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What is
Dialogue?
Writing dialogue
can take more than one form. You can use dialogue to move a story
forward, for character development, and for flashbacks (just to name
a few).
Why is
Dialogue Important?
Dialogue is
important in a story because too much narrative writing makes for a
boring read.
Effective dialogue
allows writers to follow the "show don't tell" rule. For
example, instead of writing "John spoke with a southern
drawl," use dialogue to demonstrate that fact. Example:
"I'm fixing to head into town," said John.
Advice on
Writing Dialogue
When it all comes
down to it, writing realistic dialogue is the key. To master
realistic dialogue, eavesdrop on a conversation and jot down
everything that is said.
Effective dialogue
is provided on a piece meal basis. When you provide too much information
all at once, there's no room for suspense. That isn't to say you
can't have dialogue that runs pages. Of course that's acceptable.
That said, if you only have dialogue and are light on descriptive
writing, your story can become dull.
Example of
Dialogue that Reveals Information
"I've been up
all late thinking about the property taxes," said Mona.
"If I miss another payment, the town will sell the house from
right under me."
"Have you
spoken to an attorney?" asked Junior.
"There's no
money for taxes or a shark."
The example gives
the reader information that advances the story and also provides the
reader with a snippet of Mona's personality and trust issues. (The
person who could help her, an attorney, she calls a shark.)
Well written
dialogue moves a story forward.
Using
Dialogue in a Flashback Scene
There are times in
a story when using dialogue to bring a reader back in time is
effective. To do this effectively, the reader needs to know upfront
that the dialogue in question took place in the past. This can
easily be achieved by writing an introductory statement. Example:
When Michael
brushed up against her, Rebecca questioned whether it was a mistake.
She remembered a conversation she had with Michael a while back.
"He's not good
for you, Rebecca. You need a man who respects you," said
Michael as Rebecca cried to him.
"I know you're right, but I just don't know how to let
go."
"Forget about him. Consider me."
Rebecca took his statement as a joke. "Yeah, that'll
work," she said laughing.
Now she wonders if
Michael was serious.
As you can see,
it's easy to draw from the past and bring the story right back to
the present.
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