Writers out there, I am writing my first novel and need a little help with my char’s conversations any advice?
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Here are a few tips:
-Before the dialogue begins, establish the characters and the situation well enough that the reader will know who is talking only from what they are saying. If Tom wants help writing, he is the most likely to ask questions.
-In the first 2-3 lines, identify who is saying the lines. Then rely on the audience to remember the flow of the conversation.
-You can also use actions and gestures to identify who is saying what. For instance:
Two hours before the term paper was due. Tap, tap, tap. Bob was tapping the keyboard, his fingers like tiny puppets. Bob would finish the term paper first. Bob would pass and Tom wouldn’t.
“How am I supposed to word this?” asked Tom, tossing his bangs across his forehand while waiting for an answer.
“I’m not sure.” The tapping continued at what felt like an angry pace.
“How would you word it?”
In that section, it is obvious that Bob is saying the line “I’m not sure” because there are only two people and he is the only one typing. Try to incorporate as much silent characterization as possible into your dialogue and then you won’t need to identify who is saying what every time. You just have to trust the audience enough to think that they will keep up with the flow of the conversation.
Good luck! 🙂
Tom looked over at Bob.
“How am i supposed to word this?” he asked.
“I’m not sure” came the casual reply. “Maybe someone on Yahoo answers can help.”
“Thanks. I’ll try that”
By lining up your conversations like that you only have to identify your speakers every so often. One of the best at this is Elmore Leonard-try reading some of his work for ideas.
Here’s a link to a grammar and writing advice web site. I’ve been writing for over 40 years and sometimes I blank on proper form, so it comes in handy.
