Dashes

There have been very few times in my writing where I have used dashes. It might be time that I learned how to properly use them. I guess i'm not to far gone. we are supposed to use dashes sparingly. not more that a pair per paragraph. however there are many uses for dashes in our writing. Dashes for change of topic, dialogues, and summaries and additional information.
change in topic: use a dash when your topic changes in a sentence.
e.g. This is very important to me-are you listening?
To show dialogue: e.g. I-I-I don't know.
and for summaries or more info: Chris, Chloe, and I- we all were taken back.
I personally like the dialogue form. As I read it now I can see how it helps bring you in to the reading, and allow you to feel apart of something.

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/dash