How one of the greatest writes dialogue

As you embark on your writing journey, as you start your novel and understand the type of story you want to tell, it is important to understand the significance of dialogue in storytelling. Dialogue plays a critical role in engaging readers and bringing your characters to life. It is the primary tool that writers use to create an immersive and authentic world.

John Steinbeck, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, once said, “If you’re using dialogue, say it aloud as you write it. Only then will it have the sound of speech.” This quote encapsulates the essence of dialogue writing – it should sound like real speech.

When you write dialogue, it is crucial to make it sound natural and believable. Imagine yourself in the shoes of your characters and think about how they would speak. Speak the words aloud and try to capture the tone and cadence of real speech. This will help you to create dialogue that is both realistic and captivating.

Another important aspect of dialogue writing is to make it serve a purpose in the story. Each piece of dialogue should advance the plot or reveal something new about the characters. It should not be just filler or unnecessary chatter.

Lastly, it is important to avoid overusing dialogue tags, such as “he said” and “she replied”. Instead, try to convey the tone and emotions of the characters through their words and actions. This will help your readers to feel more connected to your characters and their story.

Dialogue is a powerful tool that can make or break a story. By following John Steinbeck's advice and speaking your dialogue aloud as you write it, you can create dialogue that sounds natural and engaging. Remember to make each piece of dialogue serve a purpose in the story and to avoid overusing dialogue tags. This little detail will not only improve your writing but it will also bring your characters to life.