Hey there, storytellers! Ever read a book where the characters’ conversations felt as stiff as cardboard? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Good dialogue can make or break a story. It’s like the secret sauce that brings your characters to life. So, let’s dive into some tips to make your dialogue sizzle!
1. Keep It Real, Folks!
First things first: people don’t talk like robots (unless that’s your character, in which case, beep boop away!). Listen to how people really speak. They use contractions, they interrupt each other, they leave sentences hanging. Your dialogue should reflect that natural flow.
Example:
Robotic: “I do not know where I have placed my keys.”
Natural: “Ugh, where’d I put those darn keys?”
2. Give Each Character Their Own Voice
Imagine if all your friends sounded exactly the same. Boring, right? Each of your characters should have a unique way of speaking. Maybe one uses lots of slang, while another is more formal. This helps readers tell them apart and makes them feel more real.
3. Cut the Chit-Chat
In real life, we often ramble on about the weather or what we had for lunch. In fiction? Not so much. Every line of dialogue should move the story forward or reveal something about the character. If it doesn’t do either, it’s time for the chopping block!
4. Show, Don’t Tell (Even in Dialogue)
Instead of having your character say, “I’m angry,” show it through their words and actions.
Example:
Telling: “I’m really angry right now.”
Showing: “She slammed her fist on the table. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!'”
5. Sprinkle in Some Subtext
Subtext is what’s really being said beneath the surface. It’s like the iceberg of conversation – there’s a lot more going on underneath!
Example:
“Sure, go to the party. I’ll be fine here… alone… on our anniversary.”
(Subtext: I’m upset you forgot our anniversary and I want you to stay home.)
6. Break Up Dialogue with Action
Long stretches of back-and-forth conversation can get boring. Mix it up with some action or description.
Example:
“I can’t believe you did that,” Sarah said. She paced the room, running her hands through her hair. “Of all the stupid, reckless-“
“I had no choice,” John interrupted, his voice barely above a whisper.
7. Read It Out Loud
This is the ultimate test. If it sounds awkward when you say it out loud, it’ll probably sound awkward in your reader’s head too.
Remember, mastering dialogue is like learning to dance – it takes practice, but once you get the rhythm, it’s a blast! Keep at it, and soon your characters will be chatting away like old friends.
What’s your favorite tip for writing great dialogue? Share in the comments below!
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