Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: amediting

The Love of Dialogue – My Favorite Lines

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:

Love’s Perfect Surrender:

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.)

A Tribute to Tulipia:

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/

How To Write Dialogue In Fiction

Dialogue in fiction: Part II – The essentials

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/dialogue

 

Splintered Wood

deckpic

“I am more broken than a piece of splintered wood.”

This is a line from one of my characters, Harvey Huckfinn, in my upcoming novel, Make it Right; Make it Matter. I thought of that line today as I stared at my cedar deck from the kitchen window. It made me realize that wood could be pretty fragile and as it ages it gets worn down and dry—easily splintered.

Day in and day out, I look out to my backyard at the deck. Every year the darn thing needs to be power washed and stained before summer comes. Like me, it’s aging under the climate of our Midwestern weather. It seems sturdy and at times it is, but it is still fragile and desires the love and care for its upkeep and well-being. Harsh words, lack of sleep, bad food, and seductive advertisements all contaminate a body that’s meant to withstand the worldly views in which we live.

Like Harvey, a part-time pastor, he dedicates his life to serving others. He once said, “I often forget I’m human too, and have my share of failures. His shoes are hard to fill, but one must try every day.”

When it is our time to go, we will be just as weathered as the cedar deck. But, if we take the time to power wash our minds and pour good stain on our hearts, it don’t matter what kind of elements are out there. We will be preserved and protected by the Spirit.

 

 

The Germ Lesson

GermLesson

I love March. The days start getting longer, and the snow is thawing. Finally! Something about spring that gives me the sense of rebirth and recharge. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy winter from the comforts of my home, watching the little snowflakes cascade from the sky on a cold wintry night. But, this winter was a tough one for my family in terms of sicknesses.

Both my daughters got the flu, not once, but twice this last season, and that’s not including myself. This past week being no exception. Like colds, the flu has to finish its course and work through the whole body, taking the time needed to heal.

I did a lot of reflecting during the waiting of the “healing time” with my four-year-old, and then again with my six-year-old. There I was in the wee hours of the night holding each of them, dozing on and off in the stillness of the house where everything is quiet, except the breathing of a little precious child in your arms, and the beating of my aching, sympathetic heart.

I’ve been on a roller coaster lately with my writing. Pushing myself to finish editing the second novel, Make it Right; Make it Matter, getting it into shape to send off to my editor, who will wonderfully cut it up and shred it pieces. It’s what I want of course. But, I’ve also been trying to market and promote Love’s Perfect Surrender on social media and pursuing venues for book signings. All that coupled with being a full-time mom, has left me quite exhausted.

What’s my rush? Why am I constantly racing to beat a deadline that I’ve created? Why do I put myself through so much pressure? You can well imagine the countless other thoughts that have swirled in my brain, watching the clock tick on my nightstand.

As I concentrated on taking care of my children’s needs and cuddling them with a blanket, it all started to make sense. God removed the chaos that was taking over the priorities in my life by having not one, but both of my kids sick in the same week. And now me. Some will argue… “Come on, your children got just got a bug, and passed it to one another.” Yes, I totally agree with that. Small children; constant sicknesses. But, I also believe things happen for a reason. God put the brakes. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters (Psalm 23:2) He sat me down and planted me. Rooting me deep in the soil, taking my focus off myself and into my family where I am needed.

This morning I heard this song by a Christian band called Sanctus Real. The song is called, “Whatever you’re doing.” Take a listen on Youtube. It spoke to me. Slow down. Everything has its proper timing and place. This too shall pass in a few days. Until then, I must rest and recharge.

Call it an epiphany? A coincidence?  An act of God? I know what I know. I heard you, Lord. You’re free to make your own impressions.

“If it takes a small being to move a stubborn heart, then so be it.”

Reference: The King James Bible Online: http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org.

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