Show, Don't Tell - part IV
the art of dialogue18 total reviews
Comment from dmt1967
Thank you for this. I learnt a lot about dialogue and how to use it. I liked the sub-titles as well and thought it was very well presented. Have a nice day and take care.
reply by the author on 01-May-2022
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Thank you for this. I learnt a lot about dialogue and how to use it. I liked the sub-titles as well and thought it was very well presented. Have a nice day and take care.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 01-May-2022
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Many thanks for checking this one out. G
Comment from tfawcus
You illustrate the fundamental difference between conversation and dialogue in this interesting continuation of your theme. If it doesn't advance the plot or help define the character, dialogue has no useful place in a story's structure. Underlying what you say is the need for an author to understand each one of his characters sufficiently well to be able to inhabit their speech patterns, their nonverbal idiosyncrasies and their world view.
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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You illustrate the fundamental difference between conversation and dialogue in this interesting continuation of your theme. If it doesn't advance the plot or help define the character, dialogue has no useful place in a story's structure. Underlying what you say is the need for an author to understand each one of his characters sufficiently well to be able to inhabit their speech patterns, their nonverbal idiosyncrasies and their world view.
Comment Written 24-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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Many thanks for another great response, Tony. Folk seem to be getting something out of these so I'm pretty happy. G
Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep
This is so interesting ... I loved it. I want to try it out straight away! Thanks for posting the 4 parts, I have enjoyed every one. I also found the bold print helpful because it stands off the page and is good for these old eyes! Giddy
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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This is so interesting ... I loved it. I want to try it out straight away! Thanks for posting the 4 parts, I have enjoyed every one. I also found the bold print helpful because it stands off the page and is good for these old eyes! Giddy
Comment Written 24-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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Many thanks, Giddy. G
Comment from Judy Lawless
Thanks again, G., for another very helpful chapter. I do use dialogue often in my writing to show, not tell, and I've been told I use it well, but you've pointed out many things I wasn't aware of. This will help me improve.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Thanks again, G., for another very helpful chapter. I do use dialogue often in my writing to show, not tell, and I've been told I use it well, but you've pointed out many things I wasn't aware of. This will help me improve.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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There's so many components to the show don't tell and so much within each component. Most folk use dialogue for exposition and miss out on the opportunity to show. G
Comment from Spitfire
Years ago, when I was into writing three act plays, I did a lot of study on this subject so I enjoyed the refresher course. It galled me that the amateur would use "Well" a lot because it sounded natural. The bit about linguistic quirks is the hardest to master, I found.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Years ago, when I was into writing three act plays, I did a lot of study on this subject so I enjoyed the refresher course. It galled me that the amateur would use "Well" a lot because it sounded natural. The bit about linguistic quirks is the hardest to master, I found.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Mundane conversation has no place really. It's all just padding. G
Comment from joann r romei
This was wonderful information, you explained this clearly, yet I still have a difficult time whenever I set out to complete my novel. lol I will add writing is not an easy art to master.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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This was wonderful information, you explained this clearly, yet I still have a difficult time whenever I set out to complete my novel. lol I will add writing is not an easy art to master.
Comment Written 23-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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For the novel, sometimes it's just best to bang it out in whatever shape it takes and then add in the components. Many thanks. GMG
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Do you have any advice on that? I'm writing my version of Gone with the wind, it is on this site, I'd appreciate it.
Comment from BeckyMann
Thanks! I really appreciate the tips! Now I will have to go back and check our your other tips and various pieces. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Thanks! I really appreciate the tips! Now I will have to go back and check our your other tips and various pieces. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Many thanks for the great response. I just hope folk take something away from them. All the best. G
Comment from aryr
This was indeed quite good and very informative, G. I enjoyed the picture of 'let's talk' in the clouds that pertained to dialogue. What you wrote made perfect sense and was really enjoyed. Very well done. (I won't mentioned that I bookcase it)
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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This was indeed quite good and very informative, G. I enjoyed the picture of 'let's talk' in the clouds that pertained to dialogue. What you wrote made perfect sense and was really enjoyed. Very well done. (I won't mentioned that I bookcase it)
Comment Written 22-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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I'm just glad folk get something out of these posts. We should be here to support each other. G
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You are so very welcome, G. I agree that support is important.
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
As usual, this piece (section 4) is full of helpful advice. Well written and very informative. I only have a few edit suggestions.
. can (be)just as effective as using sensory description.
. Many authors will use dialogue for (remove "will" as it is future tense)
. much more in a subtle (use of word "more" implies a comparison; more than what?)
. another, thee dialogue alone, (extra e)
.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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As usual, this piece (section 4) is full of helpful advice. Well written and very informative. I only have a few edit suggestions.
. can (be)just as effective as using sensory description.
. Many authors will use dialogue for (remove "will" as it is future tense)
. much more in a subtle (use of word "more" implies a comparison; more than what?)
. another, thee dialogue alone, (extra e)
.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Many thanks for the review, especially the little catches. i alwasy appreciate those. G
Comment from barbara.wilkey
As you know from previously reading my novels that I use dialogue to move my stories along. I will recheck it and make sure I'm using it to it's full value. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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As you know from previously reading my novels that I use dialogue to move my stories along. I will recheck it and make sure I'm using it to it's full value. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
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Much appreciated, once again, Barbara. G