Do you find yourself writing dialogue and wonder why it sounds weird? Sometimes, we try too hard when forming words our characters speak. Below are five ways to make writing dialogue easier and better.
He said, she said
One of the biggest errors I see with new writers comes from the “he said,” “she said” mentality. Most of the time, we don’t need these tags–at least not if we work hard to create 3-D characters. Start with realistic, lovable (or detestable) characters, and we can easily identify the speaker. Action tags (used appropriately) can slow down dialogue when needed and help clarify who said something.
Consider writing dialogue as if you are one of the characters in the middle of the scene. Let the words flow naturally. Would you stop and take an action if the character stopped by your place and the two of you spoke these words? If not, don’t write it into your scene.
If you must identify the character with who said it (which at times, must happen), stick with the simple said, asked, etc. You can whisper or shout to enhance the scene but use those sparingly. Rather than getting creative with synonyms for “said,” stick with writing dialogue as if you are the characters. You find a need for fewer attributes.
Make Dialogue Count
As you would with any other part of a scene, make dialogue count. Do you have a reason for a character’s words, or do they simply fill space? If you have a reason for a greeting, OK. Most of the time, not necessary. Unless your characters enter an impassioned scene, keep it short. If you must have a longer flow of dialogue, you definitely need to break it with a touch of action.
Think of a heated argument. How long do you want that going on in real life? Hmmm… not long. Neither do your readers want pages of the same words rehashed or spit between characters. You can always abruptly stop a scene with an exit, a kiss, an interruption… you get the idea.
Choose words wisely
As a Christian writer, I often get questions about using foul language in a book, especially in dialogue. I always answer, “Why?” Do you have a purpose for using a cuss word? Does it add to the book? Can you be more creative than resorting to a tired, overused f-bomb or any other word for that matter?
I once heard a writer say, “My character changes during the book. He starts out with a foul mouth, but he ends no longer cussing.” That makes sense to see it in the beginning but be cautious and address it early. I love the way some address this issue by one character calling out the other. “Language.” Nuff said. One word shows we can avoid potty mouths in writing dialogue. In my novel, Journey to Senility, a main character never cusses–until dementia kicks in. My fellow writers said, “Just write the word.” I have a difficult time with that when I read out loud, because it isn’t my character either. While I don’t do this often in the book, it is a tool to show what the disease can do to a person. Doesn’t mean I like it or will overuse it.
Some writers use symbols to indicate a bad word, some use the ellipsis with the first letter, and others insert a similar non-offensive word or created version of a cuss word. As intelligent beings, we can do so much better than words that offend some readers. If I pick up a book and see cuss words, after a while they become as redundant as that, just, so… Why do that to your reader?
Give voice to your character
As you create your characters, add details that you may or may not show in the book. You never have to tell the reader Timmy lisps. Show it in dialogue. A gruff character comes out vividly in dialogue, as does the timid girl, the cocky young man, the boisterous waitress.
When you intimately know your character, giving them a voice comes easily. A southern belle talks much differently than the New York cab driver. While you can take them from their native home, you seldom lose colloquialisms and accents. Use that. It helps identify speakers when a group gathers.
A character may have a favorite phrase. Put that in dialogue, and don’t hesitate to let another character chastise him or her over saying it too much. Real people use phrases and repetitive words without realizing it. Let your characters become real to the readers.
Keep it Natural
Don’t force words. Unless a character fits the profile of someone who uses sophisticated, unknown words, don’t do it to your reader. If your characters use technical jargon, have another character question the meaning, and consider having the first character switch to layman terms.
Let the flow run smoothly. Try reading the dialogue out loud as a test. If you stumble on any part, rework it. Have a critique group or writing partner test your dialogue and listen to feedback. Enlist a beta reader to focus primarily on dialogue and share his or her thoughts.
Go back to the first point. Get in the characters’ heads and speak from their POV.
Keep writing dialogue as simply as having a conversation with your best friend, or worst enemy, depending on the scene. And know you can do this and do it well.
Your turn: How do you write dialogue?