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When you think about writing dialogue as simply giving a voice to the different characters living inside you, writing becomes an exciting journey and very rewarding.  Here are a few thoughts on writing dialogue.

The characters we create come from somewhere inside us, in all that we are, and all that we know. When we [...]]]>

When you think about writing dialogue as simply giving a voice to the different characters living inside you, writing becomes an exciting journey and very rewarding.  Here are a few thoughts on writing dialogue.

1. Characters

The characters we create come from somewhere inside us, in all that we are, and all that we know. When we create our characters from within, the act of writing dialogue becomes uniquely individual. Usually the characters lead the way and help “show” what they are doing. By this I mean their actions express how they feel and what they’re thinking.  Another important aspect  is to not force characters to tell each other matters that each one already knows, just so the reader will be clued in. This is an obvious trick that the reader is sure to pick up on.

2. Voice

In order to write good dialogue, you need to hear those characters speaking in your head and capture their voices in your story. Make their voices unique by making sure that they speak according to their backgrounds.  Show how your characters react or feel by the using description of their voice quality and physical movements.

3. Tags

The use of “said” and “asked” are the only tags you need. The reader needs just enough information about who is speaking to be able to move ahead in your book.  The tags should melt into the background of narrative, not depict the scene or your character’s feelings.  Try to stay away from dialogue tags like: replied, voiced, expressed, vented, responded, cried, howled, bellowed, shouted, vocalized, asserted, declared, whispered, stated, uttered. These tags can botch up an otherwise wonderful, rich story. Make your character’s dialogue razor-sharp and you won’t even need tags.

4. Tension

You can easily create tension in dialogue when you create dynamic characters that are outspoken and driven.  Tension, one of the most important factors in fiction writing, gives the reader a sense of urgency and keeps him turning the page.

5. Dialect

It’s probably best to avoid using dialect all together when writing dialogue. It is difficult to read and if it’s not done just right it may sound amateurish.

6. Quality

The  “umm’s” and “ahhh’s” in dialogue and what he bought at the grocery store can be pretty boring stuff. Stay focused on your exciting plot/storyline. Keep your dialogue vibrant and alive so you don’t put your reader to sleep in a state of monotony.

7. Test

A good way to test your dialogue is to read it out loud.

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The key is consistency.  Write 300 to 600 words a day, five days a week; more is better.  Jot down ideas during moments away from writing.

Fiction writing is an art; your story, your characters must be created and molded out of your [...]]]>

Five Golden Rules

1. Write five days a week

The key is consistency.  Write 300 to 600 words a day, five days a week; more is better.  Jot down ideas during moments away from writing.

2. Know Your Characters

Fiction writing is an art; your story, your characters must be created and molded out of your imagination. I use the analogy that fictionalized characters are similar to a portrait painted on canvas—the artist starts with a basic sketch then builds until he has a facsimile of a lifelike person. The writer builds three-dimensional characters with words.  Once the characters are developed, other components in your novel, such as plot, setting, and motivation come into play.

3. Plot your Course Lightly

Some writers successfully follow a planned outline with no problem. This is a personal choice. For me, too much planning stifles creativity. No more than a general idea of the main points of the story is needed.  Then develop a time-line indicating what each characters is doing at a specific time and place surrounding the plot—do not carve it in granite.

4. Stay Clear of Distractions

Make it a point not to discuss your novel with people who don’t care, or who don’t understand the concept of fiction writing. You may be drawn away from your prose by their negative energy if you tend to be vulnerable.   A few other distractions that interfere with writing: Other projects, your job, writer’s block, a combination of any of these things can be a distraction and used as an excuse not to write.  Don’t allow it. Always find time to write.

5. Turn off the Editor in your Head

The first draft is just that, a first draft. Write with one thing in mind, your story. Then when the first draft is finished, turn on your editor. But remember what Elmore Leonard said in his Ten Rules of Writing: If it sounds like writing, then rewrite it. He went on to say: I can’t allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.

Note: The  five golden rules above are written primarily for myself. If it helps other writers that’s a good sign that I’m on the right track. Please feel free to comment.

My best, Marli

Note: Two hot authors.

Dayana Knight, author of Dark Paranormal Romance

Picked up a pen at a very young age and kept going with it. Love all things paranormal and gothic. I have several published works including poetry, short stories, craft articles, and novels. I belong to EPIC, Romance Writers Association, and Florida Romance Writers, Inc.  Dyana Knight, Paranormal Author

The Curse of the Marhime, by Dayana Knight

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David Hayes, author of Mystery Intrigue

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Check out their books here: Featured Authors

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