Dialogue Dabbling

The following is some wonderful advice about dabbling in dialogue from a respected writing colleague named Kathryn Craft.  I take no credit for the creation of this material.  Kathryn provides editing and revision services through http://writing-partner.com  In addition, she conducts workshops and talks in conjunction with various literary organizations.

Dialogue SHOULD:

*Add to the reader's present knowledge

*Reveal character (education, way of thinking, upbringing, etc.)

*Advance the plot

*Convey information dramatically

*Allow the reader to mesh with the emotional life of the character

*Establish setting (time, place, class, etc.)

*Be concise, with only the "good stuff"

*Differentiate the voices of characters (through vocabulary, run-on sentences, sarcasm, poor grammar, omitted words, inappropriate modifiers, jargon, tight wording like "Scram", or loose wording like "I would appreciate your leaving now.")

*Reveal relationships between people

*Allow for clear read aloud (syntax and punctuation lead the way)

*Contribute to pacing through quick exchange/added white space or long pauses and belabored speech

*Allow your characters to be as witty as we wish we were in real life

*Drive story conflict by establishing what each character wants

*Be accompanied by stage direction that provide pacing (also called 'beats') and enlarge the meaning and implications of the dialogue

Dialogue SHOULD NOT:

*Record every conversation in full.  Include the few lines most crucial and paraphrase the rest.

*Record all introductions (summarize)

*Record every "um", every nuance of dialect

*Become repetitive.  If the character is verbally abusive, use a few well-chosen examples that pack and punch (summarize the others).  Cursing should be pointed and precise, well crafted, and revealing.

*Always be about the words.  Find ways to fill the silence through place, gesture, etc.  When a character goes silent, holds back, or turns away in a moment of tension, much is revealed.

*Be small talk

*Be between two characters who agree with one another throughout the conversation

*Rely upon flowery dialogue tags. (Ex.  "Not near as funny as your face," she said playfully.  She said playfully isn't needed...we'll know the character is being playful if you've built the relationship well.)  

Dialogue can make or break your story.  Dabbling in dialogue is an investment well worth making.

~Scott Heydt

"Live, Learn, Teach"

www.scotthbooks.com

http://scotthbooks.blogspot.com