$1.5 million.”
4. Dates and Times: Choose Consistency and Clarity
For dates and times, use the format that best fits the tone and style of your narrative. For instance:
“He was born on July 4, 1990.” (If clarity and precision are necessary.)
“She waited until seven-thirty in the evening.” (When focusing on the rhythm or style.)
When a date is a significant plot point or part of the setting (like a historical novel), use numerals to ensure clarity. However, if the date is less crucial, or you're aiming for a more casual, lyrical style, consider spelling it out.
5. Measurements and Distances
For fictional works, it’s better to spell out shorter measurements (like “three miles” or “six feet”) to maintain a natural narrative flow. Use numerals for very large or specific measurements to avoid bogging down the reader:
“The spaceship was approximately 3,000 miles away from Earth.”
“He was six feet tall, with the broad shoulders of a linebacker.”
6. Ordinal Numbers: Stick to Spelling
Ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) should generally be spelled out in fiction, especially when they’re simple. However, if the ordinal is part of a title, chapter heading, or it’s a long-form number, using numerals can be acceptable:
“This was her third attempt at skydiving.”
“The 21st chapter of his book held the answer.”
7. Use Hyphens Appropriately
When spelling out compound numbers (twenty-one to ninety-nine), always use hyphens. This rule applies both when writing out numbers and when using them as adjectives:
“There are twenty-four hours in a day.”
“A sixty-three-year-old man walked into the room.”
Hyphenating these numbers helps with clarity and readability.
8. Consider Context and Pacing
Context and pacing should always dictate how you write numbers in fiction. If your story is set in a historical context where exact dates matter, use numerals to provide a sense of authenticity. Conversely, if you're writing a contemporary romance, it might be more engaging to spell out numbers to keep the prose flowing smoothly.
9. Don’t Overcomplicate Things
Sometimes, less is more. If including specific numbers doesn’t add to the story, consider rounding off or omitting them altogether. For example, instead of writing "There were 497 people in the hall," you might write, "Nearly five hundred people crowded into the hall." This technique keeps the focus on the atmosphere and emotion rather than precise details.
10. Consistency is Key
Above all, consistency is vital. If you choose a style for writing numbers, stick with it throughout your manuscript. Inconsistencies can confuse readers and pull them out of the story.
Conclusion
Writing numbers in fiction is about balancing readability with narrative style. Spelling out numbers often provides a more fluid reading experience, while numerals offer clarity and precision when needed. By following these guidelines and keeping your audience and story in mind, you can ensure that the numbers in your fiction enhance rather than detract from your storytelling.
Happy writing!
Michelle Files
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