Dialogue

The only time I had a problem with dialogue was when I over thought it.  There are many techniques offered by the gurus at conferences, in trade magazines, and workshops.  But I offer you a unique technique that I use and have never seen promoted.

It came to me as an epiphany rather than being developed by trial and error over time.  It works for me and perhaps it will work for you too.  However you must be willing to dig deep down to your inner child.

Get out your dolls, action figures, or sock puppets.  If you don't have any, raid your children's toy chest.  If you don't have children, raid your niece's or nephew's toy chest.  Don't have one of those, buy a few.  Christmas is coming, so people won't find it odd that a grown adult is buying toys.

Now this is not mandatory.  It is only a tool to be used as an exercise in developing dialogue.  What's up with using the toys?  Have you observed children playing?  Let's start there.

Children don't have obstacles that stifle their imagination when they are playing.  They come up with a story while at play whether it be playing school, having tea, and even sword fighting with sticks.  There is always a story line they develop to go along with play.  Watch and observe them.  See them come up with dialogue as they pretend to be a teacher, a host throwing the tea party, or a swashbuckler hunting for imaginary buried treasure then play fighting over it.  That is your first assignment.  Study children at play and learn.

How do dolls come into play?  When children are playing with dolls, action figures, or even puppets the dialogue flows without a thought like second nature.  So break out those dolls and act out your scene.  You will find that your dialogue is less on the nose, less dull, and more vibrantly flowing.  This is your second assignment.  Play.

Okay, so you don't have to actually play with the dolls or puppets.  There's a more advanced way to accomplish the same goal.  Close your eyes and imagine your characters in the scene you want to write.  Picture them.  Are they face to face?  Standing?  Sitting?  Is one about to lunge and attack the other?  Whatever the situation you have brewing in your work, imagine the scene.  Now what are they talking about?  What was said to start the conversation?  And action!!

If this doesn't work, then dig the dolls out.  Play.  You will find the dialogue rolling off and more natural.  Try it.  It's worth a shot.  The only thing you suffer in the process is embarrassment if you are caught by your kids playing with their dolls if they come home early from school.