In my writing, I struggle with dialog. How do I get it to a point where the conversation is not only meaningful, it also advances the plot and reveals character?
I have done a few dialog-writing exercises, but the results are often dead, stilted.
But today I read some interesting bits about real-life conversation in a curious book called the 3 am Epiphany, which I’ve borrowed from a friend. They sort of made me realize that dialog does not have to be always clean, cut-and-dried, but can imitate life in various ways, all the while doing what I ask of it: advancing the plot and revealing character.
Without further ado, here are the pages I’m referring to:
3 am Epiphany on Conversations
Conversation examples
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6 Comments so far
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This sounds like a fantastic book. I tend to write a lot of dialogue, but don’t always get the right “tone”.
[Reply]
By Belle on 02.03.10 3:46 pm | Permalink
Great Post!
Dialogue is one of my strong points, but this book looks like it could help me improve!
It is narration that I struggle with. I often tell rather than show.
.-= Annarkie´s last blog ..10 Myths About Cats =-.
[Reply]
By Annarkie on 02.03.10 6:30 pm | Permalink
Belle,
Thai book helps with every aspect of the writing, including tone. I have seldom seen a book teach writing better through exercises than this one.
Annarkie,
This book has exercise on narration too. I have a feeling all writers should have a copy of this book!
[Reply]
By damyanti on 02.03.10 6:42 pm | Permalink
Not sure how this blog works. Saw it on Phools Paradise so must be okay. Anyway, I hope there is room for an old biddie writer amongst all these youthful beauties!
[Reply]
Sarah Jensen Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@Gladys Hobson, Of course. Welcome aboard Gladys.
[Reply]
Gladys Hobson Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 9:24 am
@Sarah Jensen, Thank you, Sarah.
.-= Gladys Hobson´s last blog ..Statistics, Schools and Fashion! =-.
[Reply]
By Gladys Hobson on 02.18.10 9:39 am | Permalink
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