Write Dialogue That Hooks: US Screenwriter-Novelist Interview

In an exclusive interview, a US screenwriter-turned-novelist shares insider tips on how to craft compelling dialogue that captivates readers and elevates storytelling, offering practical advice for authors seeking to enhance their narrative voice.

Crafting realistic and engaging dialogue is essential for drawing readers into your story. In this author interview, we delve into the art of writing compelling dialogue with insights from a seasoned US screenwriter-turned-novelist, offering actionable tips to hook your audience and elevate your narrative.

Mastering Dialogue: An Author Interview

Writing dialogue that sounds authentic and keeps readers engaged is a challenge for many authors. It’s more than just transcribing conversations; it’s about revealing character, advancing the plot, and creating emotional resonance. Let’s explore some strategies for crafting dialogue that truly shines.

Understanding Your Characters

The foundation of great dialogue lies in understanding your characters inside and out. Their backgrounds, personalities, and motivations all influence how they speak. Consider these elements:

• Background: Where did your character grow up? What is their social class? Their level of education?
• Personality: Are they introverted or extroverted? Optimistic or cynical? Witty or serious?
• Motivations: What do they want? What are they afraid of? What are their values?

Knowing these details will help you create dialogue that feels true to each character. Don’t be afraid to give your characters quirks and unique speech patterns.

Using Dialogue to Reveal Character

Dialogue offers a powerful tool for revealing character traits without explicitly stating them. Think about how your characters’ choices of words, tone, and speaking style can provide insights into their personalities. Here are some tips:

• Word Choice: Does your character use formal language or slang? Do they swear frequently?
• Tone: Is their voice sarcastic, friendly, or authoritative? Do they speak quickly or slowly?
• Speaking Style: Do they interrupt others or listen patiently? Do they use humor or keep things serious?

By paying attention to these details, you can make your characters come alive through their dialogue.

Ultimately, crafting compelling dialogue is an ongoing process that requires observation, experimentation, and a deep understanding of your characters. Pay attention to the way people communicate in real life, and don’t be afraid to break the rules in order to create something truly unique. Experiment with different techniques, and listen to the feedback you receive from readers and editors. With practice and dedication, you can master this essential skill and elevate your storytelling to new heights.

Balancing Realism and Narrative Purpose

While realistic dialogue is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of narrative purpose. Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether it’s to reveal character, advance the plot, or create tension. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

Avoiding On-the-Nose Dialogue

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is using dialogue to state the obvious. Avoid having your characters spell out their feelings or repeat information the reader already knows. Instead, use subtext to hint at emotions and motivations.

For example, instead of having a character say, “I’m so angry at you!” you could show their anger through their actions and tone of voice.

Using Dialogue to Advance the Plot

Dialogue can be a powerful tool for advancing the plot. Use conversations to reveal new information, create conflict, or set up future events. Each exchange should move the story forward in some way.

Consider how dialogue can be used to create suspense or foreshadow danger. A seemingly innocuous conversation can become fraught with tension if the reader knows something the characters don’t.

The Power of Subtext

Subtext is the unspoken meaning behind the words. It’s what characters are really thinking and feeling, even if they don’t say it outright. Mastering subtext is essential for writing dialogue that’s both realistic and engaging. Let’s see how to use it:

Creating Tension with What’s Unsaid

Often, what’s left unsaid is more powerful than what’s explicitly stated. Use subtext to create tension, build suspense, and hint at deeper emotions.

For example, a character might respond to a question with a vague or evasive answer, suggesting they’re hiding something. Or they might change the subject abruptly to avoid a sensitive topic.

Using Body Language and Nonverbal Cues

Dialogue isn’t just about words; it’s also about body language and nonverbal cues. Pay attention to how your characters move, gesture, and react to each other. These details can add layers of meaning to their conversations.

• Facial expressions: A smile, a frown, a raised eyebrow.
• Gestures: A shrug, a clenched fist, a wave of the hand.
• Body posture: Slouching, standing tall, fidgeting.

By incorporating these elements into your dialogue, you can create a more immersive and believable experience for your readers.

In conclusion, the effective use of subtext is a key element in writing dialogue that resonates with readers. By hinting at deeper emotions and motivations, you can add layers of meaning to your conversations and create a more immersive and engaging reading experience.

Voice: Finding Each Character’s Unique Sound

A character’s voice is their unique way of speaking, thinking, and expressing themselves. It’s what sets them apart from other characters and makes them feel real. Here’s how to develop a distinct voice for each character:

Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Dialogue tags (e.g., “he said,” “she asked”) are essential for identifying who’s speaking. However, they can also be used to add nuance and characterization to your dialogue. And there’s some best practices to use dialog tags effectively:

• Vary your tags: Avoid using “said” for every line of dialogue. Use other verbs like “asked,” “replied,” “whispered,” or “shouted” to add variety and convey emotion.
• Use adverbs sparingly: Adverbs (e.g., “he said angrily”) can be helpful, but overuse them can be distracting. Trust your dialogue to convey the emotion instead.
• Omit tags when possible: If it’s clear who’s speaking, you can omit the dialogue tag altogether.

By paying attention to your dialogue tags, you can enhance the impact of your conversations and make your characters come alive on the page.

Capturing Regional Accents and Dialects

If your characters have regional accents or dialects, consider how to incorporate these into their dialogue. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much dialect can be difficult for readers to understand. Instead, focus on capturing the rhythm and cadence of the accent.

Consider these tips:

• Listen to recordings: Find recordings of people speaking with the accent or dialect you’re trying to capture. Pay attention to their pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
• Use phonetic spellings sparingly: Minor phonetic adjustments can suggest an accent without overwhelming the reader.
• Focus on vocabulary: Use regional words and phrases to add authenticity to your dialogue.

Polishing Your Dialogue: Revision and Feedback

Writing compelling dialogue is only half the battle. Don’t be afraid to revise your work and seek feedback from others, to make sure the dialogues have maximum impact. Here are some tips for perfecting your dialogue:

Reading Aloud to Catch Awkward Phrasing

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your dialogue is to read it aloud. This will help you catch awkward phrasing, unnatural rhythms, and inconsistencies in character voice.

Pay attention to how the dialogue sounds when you speak it. Does it flow smoothly? Does it sound like something a real person would say? If not, revise it until it does.

Seeking Feedback from Beta Readers and Critique Partners

Getting feedback from other writers and readers is essential for improving your dialogue. Beta readers and critique partners can offer fresh perspectives and identify areas where your dialogue could be stronger.

When seeking feedback, be sure to ask specific questions. For example:

• Does the dialogue sound realistic?
• Do the characters’ voices feel distinct?
• Does the dialogue advance the plot or reveal character?

The Art of Listening: Observing Real Conversations

One of the best ways to improve your dialogue is to become a keen observer of real-life conversations. Pay attention to how people talk, what they say, and how they say it. Here are some tips for honing your observational skills:

The art of listening is about paying attention not only to the words being spoken, but also to the intonation, the rhythm, and the body language that accompany them. It involves being present in the moment and fully engaged with the speaker.

• Eavesdrop (discreetly): Listen to conversations in coffee shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Pay attention to the way people talk to each other.
• Watch movies and TV shows: Observe how professional writers craft dialogue for different characters and situations.
• Read plays: Plays are almost entirely dialogue-driven, making them an excellent source of inspiration.

By listening to real-life conversations and studying well-written dialogue, you can develop a better understanding of what makes dialogue effective.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering the art of writing compelling dialogue is a continuous journey. By understanding your characters, listening to real conversations, and refining your technique, you can create dialogue that captivates readers and brings your stories to life.