How to Write Dialogue in a Novel

By Lanee’ Blunt

Dialogue adds depth in a novel--
Image by Mattox.

Dialogue is crucial in writing your novel, but new writers find it hard to weave into the fiction. Writing dialogue you cannot luck up on it and suddenly the novel will bring the reader into your story.  When dialogue is written correctly it will add depth to your characters and move fiction forward.

Rhythm

Dialogue has the ability to advance plot, build character, and give information. Understand what your scene is about and what you are going to accomplish in the scene. How can you use dialogue to move the scene forward? When you write dialogue use rhythm, for example, Mia: “You’re not tender.” Tim: “Honey, I’m trying to be.”

Express Insights

It can be used for giving insight into a character. Dialogue when used properly can help you describe a situation sometimes better than description and exposition. Dialogue proves what you are saying is true. The character’s speech will carry more impact than if the writer narrated the scene. Sometimes the character can explain it better than the writer. If your character hates another character in your novel dialogue can express it better than using exposition. For example, Mike huddled in his seat, hating Jessica for trapping him in a relationship. “I want out of this marriage.”

“I’m never letting you go,” she said.

“I hate you for making my life miserable.” Mike yelled at Jessica.

It can move a scene forward, build character, and show that what you are writing is true and all of this can be expressed through dialogue.

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How to Overcome Writer’s Block

By Lanee’ Blunt

Overcoming writer's block--
Image by Raisun22 

Writer’s block is a problem that most writers’ get sooner or later. The writer suffering from writer’s block can think of plots, story ideas and characters but can’t seem to make themselves write them. Writer’s block stops the writer from believing that the novel or story is worth writing down and developing. Part of the writer’s problem is the belief that there are no new ideas and everything has been written before. Here are a few things you can do to overcome writer’s block.

Write Something Else

Sometimes when you are writing a novel and you can’t seem to break the block it helps to write something else. Work on a different piece if you are writing a novel start a poem, a short story, or a nonfiction article. The best way to break the block is to write. I myself have found that if I start on another writing project or story I’m able to come back to the piece and it frees up the pressure.

Step Away

Take a walk, watch a movie, or work on a hobby. Take your mind off it. Change the time of day that you normally write. Almost any diversion from writing will help you. Try meditation or relaxing. If you write on your computer try to compose in a notebook and write by hand or if you have a problem with the introduction of your novel start on the next section or the next scene.

Reference:

Scott Edelstein: The Writer’s Book of Checklist; Writer’s Digest Books

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Point of View: Multiple Viewpoints in a Novel

By Lanee’ Blunt

Explore with multiple viewpoints--
Mattox

Having multiple viewpoints has its advantages when writing a novel. The writer has more control over the novel and the focus. The first person point of view has limitations of what the characters know about other characters and what is inside their heads.  The third person allows you to step outside of the character and create a complicated universe.

Multiple viewpoints have the advantage of exploring what is going on around the character. The characters can be viewed by other characters and can explore what the characters are thinking.

First person is easier for new writers to master. It feels more personal because at first they are writing about themselves. The first-person narrator only knows his own feelings and can only reveal those responses to another character. 

Multiple viewpoints allow you to get inside the character’s mind and heart. “The multiple viewpoint allows the writer to explore the consciousness of several people within the same scene. The focus is mobile, it can shift,” according to Leonard Bishop. You have more control over the novel because you can move around into the consciousness of the characters helping the reader know more about them. Make sure that you stay in third person view point in your novel and don’t switch from third person to first person point of view.

Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)

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Reference:

Leonard Bishop; Dare to Be a Great Writer; Writer’s Digest Books

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