By the way, notice how I do quotes. I rarely write like this:
Virginia said: "Let's go to the party."
Instead, I will usually write like this--when doing prose. If you are doing poetry, it's another story. You may take such liberties, especially if they contribute to the meter or rhyme scheme. You are also braver than I am. Poetry requires a great deal more editing, as you know.
"Let's go to the party," Virginia said.
OR:
"Let's go to the party," Virginia said, "because it will be so much fun."
OR:
"Let's go to the party," Virginia said. "I know lots of people there."
Note that there is no period after "party." It's a comma.
Style-wise, if I'm having a character ask a question I'll do it as follows. First, I'll never say "questioned." Remember George Orwell. Keep it simple. Just say "said" or "asked" as follows:
"Should we go to the party," she asked.
OR:
"Should we go to the party?" she asked.
OR:
"Should we go to the party?" she said.
Do not say "queried," "requested," or anything else like that. Keep it simple. Simple is good.
And please remember that different speakers have their own paragraphs. It's easier to keep track of which character is speaking that way.
And also remember that I want you to paint a picture for me. That is why research is important for all students. You need to know what things are called.
Use my work as a model for yours if you are doing prose--at least in terms of its picturesque qualities, the way it follows the rubric, and the punctuation. I recommend that you read your own work aloud. As an experienced writer, I learn a lot about what isn't right with my own work, just by the way it sounds.
