Julie Wright gave some good advice on writing dialogue. There is so much great dialogue can do for a story. I sometimes forget the reader can't read my mind. We can't assume readers can read our character's minds either.
And what is the best writing mechanics to SHOW us more about who and what the characters are thinking/feeling/struggling with.
And what is the best writing mechanics to SHOW us more about who and what the characters are thinking/feeling/struggling with.
I'm just going to bullet point it all.
There's a great chapter in the book, SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Renni Browne and Dave King.
Good dialogue should (must do at least ONE):
- Reveal character
- Set the tone
- Alter relationships (build up or tear down)
- Increase tension
- Move plot forward
Carefully:
- Don't info dump
- Use adverbs sparingly
- Don't need cussing
- Make your dialogue count
There is a different between real dialogue (which is SHOWNG) and narrated dialogue (which is TELLING).
There's a great chapter in the book, SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Renni Browne and Dave King.
Now, go through your first five chapters and test out your dialogue. How is it? Showing? Telling? Does it reveal the character?
What book have you read that you loved the dialogue?
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