Don't go overboard in avoiding said. Basically, said is the default for dialogue, and a good thing, too; it's an invisible word that doesn't draw attention to itself.
In her book "I Give You My Body . . .": How I Write Sex Scenes, Diana Gabaldon emphasizes the importance of using simple dialogue tags like "said." She argues that while it may be tempting to avoid basic terms in favor of more colorful alternatives, doing so can distract readers from the dialogue itself. The word "said" acts as an unobtrusive way to convey who is speaking without overshadowing the content of the conversation.
Gabaldon points out that relying on "said" allows the narrative to flow more naturally. This invisible quality enhances the reading experience, enabling readers to engage with the characters and their dialogue without being pulled away by overly elaborate tags. Ultimately, she advocates for a balanced approach that maintains clarity while allowing the dialogue to shine.
