Yup, I winced when I saw those examples, but then I scanned the story I'm writing at the moment and couldn't spot a single instance. Phew.
I have made use of this construction:
"Perry!" she exclaimed as she hurried towards him.
or
"Thanks," murmured Lois as Clark turned away from her.
But I don't think that's quite the same thing, is it?
Oh, and by the way, can anyone suggest other methods to convey the fact that someone spoke quietly? I'm sick and tired of 'murmured' and 'spoke quietly' etc!
Yvonne
