A spirited defence of the use of the word “said”, for which I have considerable sympathy, https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2019/10/literary-value-ten-cent-word-maura-roan-mckeegan.html.
Whilst it is, of course, good practice to use alternative words for “said” where appropriate, in many instances this simple, 4 letter word is the best choice for writers.
As always, I would be interested in the views of my readers.
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Thanks for the heads-up! I’ve jumped across and checked out the post. There is much to be said for ‘said’, as it were. I think of it as a very ‘Hemingway’ style of word – plain, clear, unadorned, and thus very useful.
Many thanks for commenting, Matthew. I’m pleased you found the article I shared useful. As you rightly say, said is a very useful word! Best wishes, Kevin
Me too!
Thanks for commenting. We are on the same page on this subject. Best wishes, Kevin