tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010942979784569627.post7213157216456153968..comments2024-02-06T04:20:38.551-08:00Comments on Reading, Writing, Revising: The High Cost of Realistic DialogueLisa Ecksteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11469107523441985396noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010942979784569627.post-87717349229270864022011-11-29T20:57:07.937-08:002011-11-29T20:57:07.937-08:00Yes, I adore writing dialogue, but it's tricky...Yes, I adore writing dialogue, but it's tricky! Thanks, Anna.Lisa Ecksteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11469107523441985396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010942979784569627.post-86539205124911052382011-11-29T19:33:50.097-08:002011-11-29T19:33:50.097-08:00My WIP is a mix of heavy dialogue/narrative prose,...My WIP is a mix of heavy dialogue/narrative prose, and I have to admit I LOVE writing those back and forth exchanges. But it is tricky, making sure each word counts, and that it sounds legitimate. Looking forward to reading yours!Anna Scott Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02744202738210301084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010942979784569627.post-2438817961084726262011-11-29T17:07:02.687-08:002011-11-29T17:07:02.687-08:00Hey, Lisa! It's especially cool that you comme...Hey, Lisa! It's especially cool that you commented on this, because when I was starting the post and thinking about various good dialogue advice I've received, I remembered that you once gave me some very useful tips on streamlining the dialogue in my previous manuscript.<br /><br />I like your thoughts about paying attention to how the characters' relationships and issues can affect what they do and don't say in a scene. These are good techniques for getting closer to dialogue that makes sense on all the necessary levels.<br /><br />Thanks for providing good dialogue advice once again!Lisa Ecksteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11469107523441985396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6010942979784569627.post-63653649293757666472011-11-29T13:07:48.742-08:002011-11-29T13:07:48.742-08:00Hey Lisa E! It's Lisa F here;-)
Ooooooh, I en...Hey Lisa E! It's Lisa F here;-)<br /><br />Ooooooh, I enjoyed reading this! It definitely resonated for me; I found myself nodding and mmm-hmmming in public. <br /><br />One technique I typically try to get needed information across to the reader is invest the scene with text and subtext, or use the scene to illustrate something further about the characters - one person begins to say the important info and his words are cut off by another character. That might prompt a rebuke by another character, out to prove he wasn't paying attention. The 'rebuker' then encourages the first character to continue, prodding, perhaps filling in the important info. To the embarrassment of the first character.<br /><br />I try to 'hear' what each character says that isn't making it out of their mouth (or onto the paper). Like, 'why is he telling us this? He already told me this on the phone.' or 'look at him, he hates being the center of attention. leaving out all the 'good stuff'!'<br /><br />It's such a challenge to get realistic dialogue 'right'! And add into the mix each person's background, speech patterns, age, and how close they are and how they feel about the people they are currently with. But it's sooooo gratifying when you succeed:-)Lisa Frankfortnoreply@blogger.com