Speak Up: Writing Dialogue

One of the key aspects of a good story is dialogue. It's through dialogue that characters reveal their personalities, conflicts are introduced, and the plot moves forward. But writing natural-sounding dialogue can be a challenge for even the most experienced writers. In this post, we'll explore tips for writing dialogue that sounds natural and moves the story forward.

Knowing Your Characters

The first step in writing natural-sounding dialogue is to know your characters inside and out. This means understanding their backgrounds, motivations, and personalities. A shy character won't speak the same way as an outgoing one. Think about how your characters would speak and what their unique voice might sound like.

Avoiding Dialogue Pitfalls

There are several common mistakes writers make when writing dialogue. One of the most common is overusing dialogue tags like "he said" or "she replied." Instead, focus on writing dialogue that is clear enough that the reader can follow without constantly needing reminders of who is speaking. Another common mistake is writing overly formal or unrealistic dialogue. Dialogue should sound like something a real person would say, not like something out of a textbook.

Using Dialogue to Move the Story Forward

Dialogue can help keep your story moving forward. Use it to reveal conflicts between characters, introduce new plot points, and create tension. Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose. Additionally, using subtext and innuendo helps create tension and keep readers engaged.

Balancing Dialogue with Action and Description

Remember that you're writing prose rather than a script. It's important to balance dialogue with other storytelling elements, like action and description. Use action and description to enhance the dialogue and create a more immersive reading experience. For example, instead of just having two characters sit and talk, have them engage in an activity or move around the setting. Combining dialogue and action makes a scene more dynamic and interesting.

Editing Your Dialogue

Finally, editing your dialogue is essential. Read your dialogue out loud to ensure that it sounds natural and flows well. Cut out any unnecessary dialogue and make sure that every line is serving a purpose. Seek feedback from beta readers to get an outside perspective on your dialogue.

Writing natural-sounding dialogue can be a challenge, but with practice and attention to detail, it's one that you can overcome. Use these tips to write dialogue that sounds like something a real person would say and moves the story forward.