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Grammar

Dialog vs. Dialogue (Grammar Rules)

Learn when to use dialog vs. dialogue on with Grammar Rules from the Writer's Digest editors, including a few examples of correct usages.

  • By Robert Lee Brewer
    Dec 14, 2020
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Dialogue

How to Write Funny Dialogue: 5 Tips for Making Readers Laugh Out Loud

Playwright and author Stephen Evans explains how to write funny dialogue with these five key tips informed by neurology, rhythm and theater.

  • By Guest Column
    Feb 3, 2019
Dialogue

Kinetic Typography Video: Author George Saunders Discusses Writing Good Dialogue

We had the privilege of speaking with short-form master and Lincoln in the Bardo author George Saunders. In this video, sponsored by Wild Photon, the globally acclaimed author discusses the inherent poetry of dialogue, and how liberating that can be.

  • By Jess Zafarris
    Jun 30, 2018
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Dialogue

The Art of the Paragraph: How to Write Dialogue in Fiction

Paragraph writing in fiction doesn’t follow traditional rules. In this series, we cover how to write a good paragraph by exploring different lengths and kinds of paragraphs—and when to use them. Here, learn how to write dialogue and where to break for paragraphs.

  • By Guest Column
    Feb 24, 2018
Helga-Schier
Dialogue

Writing a Scene with Good Dialogue and Narration

Here's how to explore the functions of dialogue and narration in a scene, so that you can find the mix that’s right for your novel.

  • By Guest Column
    Aug 21, 2017
dialogue, internal dialogue, characters
Dialogue

Using Internal Dialogue to Achieve Multiple Effects

  • By Cris Freese
    Dec 9, 2016
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Dialogue

Rewriting the 7 Rules of Dialogue

Understand why and how to break these 7 common rules about writing dialogue, and you’ll write more effective, nuanced and engaging character conversations.

  • By Guest Column
    Jun 28, 2016
WRITING-A-SUCCESSFUL-NOVEL-BUNDLE
Dialogue

5 Tips for Editing Dialogue

  • By Robert Lee Brewer
    Jun 9, 2016
Dialogue

Tips for Drafting Dialogue: Starting Rough

  • By Jessica Strawser
    Nov 6, 2014
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Dialogue

Keep it Simple: Keys to Realistic Dialogue (Part II)

In this post, the second in a two-part series, Trupkiewicz follows up on her discussion of realistic dialogue with an impassioned plea: stick to said.

  • By Eleanore D. Trupkiewicz
    Jul 1, 2014
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Dialogue

Keep it Simple: Keys to Realistic Dialogue (Part I)

In this post, Trupkiewicz details the importance of creating realistic dialogue and punctuating dialogue properly in order to keep the reader invested. Even the slightest of errors can draw the reader out of the story.

  • By Eleanore D. Trupkiewicz
    Jun 26, 2014
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Dialogue

The 7 Tools of Dialogue

  • By James Scott Bell
    May 13, 2014
Dialogue

Learn How to Write Compelling, Authentic Dialogue - “Voices in Your Head”

  • By Brian A. Klems
    Jun 12, 2013
On Writing Romance
Dialogue

Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue

  • By Rachel Scheller
    Feb 11, 2013
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Dialogue

Write Like a Pro! Master The Rules of Dialogue in Writing

  • By Courtney Carpenter
    Sep 10, 2012
Dialogue

How to Write Effective Dialogue

  • By RoseannBiederman
    Apr 4, 2012
Dialogue

Writing Dialogue: The 5 Best Ways to Make Your Characters' Conversations Seem Real

  • By Scott Francis
    Feb 14, 2012
Dialogue

Stilted Dialogue

  • By Scott Francis
    Sep 15, 2011
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Dialogue

How to Amp up Dialogue with Emotional Beats

Dialogue benefits from variety. A good way to maintain your reader's interest is to insert a variety of beats into your dialogue. Beats are descriptions of physical action—minor or major—that fall between lines of speech. Try the following techniques to punch up your dialogue. by Todd A. Stone

  • By Todd A. Stone
    Mar 29, 2011
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Dialogue

How to Edit Your Dialogue

If dialogue wastes time and stops or delays your novel's progress toward resolving the conflict, it must be cut, pared down or rewritten. Look for these areas in your manuscript, and you'll find places where your dialogue should be revisited. by Todd A. Stone

  • By Todd A. Stone
    Feb 15, 2011
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Dialogue

How to Balance Action, Narrative and Dialogue in Your Novel

Most of the time, we want to balance our scenes using dialogue, action and narrative to engage readers at an emotional level and keep them hooked. Here's how to do that. by Gloria Kempton

  • By Gloria Kempton
    Feb 1, 2011
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Dialogue

Question Mark Placement in Dialogue

  • By Jane Friedman
    Nov 9, 2010
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Dialogue

Agent Joanna Volpe On: Why Realistic Teen Dialogue Isn't Necessarily a Good Thing (and a Free Book Giveaway!)

If you want to write young adult fiction, you need to listen to teens, but not listen to them. Any questions? When it comes to writing YA, everyone focuses on voice. And they’re right. Voice is so, so important to pin down. And when trying to nail down that voice, there is a ton of advice out there on realistic teen dialogue.

  • By Chuck Sambuchino
    Nov 9, 2010
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Dialogue

Showing & Telling in Scenes & Dialogue

  • By Jane Friedman
    Mar 15, 2010
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