This week: Topic of Conversation in Stories Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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For Authors Newsletter by Dawn
Sometimes, a conversation is easier said that it is written. Looking at the task of writing dialogue for stories. |
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"Hey, baby, what you gotta say?
All you're giving me is fiction
I'm a sorry sucker and this happens all the time
I found out that everybody talks
Everybody talks, everybody talks" - Neon Trees
Some might think people talk too much but other times, they just might not talk enough. Then again, there are times when that fiction is done on purpose either way. There are stories with all dialogue or no dialogue, which brings around the topic of this newsletter and that is written conversations, also known as dialogue.
I tend to write a fair amount of it myself. I do so more than description sometimes, which can seem odd considering I've got a very long fantasy novel that ended up over 170,000 words in the first draft. Far more dialogue in there and some action compared to the descriptive elements. It's something I need to work on because like almost everything in writing, it's important to find a balance.
When it comes to writing a story, the things the character has to say can be important or might seem important but is not always necessary. The decision can be challenge. What is important? Is that something the character needs to say? On the other hand, you also don't want it to become a device used to give information that main point of view character wouldn't know too often. Sure, the villain revealing his entire plot and reasoning behind the actions during the last battle scene because they absolutely must make a speech can be entertaining but that can't always be the proper method for sharing within the story. The trick is finding the right moment for the right conversation.
How do you make that decision? Good question. There isn't a clear cut answer but this is also one of those places where having more than one draft will help. With the first couple of drafts in a story, you can write out whatever you want. Write extra because that's okay. If the snippet of dialogue doesn't make the cut later, no big deal. First, it helps to write things down and try them out. When you are doing rewrites and edits, that is when you will figure out what works and what doesn't.
And if you aren't sure. Read it out loud. Since it is a conversation, even though it's one that happens between fictional characters, hearing things spoken can really help get a feel as to whether the conversation makes sense or not. And don't worry. If you have conversations with your characters, that is perfectly normal in the world of writing. |
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How do you decide on dialogue and topics for the conversations that happen in a story?
Last time, when I wrote for the Authors newsletter, I discussed reading. I tend to do a fair amount due to a long commute and some down time at work. Here are some comments sent in relation to that newsletter:
Comment by oldgreywolf on wheels  :
Ìf you prefer older, out-of-copyright books or stories, gutenberg.org may fill the bill.
- Thank you
Comment by Bee Baumann  :
Thank you for your article. Reading is essential to understand the world, its language, and its people.
- I agree and appreciate the comment in return.
Comment by Quick-Quill  :
I met an author who told me he had written 30+ books and a Pulitzer winner I saw his book. I felt intimidated. He gave me two of his books that interested me and I began to read. The storyline intrigued me and I determined to finish the book. Why is he such a terrible writer? I can't understand some of what he writes as paragraphs make no sense at times. I love the main character and her friends but they do things that don't follow common sense. I've read to pg 205 and I do want to know what happens. I don't know how I'm going to review his writing. I will have to stick to the storyline and muddle through his crafting. In three sentences of a paragraph he wrote the word WAS six times!!!! that's just one paragraph. How did he win an award? I should be a best seller.
- Understandable. I've had to read a book by an author for a class that was not only well published but also had movies made from some of those books but I just couldn't read it. The novel was in the literary fiction category and was his first published, so we read it for novel writing class. However, I had taken an advanced English class before that one and still could not understand the book at all. Never know what will do well unless we try and put the effort into their publication.
Comment by W.P. Gerace  :
Greetings Dawn,
I do hope you are doing well today my friend. I have to say I have been on a personal hiatus with my Reading and Writing due to some personal stuff. But I am coming back to all this starting now. I had an active subscription which I plan to re subscribe to today for the Amazon Unlimited on my Kindle. It's affordable for me and I have read quite a few books on there. I will also say when I was reading the stories on there it really fired up my writing. So I definitely need to get back to that. When I was reading on there I sort of got hooked on the Paranormal Romance Supernatural Stories. I am probably explaining it wrong I apologize in advance. But it's those stories about folks who turn into Wolves, Rabbits etc.. A good friend mine from work writes these and I have a read few of her stories there. Additionally I found out also if I am reading it right that I can read Writers Digest on there for free. It is one of my favorite magazines. But again I have to research that part. I would like to wish you and your family a Blessed, Healthy, Prosperous New Years my friend!! :) :)
Yours Truly,
Bill G.
- Thank you for the comment. I admit that I took a reader break for some years after college. Recently, I was lucky to have read maybe three books in a year and now I've read over 160 so far for 2024. That is great you were able to find Writers Digest for free. I use a library app on my phone so also get books for free to check out. It helps.
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For Authors: April 17, 2024 Issue [#12510]
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