I'm one of those people who finds it much easier to focus on what I'm doing wrong than what I do well, but if I had to pick something from the 'I do okay at this' pile, I like to think that dialogue is one of my writing strengths.
With that in mind, my regular column over at the Apex Book Company's blog today is about putting words in other people's mouths, and some of the ways we can put those words to the test.
If you'd like to read my thoughts on improving characters' dialogue, here's the link. I hope you find them useful.
With that in mind, my regular column over at the Apex Book Company's blog today is about putting words in other people's mouths, and some of the ways we can put those words to the test.
If you'd like to read my thoughts on improving characters' dialogue, here's the link. I hope you find them useful.
- Current Mood:
sick
Profile
jongibbs- Jon Gibbs
- My writing website
Things What I Wrote and Other Stuff
No longer in print but there are still some copies floating around out there
No longer in print but there are still some copies floating around out there
THE MEAGER PUDDLE OF LIMELIGHT AWARDS
No longer in print but there are still some copies floating around out there
THE MEAGER PUDDLE OF LIMELIGHT AWARDS
Page Summary
- msstacy13 : (no subject) [+3]
- (Anonymous) : (no subject) [+1]
- peadarog : (no subject) [+2]
- bogwitch64 : (no subject) [+2]
- maryjdal : (no subject) [+1]
- clarionj : (no subject) [+1]
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- writerjenn : (no subject) [+1]
Comments
Particulary when we consider how much of it was spoken by characters who couldn't
actually speak."
Of course, Stacy knew.
The best punch lines are those that can remain unsaid.
Thus it was sadly wonderful that a conversation with her
was like being on the phone with Bob Newhart.
I'm a big fan of contractions and slang etc.
Me too, though I think some writers get carried away with it.
I remember giving up on Richard Adams's Plague Dogs years ago, because of all the phoneticly spelled out northern accents - even though I'm from the north of England myself.
Each to his/her own, of course, but for me, anytime I have to stop reading to figure out what was just said, it's too much.
I'm not sure I understand this point. Surely if the story is unclear without dialog, then the dialog was necessary. If it were unnecessary, it shouldn't be in the story.
What am I missing?
Does that make sense?
It's a partial crow, but I'll take it! Heading over to Apex.
I might use the one about taking narrative, or taking dialogue and reading rest of manuscript. Need to work a bit on my characters not sounding alike. I know they are not alike but.. I find it hard to show it on the page!.