Writing Dialogue A story without dialogue would be like a basketball game without dribbling, a concert without drums. It simply wouldn’t move or sound the way it should. Stories are about people, and people talk. We expect it in the stories we read. Dialogue makes a story seem real, makes a story come alive, makes a story unfold before our very eyes. Dialogue. Use it!

Guidelines Use words which your characters would actually use if they were able to speak. Get rid of any dialogue that just kills time. There should always be a purpose. Most of the dialogue should be about the speaker’s beliefs or problems. Write the dialogue as speakers actually speak. (sometimes people interrupt each other…) Stop the conversation at the right spot. Write and punctuate dialogue so its easy to read.

Sample: What do you notice? Junior and I entered a dark and dreary room at the end of the tunnel. It was full of cobwebs, old crates, and debris scattered all over the place. I could faintly hear water dripping. After a few uneasy minutes, I said, “I think we better get out of here.” “Come on. Nothing is going to happen,” Junior replied. “I don’t care. This place gives me the creeps!” “All right, let’s go.”

As we were making our way out, Junior bumped into one of the supporting beams. “We’ve got to move faster, Junior! I think this place might cave in!” “I’m right behind you!” Just as we reached the tunnel opening, the old place collapsed. There were rocks, mud, and splintered wood everywhere. Junior and I just looked at each other, knowing that if we had remained in that room just a few seconds longer, we could have been goners.

What did you notice about dialogue?

Your Chance to Write… In partners Write captions for each page One person is “Carl” One person is the baby Carl begins writing Baby writes Exchange ONE paper as you write Write captions for each page See next page example

I thought she’d never leave,” sighed Dog. Baby cooed, “Is she gone?” “Yeah, hop on,” ushered Dog. Baby giggled, “OK, Doggy.” “Onward!” boomed Dog. “Yippee,” Baby squealed, “Let’s go!” “Don’t tell Mom,” Dog whispered. “I won’t, Doggy,” replied Baby, “I promise.” “I believe I can fly!!!” Dog exclaimed. “This is fun!” screeched Baby. “Hey, hey, hey. Easy on the blush,” coughed Dog, “I don’t want it to overpower my eyes!” “You look pretty,” cooed Baby. “Oh, I love that necklace,” Dog gasped. “No, the other one. It complements my fur.” “Yay, a slide,” clapped Baby gleefully. “OK. We can go down the slide,” Dog replied hesitantly. “Ready, Set…Hey wait! I didn’t say GO!” “Whoooooooooo!” squealed Baby. “Run, run, run, run, run,” panted Dog. “This better count as exercise!”