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Scott, learned a ton already so thanks for this series. It also helps to know the history of where some of these 'rules' came from so we are not following them blindly. I am finding in my first drafts I love using parentheticals just to get a feel for what my character's dialogue is supposed to convey, and reducing it with each draft. That said, would you say when we have to use parentheticals for whatever reason, better to use it only for actions and avoid emotions altogether?

Aarthi, I have tended myself to overuse parentheticals to give what seemed to me additional information about the character's state of mind in an economical way. And like you, I find that with each new draft I use them less as I am trusting more that the sense is being conveyed sufficiently in the dialogue and/or screen direction. Looking at INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS I see very rare use of the parenthetical, but when used it can be for either action or emotion. For example, in the middle of several lines of dialogue, the parenthetical (projects), to indicate the character is calling to someone in the next room. A few pages later, when Llewyn asks Mel, his agent, if he's got any money for him, Mel replies: MEL (sad shake of the head) I wish. Which seems to me an entertaining and evocative use of the parenthetical.

Ah, that helps a lot... just when you think you have learned one thing, you learn something more. Thanks, Wendy!