This week’s video shows one of the top reasons it’s possible your book is boring your readers and offers the easy (and fun) solution. Video Transcript: Honestly, I think the single scariest word any reader can apply to our books is boring. It’s the kiss of death. A story can overcome just about any other […]
January 18, 2015 by 95 Comments DialogueGet Rid of On-the-Nose Dialogue Once and For All
Know what sets apart the okay writers from the great writers? Subtlety and subtext. This is true in absolutely every area of storytelling, from narrative to plotting to character development. But the lack of subtlety and subtext is perhaps nowhere more obvious than in dialogue. I’m talking, of course, about on-the-nose dialogue. When I pick up a potential […]
December 7, 2014 by 27 Comments Most Common Writing MistakesMost Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 36: Too Much Introspection, Not Enough Interaction
The best character development is often found in the heart of his personal narrative: his introspective observations and reactions to the events of the story. As I’ve preached many a time, if a character’s not reacting to what’s happening in your story, then what’s happening doesn’t matter. But the irony here is that the eternal balancing act […]
November 14, 2014 by 30 Comments DialogueAre Your Characters Talking Too Much?
Dialogue drives both narrative and character development. The key for creative writers is including just enough dialogue to meet those needs and no more. The last thing you want is to have your characters talking too much. Many novelists approach a scene by writing until they feel they have included sufficient dialogue to meet their […]
October 5, 2014 by 41 Comments Most Common Writing MistakesMost Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 34: Repetitive Dialogue
Forget all the other writing rules, but always remember this one: The reader’s time is valuable. Readers don’t want to listen to us or our characters repeat ourselves—especially in repetitive dialogue. It’s surprising how easily repetitive dialogue can sneak into our writing. Half the time we’re so close to the material, we may not even […]
July 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment DialogueThe Four Different Types of Conflict in Dialogue
Today, I’m guest posting over on Jane Friedman’s blog, with the post “The Four Different Types of Conflict in Dialogue.” Here’s an excerpt: Conflict in dialogue provides authors with one of their best opportunities for jazzing up their stories and powering their plots. Slow scene? No problemo. Just throw in a nice, heated little argument. What […]
February 12, 2014 by 61 Comments DialogueHow to Avoid the “As You Know, Bob” Trope in Dialogue
Among writers, the “as you know, Bob” trope has become almost something of a joke. But let me tell you, this isn’t any joking matter! “As you know, Bob” refers to the clumsy technique of filling readers in on basic story details through dialogue exposition by having two characters who already know the facts explain […]
November 6, 2013 by 13 Comments DialogueWant to Write Witty Dialogue? Banter vs. Bickering in Writing
I love witty banter. I mean, who doesn’t? Playful, quick-witted dialogue can spice up any scene, making characters more likable and their interactions more engaging. But there’s a fine line between banter vs. bickering in writing. Done well, banter crackles with energy and charm. Done poorly, it turns into petty sniping that makes characters seem […]
June 26, 2013 by 18 Comments DialogueAn Insanely Simple Trick for Tightening Dialogue
Dialogue is essential in storytelling. It’s what brings characters to life and drives the plot forward. However, it’s important to be mindful of tightening dialogue by cutting out any unnecessary filler that can bog down the conversation. I adore good dialogue. Funny, snappy, insightful, punchy—love it. It’s also a ton of fun to write (whenever […]
June 23, 2013 by 22 Comments DialogueExclusive Dialogue: When Readers Don’t Know What Your Characters Are Talking About
A good story will provide a balance between giving readers necessary information and keeping them curious by not giving them all the info. Nowhere is this more important than in your characters’ conversations. The key is to keep the scene fresh without dragging readers into confusing exclusive dialogue. Make no mistake, this is a tough […]
