How to Write Great Fiction — Tip 13
He said — They said — You said
Writing dialogue that is active, immediate, appropriate, and fundamental is essential to good fiction. Here are a few ways dialogue can enhance your fiction writing.
- Make sure that each character has a distinctive voice and stay true to that voice throughout the story.
- Make sure you delete unnecessary wording in your dialogue. Keep it tight and to the point.
- Use your dialogue to emphasize emotions, character traits, motives, and character interaction. If your dialogue isn’t serving a specific purpose, then it isn’t adding to your story.
- Don’t use dialogue to fluff out the word count. Don’t use mundane small talk. It serves no purpose.
- You can add mystery, tension, and intrigue to your story by having the dialogue move sideways where one or more of the characters isn’t getting the sense/point of what the other is really saying.
An example of this last point is in this snippet of dialogue from my story, CROSSING THE CHASM.
In order to save Jessica, Califar must complete a tribal marriage ceremony with her. He tries to prepare her and make sure she understands his intent. However, culture and language are keeping her from grasping what is about to happen — marriage to the last man on earth she wants for a husband.
“I will ask you one last time. Be very sure of your answer. There will be no going back, only forward. Do you consent to be one with me?”
That was an odd way of putting it, she thought. Hadn’t she just agreed to unequivocal cooperation? He confounded her at every turn. In fact, he was adding to her fear with all this unnecessary drama. It wasn’t as if he’d be forever responsible for her.
“Don’t you think you’re being a little overdramatic? Look, if it will help, I’ll add an oath.” Placing her right hand over her heart, she added. “I solemnly vow to everything. As for being one with you, for what it’s worth, you’ve got it! Okay? I’m yours to command.”
“You consider our agreement to be sealed?”
The word sealed coming from his tightened lips sounded like an oath of his own. She wanted to put some distance between them and end his enigmatic questions. Attempting to break contact with him, she tried removing his hands from her face, but he would not allow it.
“You are the hardest man on earth to agree with. Consider my capitulation signed, sealed, and delivered. Good gosh! What more do you want?”
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