How to Punctuate Dialogue

To some writers, endeavoring to use correct punctuation is like pulling teeth with nothing to lessen the pain. Not to worry; I’m here to anesthetize. Merriam Webster’s Pocket Guide to Punctuation, Hodges’ Harbrace College Handbook, the Secretary’s Guide to Modern English Usage, and The Chicago Manual of Style are in a neat, stacked pile next to me. And, of course, there’s Google. Yes, I confess, I’m a punctuation nerd. But don’t feel sorry for me.