I’m trying something new with this novel–other than being meticulously organized with My Glorious Outline (which I am so thankful for!). I’m writing my first draft entirely in dialogue. Line after line, scene after scene–nothing but characters chattering away. We’ll see how it reads, but I’m finding it a thrill and a pleasure to write.
In writing workshops I’ve attended, I’ve learned that every scene is supposed to move the story forward and that dialogue is a great way to do that in a page turning way. It simply reads faster that block paragraphs of internal thoughts, and it certainly writes faster, too. Plus, dialogue offers more opportunities for gossip, jokes and witty retorts.
I’ve struggled with writing dialogue before and I realize now it was because I was relying overmuch on character’s internal thoughts to tell (ok, dump) information on the reader. It left the characters little to say, and even less to respond to. For example:
“Blah blah,” he said, thinking whatever and then she responded while he wondered what she was thinking and what she looked like naked and she said something, like, what was it, a paragraph ago? It had been so long, he couldn’t remember….
Tomorrow, I shall post a snippet of un-edited, untagged dialogue from the new book, for your eyes only, dear readers!
“Tomorrow, I shall post a snippet of un-edited, untagged dialogue from the new book, for your eyes only, dear readers!”
Can’t wait!
I find the idea of writing only in dialogue very intriguing.
Can’t wait, Maya!
I tend to be a reader who appreciates snappy banter and dialogue more than descriptions. Give me Beatrice and Benedict from Much Ado firing dialogue at a rapid pace anyday over a flowery passage about how picturesque the cottage looked in the woods, if that makes sense at all. And I think you’ve nailed the reason why. It moves the story forward, and it’s a great way to get to know the characters.
Good luck with your first draft!
I quite agree, Lisa!