Dialog
Writing dialog
Some writers have an inherent sense of how to write dialog. You can see it instantly in a book. Like a bowl of Rice Krispies, it snaps, it crackles, it pops.
But some writers struggle with this.
I can tell, in the middle of a chapter, two or more characters begin talking to each other and suddenly my eyes are backing up to read it again...and again. It does not sound like the characters would in real life or it is stilted and awkward. And of course, it usually misses the crucial quality of subtext.
I trained as a playwright and an actor. I have written a fair share of poetry. Let me tell you one of my tricks for writing dialog, an easy mental technique that can bring life to your characters and make them more believable.
Caution: you must, as the writer, have a clear vision of your characters already!
So here it is, and remember, practice makes perfect. Give it a try and let me know how it goes the next time you write a good scene.
First, picture your characters. See them, really see them. Their faces, what they are wearing, does the guy have facial hair, is the woman blond, brunette? Think of anything they are wearing like glasses, tattoos, etc.
Ok, you with me so far?
Next picture your characters sitting on stools, their hands tucked under their legs as they sit looking at each other. The only movement they can make is to speak to the other person(s). They can make no gestures, they can only speak.
Next, give them the words they must use to convey exactly what is on their mind and what is crucial for them to communicate to the listener(s), completely unable to use body language. Then stop. Now go the other character and, in the same way, give them the words they must speak in reply.
After you have this exchange completed, do a light scan and edit of the conversation. Then, plug it into your story and give the characters the freedom to move, using the same dialog!
When I get bogged down on what the characters should be talking about, I use this technique.
If you give it a try, let me know your results. See if it works for you.
Keep reading!
Some writers have an inherent sense of how to write dialog. You can see it instantly in a book. Like a bowl of Rice Krispies, it snaps, it crackles, it pops.
But some writers struggle with this.
I can tell, in the middle of a chapter, two or more characters begin talking to each other and suddenly my eyes are backing up to read it again...and again. It does not sound like the characters would in real life or it is stilted and awkward. And of course, it usually misses the crucial quality of subtext.
I trained as a playwright and an actor. I have written a fair share of poetry. Let me tell you one of my tricks for writing dialog, an easy mental technique that can bring life to your characters and make them more believable.
Caution: you must, as the writer, have a clear vision of your characters already!
So here it is, and remember, practice makes perfect. Give it a try and let me know how it goes the next time you write a good scene.
First, picture your characters. See them, really see them. Their faces, what they are wearing, does the guy have facial hair, is the woman blond, brunette? Think of anything they are wearing like glasses, tattoos, etc.
Ok, you with me so far?
Next picture your characters sitting on stools, their hands tucked under their legs as they sit looking at each other. The only movement they can make is to speak to the other person(s). They can make no gestures, they can only speak.
Next, give them the words they must use to convey exactly what is on their mind and what is crucial for them to communicate to the listener(s), completely unable to use body language. Then stop. Now go the other character and, in the same way, give them the words they must speak in reply.
After you have this exchange completed, do a light scan and edit of the conversation. Then, plug it into your story and give the characters the freedom to move, using the same dialog!
When I get bogged down on what the characters should be talking about, I use this technique.
If you give it a try, let me know your results. See if it works for you.
Keep reading!
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