Through my years of story writing, I’ve become more and more comfortable with crafting dialogue. Some will say that…The number-one purpose of dialogue is to heighten the emotional stakes and increase the conflict and tension. I can agree with that statement, but I also believe it helps the reader imagine what the characters look like as they express their emotions.
Let’s define Dialogue:
noun
- conversation between two or more persons.
- the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.
- an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.
I have many favorite dialogue lines in all three of my tales. Too many to count or list here. I will tell you though, that while writing them, I tried to make sure to capture the theatrical moments of the character’s actions. And, the many times as I had to edit and re-edit the dialogues, I too experienced the same emotions I set out to convey.
If I had to pick just “one” dialogue quote in each novel, these are what they’d be:
Pointing a finger to his face, she blurted, “I’ve been a damn good wife to you. You didn’t want to adopt, and I obliged because I loved you. We lost a son, and then we had beautiful Isabella, and she’s gone too. You and I have carried a lot of crosses during our marriage. I don’t want to grow old and be by ourselves. I already had that void with my brother not being around. Everything that I have ever loved is dead. That’s my truth. A piece of me is with Devon and Isabella. I wanted more children, but they never came. We are given this gift… This opportunity to provide a home for these three kids, for my brother, and all you are thinking about is yourself. You’re a real ass.” (Chapter 62. Page 256.)
Petrella, the Gillian Princess:
Shaking her head, Petrella demanded. “What’s happened to you? I miss the father you used to be. You are not the same, but I am still that girl—your faithful daughter.” (Part I: Deceptive Renewal. Page 24.)
He cleared his throat, “You have all erred by treating Tulipia harshly. She was willing to sacrifice her life so that you can have yours. She is to be respected and preserved.” (Page 6)
In the end, it is not what I say which are my favorite dialogue lines, but YOU, the reader, who journeys with the characters. Drop me a note and let me know what your favorite dialogue parts were for each book. I would love to hear your responses.
Until next time…
References:
http://theeditorsblog.net/2011/02/11/dialogue-the-speech-of-fiction/
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/dialogue