My neighbors think I’m crazy—writing dialogue
When the weather is warm, I can’t resist the impulse to be outside in the yard. I take my Alphasmart and settle into my favorite chair under the magnolia tree. I will merrily type away for hours and wave at a passing neighbor or two. Sounds good doesn’t it.
It works well, unless I’m in the process of writing dialogue when someone walks by. Then they see me talking to myself. At which point they are almost certainly thinking that I’m a crazy lady. What I’m doing is acting out the parts and yes, it looks and sounds crazy. However, it works for me. The last thing I want is for my characters to sound stilted and unnatural.
Dear Hubby prefers that I write dialogue outside in the nice weather. I do tend to drive him up a wall all winter long with my characters’ recitations. I tell him it’s just as bad for me when he talks to the TV while I’m writing so we’re even on that score.
Posted on February 27, 2009, in My blog, My books, Writer, Writing and tagged Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
Doggonedmysteries 
It sounds like a good way of working, especially with dialogue (a nightmare to write). Whenever possible, I tap to the sound of each syllable to get the feel of the rhythm.
Thanks for your earlier comments. I’m about to check out the link you provided.
Regards,
Lawrenceez
If only the weather would cooperate. I am dying for spring to get here!
Now that’s a funny picture! Besides, who cares what the neighbors think, it gives them something to talk about doesn’t it? Come on over to our bloggy, we left something there for you!
http://tnbullterrors.wordpress.com
Feather, Darla & Pappy
I don’t care what the neighbors think and I think their reactions are hysterical. HEHEHE
Wow, thanks so much for thinking of us!
I talk dialog out loud, too. Hearing the words (even when I’m playing all the roles myself) delivers the intonations and inflections just typing them on the page doesn’t. And sometimes an unconscious gesture I make as I read is just the action I need to keep my characters from becoming talking heads.
When a bit of conversation sounds awkward, I record it, let it sit a bit, then play it back later. Hearing it ‘fresh’ sometimes shows me where I’ve erred in the words.
I can’t stand how my recorded voice sounds so I don’t do that, but very good idea Dave.
I don’t like mine either, but I can’t get Sean Connery to do it. He absolutely will not return my calls.
What a shame. If he ever does return your calls..give him my number! {pant pant}