Tip #2: Whose Line Is It?

Today’s tip focuses on writing dialogue. As with anything, each author has his/her own style of dialogue writing; however, there are some quick and dirty tips that I’ve learned, which have worked quite well in my books.

Here are some key instances when you’d want to start a new line/paragraph when writing dialogue, and a few examples of some:

*When a new character speaks. This helps avoid head-hopping.

Example:

He finally turned to make eye contact when Amber grabbed the remote and flicked the television off. (describing Drake’s actions)

“We need to talk.”  (Amber’s response to Drake’s actions)

Drake recognized that tone in her voice. He was suddenly reminded of what he had done wrong. (Describing Drake’s reaction)

“Okay, if this is about me forgetting our anniversary…” (Drake speaking)

“Again!” she interrupted. “You forgot it again. Does our marriage, our relationship, not mean anything to you, Drake? Do I not mean anything to you?” (Amber’s reaction and verbiage)

 

*When a new thought or idea is presented.

*When a new event takes place.

*When a new time period is presented.

*When a new scene (setting) is being presented.

Example: A character was in the house and then walked to their car outside. You use a new line or paragraph to describe what is being said or done outside.

*When presenting a lengthy passage or quote.

Example:

Each day, Drake would sit beside Amber’s hospital bed and read the Bible his mother-in-law had left behind. Sometimes he’d read aloud to Amber; other times, silently to himself.  His favorite verse was:

‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’

The passage gave him hope that things would be different, and it even made him believe that he really did deserve a second chance. When Drake was not at Amber’s bedside, he could be found, most often in the chapel, deep in prayer.  He was definitely a changed man now.

 

There you have it. A few key moments in a story where a new paragraph or line would work. Hopefully these tips will aide in making your writing more fluid.

 

How do YOU judge when to start a new paragraph/line in your stories? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section below!