|
Strong dialogueSome writers love writing dialogue while some hate it, in most cases I have found a writer’s feeling about it is directly proportional to how capable they are at using it.Regardless of how you or they feel about it, dialogue (words spoken aloud) or internal/inner dialogue (words thought) are a vital part of prose writing. When done well they can propel a story along, add depth to characters, and provide information. However, when done badly, they can make a story stilted, clunky and unrealistic. DIALOGUE TIPS Avoid long diatribes Long paragraphs of any kind rarely work in everyday fiction, so avoid writing dialogue that has one person talking for half a page of dialogue. Instead keep it short and realistic. If your character must talk for an extended time break it up with actions and pauses, perhaps even interjections from other characters or inner dialogue. Language In today’s world we rarely speak the King’s English, it’s more like a mixture of slang, colloquialism and everyday chitchat. In most cases we use what are called contractions, which means we alter words like ‘did not’ to ‘didn’t’ and ‘will not’ to ‘won’t’. In fact, the only times we usually hear people speaking without these contractions is if English is not their native language or if they are truly ‘old school’. Slang, colloquialisms and cliches can be used when writing dialogue. When used in moderation they can help build the character of the person speaking. However be aware that using this kind a language can possibly date your work, and may make reading harder if you use it liberally. Make it realistic Take some time to listen to everyday conversation around you. Become aware of phrasing, pauses, actions and everything else we do without thinking when conversing with others. To research this more consider listening to radio or audio plays Read it aloud Always, always, always read dialogue aloud to see if it sounds authentic. |
UPCOMING
CLASSES AND COURSES
3 days of workshops
May 18th, 19th, 20th
All Things Publishing Q&A session
May 27th
Group Coaching for Writers
May 29th to July 3rd
UPCOMING
ONLINE COURSES
Writing from the Heart
(true-life/personal essays)
1st June to 29th June
Intro to Short Story Writing
(fiction)
4th July to 8th August
RESERVE YOUR PLACE
TODAY
What people are saying about our online courses ...
'I'm delighted and proud of my first attempt. Thank you for a wonderful course. I have been enriched.'
AK, Zimbabwe
‘You were my inspiration in actually doing something with my writing. I would like to thank you for kicking me in the butt and insisting I do something!’
Bec, Australia
‘Elizabeth, this was a terrific, confidence building, well-honed little course. I would thoroughly recommend it.’
Margot, Australia
‘Writing is a labour of love when we expose ourselves by baring our soul. I believe Elizabeth Bezant has the skill to combine respect for our feelings, with pragmatic strategies to help us publish our precious efforts.’
John, Australia
‘Elizabeth, this was a great course and though it was short it has boosted my confidence in my writing. Thank you!’
Rachael, Australia
‘A very rewarding challenge – not too difficult, not too easy. Every word was welcome and useful. I edit other people’s writing in a really similar manner, but it’s amazing how difficult it is to see those same errors in your own work.’
Margot, Australia
'Great course Elizabeth! I would not have taken the time to seriously try this genre but for your course. I made the last few changes you suggested and have sent the essay in to ............. After reviewing their requirements I see that my piece fits in every way possible.'
SM,Canada
The critiquing to me was the whole point of the course. While the general comments and writing tips were vital as a backbone to the course, the personal interaction and direction was the whole point of it all.’
Sue, Australia
‘I thoroughly enjoyed course, and it being online made it a breeze.’
Rowe, Australia
Fill in the form below to receive regular updates and information through our newsletter.
‘A publisher asked me to send her some of my writing this year. But I never would have without this course.’
Raewyn, Australia
‘I’ve just sent off the last of the assignments for critiquing and before I go any further I must say a very big thank you to you for the joy you have given me! Not only have I learnt so much from you, but I have also so appreciated all the encouragement and your wise counsel in assisting me to do something that I wouldn’t have believed could have been nearly possible. I will miss you.’
Yvonne, Australia
'Thanks to Elizabeth I can now source markets for personal stories, competently make my writing market-ready and sell it with confidence. Your editing skills are an asset to the writing community. I recommend this course to any writer who wants to break into this market.'
JOH, Australia
'I thought the way the market information was presented was not only informative but importantly for me it was written in a friendly manner. It took away some of the awesome fear I have of confronting the real world of publishing.'
KM, Australia