Dialogue problems... - Writers Forum

Stringsofpearls · 03-04-2008, 05:33 PM

I have always struggled with writing dialogue. I often find that I don't write enough of it--as I find it difficult and therefore subconsciously avoid it--but when I read scenes back I find that they suffer from the lack of it.

Has anyone got any advice, not only for writing good and readable dialogue, but also for how I can go about writing dialogue that doesn't read as though it is simply there for the sake of it?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Agent4185 · 03-04-2008, 05:46 PM

From Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell: Create tension with dialogue. Don't be afraid to use the word "said." Shorten your sentences. Remember dialogue is action.

Faustling · 03-04-2008, 07:24 PM

Something I find helpful to practice dialogue writing in general is to write a story composed of only dialogue that yet tells a story. (And to have two guys talking to each other about the awesome stuff they did is cheating). One of the dialogues I recently posted at WF is actually a result of illustrating this exercise to some students.

I don't know if it will help you with your particular problem but perhaps you could try writing a story with an absolute minimum of descriptions and stuff, focusing on the dialogue, in order to learn to include more of it.

Rambling Sage · 03-04-2008, 07:28 PM

first thing with writing dialogue is getting the rules of it down. Once you understand the grammar aspect, you're golden.

then, when writing it, try and make it sound natural. after you write a section that includes a lot of dialogue, go back and read it out loud to see how it sounds. you will spot a lot of awkward wordings and such that way, you can make sound much better.

as far as not writing enough. don't worry about it, writing dialogue naturally takes time and if you still think you are not doing enough, just remember that every paragraph does not need dialogue. only use it when it is needed. you don't want to think that you have to have dialogue, because if you force it, it will sound bad.

Erik Buchanan · 03-05-2008, 10:06 AM

Some good advice already, there.

Once your dialogue is on the page, try speaking it out loud. That will help you figure out whether or not it sounds realistic.

Talia_Brie · 03-07-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambling Sage

after you write a section that includes a lot of dialogue, go back and read it out loud to see how it sounds. you will spot a lot of awkward wordings and such that way, you can make sound much better.

This is, as far as I can tell, the best advice there is on writing dialogue. If you hear it , you'll know if it sounds bogus.

Some other things to remember:

1. Different people speak differently. I don't mean accents and languages, I mean people use words differently. You're different characters need to display this (eg a university professor uses different words than a bricklayer.)

2. Speaking is also about doing things. What do you do with your hands when you speak? How do you sit when you're talking about something uncomfortable? You need to watch people when you're speaking, because a good percentage of communication is non-verbal (around 90% I believe).

3. Sometimes what is important about a conversation is what isn't said.

4. Have you ever listened to a conversation where the two people are talking about two completly different things, like they are in fact having two different conversations? When was the last time you wrote something like that?

5. Swearing. There are special rules for swearing, in general, and in writing. Billy Connolly says people shouldn't swear if they're not good at it, and he's right. If you're going to write a character who uses a lot of swearing you need to remember that there is 'effective swearing', and there's using 'fuck' in every second line. If you're not good at swearing, don't overuse it in you're writing, because it just won't sound right.

I use a lot of dialogue in my writing, because I find I can express some subtle story nuiances that way (there's no way I spelt that right). I also think it's easier to read, and maintains the pace of the story very well. As far as I am concerned it is a required skill, and you need to be able to use it effectively in your writing, so practice like crazy.

Stringsofpearls · 03-07-2008, 10:13 AM

Thanks to all of you for your help.

I'm definitely going to give that exercise a go, Faustling. You all gave useful advice that I'll be putting into practice very soon.

I guess I'd better go and give it a go then--maybe I'll post a section with dialogue in it in the critique and advice section sometime soon.

03-07-2008, 03:33 PM

with dialogue i believe less is more. if you have developed your characters enough before you start writing...they will know what to say...your job is to edit them down. it is a matter of taste, but i prefer dialogue which brings another layer of understanding to characterisation and story themes and dislike dialogue which simply keeps the plot moving. Characters constantly calling one another by name also irritates. I mean, who does that?? Are you writing prose fiction or screen?

Faustling · 03-08-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringsofpearls

I'm definitely going to give that exercise a go, Faustling.

You should, but make sure you combine it with Sage's advice of reading it out loud. Sometimes the result of this excercise end up sounding like an old superhero comic book, "Oh no! He attacks me with his death ray! I must avoid it and then use my super-punching to take him down!". Good luck.

Joe Moore · 03-08-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambling Sage

after you write a section that includes a lot of dialogue, go back and read it out loud to see how it sounds.

To add to this tip, have someone else read it out loud back to you. If they stumble, or it sounds forced or contrived, you'll know where extra work is needed. Hearing your written dialog spoke aloud is a great tool. Good luck.