|
Author: Jillanne Kimble Article source: http://www.kabish.com/. Used with author's permission.
Characters in a good novel really carry the story along more than any other concept in writing. A problem I too often see in my clients' writing is stale dialogue; the kind that sounds like every character is the same person.
Have you ever listened to people while at a party or in a crowd at the store? People speak in this country with many wonderful dialects. Learning to incorporate different ways of speaking will cause your characters to jump off the page appearing to be actual people. This is very important. Your readers must be able to identify and relate to those characters that drive your story.
How to do this is not complicated. When you are fleshing out your characters, do so with a notebook. Take your time and brainstorm about what kind of person each character is from appearance, career, education, family influence, idiosyncrasies, nationality, etc. By researching and developing your characters, you will come to know them like best friends. These fictional characters will actually lead you as you write.
For example - Your antagonist is an uneducated young man, rough, with a mental disorder. Which dialogue should you use to bring this character to life?
"I won't do it, no matter how you try to convince me. In fact, you are causing me great turmoil." Michael sat down, crossed his legs and sighed.
Or -
"Hell no I ain't gonna do dat! No way, man. What, you's think I'm a freakin' idiot? You really on my nerves, man. Hey man, I gotta a gun that'll fit in yer fat mouth real good, if you's don't shut up." Michael paced back and forth, mumbling to himself, picking something off his shirt that wasn't there.
The first example isn't true to the Michael character at all. He sounds like any other person on the street, giving you no clues to his real personality. However, the second example tells you a few things about him; the manner in which he speaks shows that he is uneducated, angry, and rude. His actions tell the reader that he is seeing things that aren't there, showing - not telling - that he has a problem with reality. In just a few sentences of dialogue, you have given the reader valuable information about Michael that would take an entire page to tell in narrative form.
Affective dialogue will move your story along much faster than writing paragraphs of description that could end up stalling your story. Dialogue is active writing that will put your readers in touch with your characters unlike any other story dynamic. Being true to your characters, and how they relate to the rest of the story, will be the most important writing dynamic of your book. Jillanne Kimble is the Acquisitions Editor for Kimble McKay Literary Arts Group. They help writers become authors in the traditional publishing industry through time-tested methods, full support, and their huge databases of agents and publishers who are looking for new talent. You can reach her at http://www.kimblemckay.netfirms.com; or jakimble@direcway.com.
Increase Business By Being Nice
I have been reading articles on increasing sales using search engine optimisation as well as writing them for a very long time and I have not seen many which po...
Rug - Snug as a Bug!
Rugs are a great way to decoratively cover a floor. Whether you have carpet, tile or hardwood, a rug can protect your floor and add a designer's touch to it!...
Strategic Internet Marketing
How to gain more online customers...
Blogs as Safe Haven for Cybercriminals?
To blog or not to blog? There has recently been bad news that spoiled bloggers' mood. The security firm Websense found that some blogs are "being used as a safe...
One Out of Two Golfers Will Have a Golf Swing Related Injury - Can You Prevent Yours?
Injuries are a common part of every sport, including golf. Learn how to prevent a golf injury occurring to you.
Vision Means Passion - Whats Yours?
Interestingly, the word vision can be interchangeable with the word passion. But small business owners often forget to promote the true reason for being in busi...
How to Get a Job on a Luxury Cruise Ship - Quickly & Easily!
Who Else Wants a Job on a Luxury Cruise Ship? It's almost the 'perfect' job for anyone looking to work overseas...and there's never been a better time to do it...
Always Be Open To Learning
Leave it to a child to remind you of the importance of humility and the willingness to learn from everyone.
Hearts Made Strong
The heart seems to be one of the most vulnerable in the system because it is the one that has held the most fear, the most old pain, perhaps, and repressed ener...
What I Do
I believe this about public relations.
Antibiotics 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know
Antibiotics are said to be the greatest contribution of modern day science helping the doctors to think beyond microorganinsms.their importance is felt much mor...
Eating Junk Food -- The Hidden Price
Eating Junk food is not as great as everyone thinks it to be. Find out all the hidden costs you have to pay when you eat junk food. They will probably scare and...
Why Read Inspirational Quotes?
What is the value of reading inspirational quotes? Can a few simple words really be helpful to you?
Getting Started_Creating a Business Plan
You're excited. You have a great idea for a profitable
online business. Maybe it is an original idea that has
not been marketed online before. Maybe you have ...
Creativity and Innovation Management : Why Products Fail!
There is no sure fire route to commercial success but the probability of success can be increased. This is important for at least two reasons:
Review of Ezine Article Creator V2.0
By now most entrepreneurs realize that the most cost effective method of promoting their business and services is writing and distributing articles to e-zines, ...
Here Comes the Bride
A wedding is a big event for the bride to be. She imagines it
to be a day of perfection, a day of beauty and most of all, a
glorious time when she will come t...
4 Dynamic Marketing Tactics
Some of the simplest marketing tactics often produce the most profitable results. Here are 4 examples that have proven highly effective for any business.
Medias Dirty Little Secret
Do people find you through mass media? If your media rep is telling you (s)he "reaches the right people," you're asking the wrong question.
The Skinny on Exercise Strollers
Jogging strollers provide many perks that conventional strollers may not. Whether you regularly run with your children or are simply looking for a sleek stroll...
How Stressed-Out Are YOU?
Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do, too little time? One more thing added to the To-Do list and you feel like you'll explode? Whoa there, no ...
The Swallowtail -- A Beautiful Butterfly
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found anywhere. The North American species are large, brightly colored butterflies with taile...
Eczema and Psoriasis- Information on the Conditions and the Introduction of All-natural Relief
The afflictions of severe skin conditions associated with eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis affect millions. To date, many medicinal and steroidal creams have b...
Five Snake Care Tips for Beginners
Snakes can make for fascinating, low-maintenance pets. Find out how to avoid some common mistakes that people make when embarking on this unusual hobby.
|
Print this page