Bronwyn Green

The Corner of Quirky & Kinky

Well-written dialogue is probably my favorite thing about both reading and writing. And it’s something all of my favorite authors have in common.

The best dialogue, IMO, is natural sounding–not just to the time period the story is set, but also to the characters themselves. Anyone who’s ever had me edit a book for them knows I’m a stickler for natural sounding dialogue.

This involves using contractions–no matter the time period. Spoiler alert: Humans have always been lazy. This goes double for language.

It also involves not overusing the characters’ names. Think about it, unless we’re trying to get someone’s attention or make a point, we’re not constantly using each other’s names in conversation.

Another thing that drives me nuts is lack of dialogue consistency. If an author has established a character as a tough-talking cop, she’s shouldn’t suddenly start sounding like she’s a Dowager Countess from a historical drama. One of the ways that character is established is through dialogue.

This is just a short highlight reel of the best and worst of dialogue. I have five related posts that I’ll share the links to if you’d like some hardcore ranting and examples of do’s and don’ts.

Ten Dialogue Commandments – Part 1

Ten Dialogue Commandments – Part 2

Ten Dialogue Commandments – Part 3

Ten Dialogue Commandments – Part 4

Ten Dialogue Commandments – Part 5

 

5 thoughts on “Best and Worst: Dialogue

  1. Jessi Gage says:

    I love good dialog. Some of my favorite dialog authors are Evangeline Anderson, Charlotte Stein, Cara McKenna, & Alexa Riley. Uh, and YOU, lady. I’m seriously enjoying spending a few minutes with Charmed every evening. Also, I’m listening to the My Dad Wrote a Porno podcast with my husband, and it is doing wonders for our laugh-life (ha ha, get it).

    1. admin says:

      OMG CHARLOTTE STEIN’S DIALOGUE IS TO DIE FOR!!!!! I love her so much!!! And I’m so honored to be in that group. *swoons* AHAHAHA you must tell Alex how much you’re loving it! She’ll be so pleased!

  2. Pansy Petal says:

    Say it isn’t so, you are the only one to tackle this subject? 😀 You do make some wonderful points. Thank you.

    1. admin says:

      Thanks! 🙂

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