I have reversed my decision about the proper use of dashes that are not hyphens. Previously, I was looking for a single dash surrounded by spaces, which was automatically converted in an en dash my Microsoft Word. This was confusing for many people. To simplify things, I now would like you to use double dashes to set off your thoughts–which Microsoft Word will convert to an em dash. Do not use spaces before of after the dashes.
Please review this and other style issues in the Style Guide for Writers.