What do you use after quotations in a novel?

Question

In stories, after a character says something, what are some words you end it with besides he said.

For example, "I am going down to the creek." Frank explained.

Are there any other words that can be more useful and effective than explained, said, asked, etc???

Answer 1

You can find more expressive synonyms for words at an online Thesaurus.  Search for thesauruses through google or other search engines.  Some thesauruses require you to type in the present tense of the word, so instead of said, you would have to type in say, but then you can figure out the past tense yourself.  Good luck.

Answer 2

It's better not to use alternatives for "said." They always seem a bit stilted or over-explanatory. Instead describe something the character does.

"I am going down to the creek." Frank untucked his shirt.

Jamie was walking between Amanda and Grace. "You don't need to look at me like that, Marcia."

"Drink up, friends." George finished his beer.