Writing text convo in a story.

[CrimsonGenius]

Basically like this.

Joel: Butter Cake

or

"Butter Cake." texted Joel.

 

[Wamba2K]

In my opinion it depends on the context. If it's a single text being mentioned then the second one. If it's a string of texts, then the first one.

 

[Worthy39]

Basically like this.

Joel: Butter Cake

or

"Butter Cake." texted Joel.

I think generally, the first method is more commonly used in screen plays or movie scripts, while the second is significantly more common in actual books and webnovels.

But since it's texting, that's tricky. I guess it depends on your writing style. Do you want to convey emotions from this conversation? If so, I'd suggest the latter. If it's just a quick interaction, and it would work better if it was over quickly, the first one might work better, but some readers don't love that in a story.

 

[Eldoria]

"Butter Cake." texted Joel.

This one is better and doesn't use italic format (use italic format only for inner voice or inner monologue of characters). Double quotation marks (") separate the conversation from the narrator.

 

[tantrayaan]

I've seen a few authors that format the text like an actual conversation with different colors for different participants. That works as well. IMO, if the conversation is longer than a couple of sentences it makes sense to do it in the first format. That said, unless the conversation is interesting the reader is bound to tune out.