I've been told that I write dialogue well. I don't know how true that is, but I certainly enjoy writing dialogue. I like how it allows me to explore my characters, their personalities, and the images they try to portray of themselves when they communicate. My favorite dialogue role model is Hilary Mantel. Do yourself a favor and read Wolf Hall and A Place of Greater Safety. The woman is a master.
Here are my tidbits of advice when it comes to writing conversation.
1) Your characters should talk like people actually sound. Unless you have some real reason for your characters to speak strangely (different time period, aliens, second language, whatever), your characters should sound like they grew up on this planet conversing with other human beings. Even when there is a reason for someone to speak strangely, it can be really off-putting and distracting if done in excess.
2) Readers should be able to tell who is speaking. I don't mean every line needs a dialogue tag, but if you use so few that readers stop out of confusion, then you need to be more explicit about who is saying what.
3) Repetition is boring. Don't write the same conversation multiple times.
4) Dialogue should accomplish characterization. If a character's words and the way he speaks tell us nothing about him, then something is wrong with the writing.
5) Your imagination can help you create an effective voice. If you don't have a clear sound and image in mind, try "fantasy casting." Imagine which actor would play that character in the movie of your book. How would she sound?
6) Conversation isn't just about the words spoken. It includes body language, gestures, facial expressions, and what is left unsaid. People don't communicate with only their words. On the other hand, don't overdo the adverbs and descriptions. A taste is enough for the reader to fill in the details.
What are some of your favorite tips for writing dialogue? What are some of the greatest pitfalls?
Here are my tidbits of advice when it comes to writing conversation.
1) Your characters should talk like people actually sound. Unless you have some real reason for your characters to speak strangely (different time period, aliens, second language, whatever), your characters should sound like they grew up on this planet conversing with other human beings. Even when there is a reason for someone to speak strangely, it can be really off-putting and distracting if done in excess.2) Readers should be able to tell who is speaking. I don't mean every line needs a dialogue tag, but if you use so few that readers stop out of confusion, then you need to be more explicit about who is saying what.
3) Repetition is boring. Don't write the same conversation multiple times.
4) Dialogue should accomplish characterization. If a character's words and the way he speaks tell us nothing about him, then something is wrong with the writing.
5) Your imagination can help you create an effective voice. If you don't have a clear sound and image in mind, try "fantasy casting." Imagine which actor would play that character in the movie of your book. How would she sound?
6) Conversation isn't just about the words spoken. It includes body language, gestures, facial expressions, and what is left unsaid. People don't communicate with only their words. On the other hand, don't overdo the adverbs and descriptions. A taste is enough for the reader to fill in the details.
What are some of your favorite tips for writing dialogue? What are some of the greatest pitfalls?
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