Quote of the Day

more Quotes

Saturday, October 20, 2012

NaNoWriMo Tips re Dialogue: Body Language, Silence and Subtext

First, Body Language

Watch a couple people having a discussion, just for their body language, not eavesdropping. Note any differences between a male and a female as they talk. Sure, you can have a more animated speaker of any gender, but just observe. Use what you learn in your writing.

Second, Silence

Now get closer to your test subjects so you can hear the conversation. But ignore the words and focus more on the gaps. Did you find where each are more likely to stop short? Can you tell why? Even if you have to make it up? Layer in those unfinished sentences into your dialogue. Not too much. Just enough.

Third, Subtext

Yes, some people are just loaded with subtext no matter who they speak with. Watch for all kinds. Fish for the context. Pin down the driving force, why they would resort to heavy inference with this individual at the present moment. Write it down before it is lost.

Fourth, Miscellaneous

Remember those words in between the quote marks use more contractions, they stop and start again on a totally different topic, they pick up a prior thread and follow it through instead. Make it real. Read it out loud to make sure it works to the ear.

Only eleven more days until November 1!

Denise Barker, author + blogger + copy editor

No comments:

Post a Comment