Reviews from

Show, Don't Tell - part IV

the art of dialogue

18 total reviews 
Comment from dmt1967
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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
    Many thanks for checking this one out. G
Comment from tfawcus
Exceptional
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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
    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
Exceptional
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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
    Many thanks, Giddy. G
Comment from Judy Lawless
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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
    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
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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
    Mundane conversation has no place really. It's all just padding. G
Comment from joann r romei
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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
    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
reply by joann r romei on 23-Apr-2022
    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
Exceptional
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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
    Many thanks for the great response. I just hope folk take something away from them. All the best. G
Comment from aryr
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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
    I'm just glad folk get something out of these posts. We should be here to support each other. G
reply by aryr on 23-Apr-2022
    You are so very welcome, G. I agree that support is important.
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
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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
    Many thanks for the review, especially the little catches. i alwasy appreciate those. G
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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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
    Much appreciated, once again, Barbara. G