I have to tell you all, I hate writing dialog. Really. I don't mind writing, but the back and forth between people, the conversation and the "" marks really makes me go nuts.
That's why I like writing articles and opinion pieces instead of narratives. I can't stand dialog.
I can do it, it's just a large chore for me, one I'd rather avoid.
What does this mean? It means that despite everything happening in my life right now, I am having stories tickle at the back of my head. Not sure what ones will come out. But there they are, being composed in my subconscious.
Comments
Not a problem
Gosh, I haven't thought about dialog being separate from the story, it's all writing to me. Dialog is how I establish a character's personality. It's literally how I give my characters a voice! How can you tell a good story without it?
Mr. Ram
Now I feel like I have a
Now I feel like I have a challenge, to write a story from the first person perspective without dialogue. Hmmm, it could be done. Gonna take some creativity.
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May the Stars light your path.
Joy
The movie Cast-away with Tom Hanks
had no dialogue for most of the movie. So yes, it can be done.
How about....
Mel Brook's "Silent Movie"... There IS dialog, it's (with one exception) just not verbal. :-)
I'm just the opposite
If I'm not careful, I spend too much time in dialog. I have to keep reminding myself to add some prose to break up the conversation. I think of stories as people talking to one another.
hugs,
Kristy
"Melissa Tawn
has written several excellent stories here that employ very little dialogue." I observed.
"That's right, she does," nodded my nameless & imaginary associate, "I don't think I could do that..."
"Nor I. I believe Ms. Tawn's stories bear examination, for anyone who's interested in doing such a thing," said I. "Or just wants an excellent read. They are written dryly, yet often manage to be quite emotionally engaging. As well as historically interesting..."
"Are we done here?" asked my cohort with a jaunty flourish of his long prehensile nosehairs.
"Yes, I believe so. And now, I must depart post-haste. Or come to think of it, I should probably get out of here before the haste. Because everybody knows that haste makes waste, and I don't want to be the one who has to clean it up..."
Well shit, I guess it really CAN happen here..,
.
prehensile nosehairs?
Now that is an image I could have done without... ;)
I can just imagine being grabbed by the wrist by a nose hair...
Hugs,
Kristy
So who said ...
... that writing was easy? Good dialog is all part of the craft. It should take some thought because dialog is important. It's a great way to show personality and the differences between the characters, as well as, when applicable, highlight key events. It should be sparkling, not flat -- better than life -- and it shouldn't be used as THE vehicle to move events along.
Other than that ... it's all gravy. :)
Aardvark
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi