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.

Read More

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

Read More

4 Tips on Writing a Book

By Lanee’ Blunt

Write your book--ubik2010

Writing a book is a challenge. The writer must find time to write the book and without immediate rewards. You can write a short story in one setting or maybe in a few days, but writing a novel will take months or even a year. There is no immediate satisfaction in publishing the novel in a month so you must stay focused for as long as it takes to complete the novel.

Characterization

A character sketch is an excellent way to get to know your characters. There are some writers’ that don’t sketch their characters, but in my opinion if you don’t sketch them in the beginning you will end up going back to that phase eventually. When you start with a sketch it helps you understand your character and know what they will do next. What does the protagonist look like? Where was she born? Does she lie? What is her weakness? Asking questions helps you know how your characters will react when they are put in a certain situation.

Techniques

Plotting a novel is easier if you stick to the genre that you are writing for. If you are a new writer you should decide on a genre and read a few novels in that genre. Decide how you will start the story. A novel shouldn’t be started at the beginning for example, when the character was born.  Think about the action and start the novel there. How will your novel end? Make sure that you have brought all of the plates down by answering all unanswered questions. If you are going to use third-person viewpoint stay in that viewpoint and don’t switch to first or second-viewpoint in the novel. “We live our lives within a single viewpoint. We never get out of it—never really live in another person’s head and heart,” according to Jack M. Bickham, in his book, Writing and Selling Your Novel. Writing fiction is the same way you should not switch viewpoints within a given dramatic confrontation.

Outlining

Write an outline for your novel. It doesn’t have to be a long outline like the one you wrote for Mrs. Tyler’s English class. Outline what will happen in each chapter.

Write every day

Set a goal. It should be a goal of not how many hours you will work a day, but on how many words you will write each day.

Reference:

Jack M. Bickham; Writing and Selling Your Novel; Writer’s Digest Books

Read This Next

Developing Characters: How to Write a Character Sketch


How to Get a Novel Published


How to Write a Short Story: Developing the Plot

Read More