Do you need help with dialogue?

Do your characters sound realistic?

The dialogue in my work-in-progress sounded a little stilted to me. So I was excited to find a helpful post.

No one wants their characters to sound like robots.

We all want the characters in our story to jump out at the reader. To engage them and give them fun “ah-ha” moments. Maybe connect a character to a friend or family member. Nothing would make me happier than to hear, “That character reminded me of my best friend. Did you spy on us?”

After reading Gina Conkle’s post, I learned…

  • Tags are not stop signs.
    • Use them judiciously.
  • Don’t overuse non-verbal cues.
    • Be creative.
  • Men speak differently than women.
    • This is something we know but forget to incorporate into a manuscript.
    • Viva la difference.
  • Not all character voices are created equal.
    • Men command, women, have conversations.
  • Dyads
    • Even in a group setting, the conversation is between two dominant characters.
    • Unless I’m with my sisters. The five of us talk over each other, and that would present a nightmare to write on paper. LOL
    • Don’t confuse the reader about who is talking to whom.

Gina goes into a lot more detail. Be sure and click on her link and read the entire post. Believe me, her tips are very helpful.

I’m I the only writer who has problems with dialogue?

Do you have a tip or two that you use to make dialogue realistic?

 

How to Create Page-Turning Dialogue by Gina Conkle

 

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What is the best way to interact with bloggers?

Do you engage with drive-by readers?

If not, maybe you should.

Why?

Because others, like myself, may be drive-by readers. drive 01

That means reading on the run. Waiting in line, waiting for to pick up grandkids, or in the dentist/doctors office. And almost always I read on my phone.

phone

The absence of a comment doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the blog post. Simply means I wasn’t in a place to write one. Typing on my cell phone is not easy.

 

And even though we’re all very busy with the holidays, remember to read and click the “like” button. Means a lot to bloggers everywhere.

A post by OPINIONATED MAN encouraged me to do more.

So I’m going to start with an apology.

sorry badI’m sorry if I’ve disappointed any of my readers. I’ve read many posts but sometimes failed to click the “like” button. Just because I’m on the run doesn’t mean I can’t click “like.”

What tips did I garner from his post?

  • The “like” button is an opportunity to connect.
    • Don’t miss it.
  • Drive by readers are important.
    • We all get too busy to talk sometimes.
  • When a reader clicks the “like” button, they read my post!
    • Let them know I appreciate the effort.
  • A reader is an opportunity to expand my network.
    • Don’t squander it.
  • Comments mean the blogger is an active reader.
    • Answer them.

Check out the post below and let me know what you think.

Have you been guilty of reading and not clicking the like button?

Have you missed an opportunity to connect with new readers?

If you have the time, leave me a comment. But please click on the “like” button. Thanks!!

Reactive networking / Blogging BY OPINIONATED MAN

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Writers, did you make it to the finish line?

Did you write during the NaNoWriMo challenge?

I’ve never participated in NaNoWriMo but I’m curious about those who have. Knowing how other writers handle the pressure of spitting out 50k words in 30 days fascinates me. Because I agonize over every sentence and rewrite too many paragraphs. Y’all gotta tell me your secret. How do you manage to write so fast?

You’ve probably heard about the terms, plotter, and pantser, but me I’m a plodder. Often taking one step forward and two steps back. I write one word at a time, plodding along as if I’ve all the time in the world. Sigh…

I really need to learn how to speed up my writing and not get squirrelly over every jot and tiddle.

Do tell! 

How many words do you write every day?

Did you finish the challenge?

Did you quit? Why?

How do you manage to balance life responsibilities and the pressure of NaNoWriMo? Especially over the holidays!

Did participating in NaNoWriMo lead to a successful novel?

Don’t want to write a long comment?

That’s okay. Just type- “I DID.” 

 I’m also curious as to how many writers participated in NaNoWriMo, successfully or not.

See, I have lots of questions, and can’t wait to hear about your experience.

For those of you who’ve been living under a rock and don’t know what NaNoWriMo is all about, I’ve added a few links.

National Novel Writing Month

Online Creative Writing Courses for NaNoWriMo Participants …

Participating in NaNoWriMo 2017? Caution! – Jerry Jenkins

NaNoWriMo Is Big for Writers—and It Helps Publishers, Too

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Do you know how to prepare a grand opening?

How to write a grand opening?

Come one come all, to the BIG GRAND OPENING!

Snagging your reader in the very first chapter is important. We’ve all heard about hooking the reader, but it’s more than a hook. A writer needs to entice the reader to do several things.

  • Pick up the book.
  • Read the covers.
  • Buy the book.
  • Read the first chapter, the second chapter and keep reading to the end.
  • Tell their friends!

How can we accomplish this?

By wowing the reader from page one! 

Think about the sample clerks at a grocery store.

They set up a nice station with decorations and signs to grab your attention. Lovely samples are arranged for tasting. However, if you want to gag at the smell or the first nibble, no way in hell are you going to invest in a purchase. But if it’s good, they’ll buy the package and share with friends.

 

 

Or, how about a new restaurant opening.

Big banners announce the opening. Fliers go out in your neighborhood. Pictures of beautiful dishes appear in social media. You’re excited to try the new place. Now if you get there and the restaurant doesn’t live up to the hype, you won’t be back. But if the staff is friendly and welcoming, if the food tastes as good as the pictures, and the price is as advertised, not only will you return but you’ll tell all your friends. 

Now, I don’t know about you but that is how I want readers to react to my stories.

Good presentation, a beautiful cover and tantalizing summary will only get us so far. We want our readers to not only invest in our books but to enjoy the journey. And recommend our books to friends!

Recently, I read a great article by Tina Ann Forkner on the Writers in the Storm Blog.

Ms. Forkner explains how a writer can prepare a grand opening in a story.   The past few weeks I’ve been working and reworking the first two chapters. So finding her post couldn’t have come at a better time for me.  Why? Because I want to grab the reader and tempt them to keep reading.

What I learned…

  • A sense of place involves the vibe, feeling, senses of the setting.
    • Can the reader see themselves there with your characters?
  • Make sure your characters are engaging.
    • Will the reader want to know meet them?
  • Life doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
    • Action, even the small ones will make the scene more enticing.
  • Organize the opening.
    • No one will want to eat samples all jumbled up in a big mess.
    • Give enough information, in the right order to light a pathway for the reader.
  • The all-important hook.
    • Leave a sign, a question, or desire to turn the pages. Like a billboard advertising next week specials that lure patrons back for another dinner.
    • Give your readers something to look forward to in the next chapter.

You really need to click the link below and read the entire post. 

Have you ever thought about a Grand Opening for your work in process?
Did you realize writers need more than a Hook?
Got any tips to help me write that Grand Opening?

Do share, inquiring minds want to know. Namely me. LOL

How to Make A Grand Opening By Tina Ann Forkner

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