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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Do you need to add a villain to your story?

Then you need to understand your villain.

We’ve heard lots about a protagonist’s motivation and character but often times we forget that the villain is just as important.

I don’t know about you but I struggle with making sure I understand my villain’s motives, back-story, and desires.

How do I go about giving the necessary importance to a villain without overshadowing the protagonist?

Well, when I needed this information, a post from Now Novel popped into my email with all the right answers. There are examples and suggestions to make sure your villain is scary as hell.

What did I learn from this post about bad guys?

  • All villains have a history. Don’t forget to incorporate it into the story.
    • Their backstory explains how they became a villain.
  • Show why the villain has power and influence over the protagonist.
    • Are they scary, intimidating, powerful…
  • Explain how the villain gets away with their devious actions.
    • Sneaky, great liars, pretty, convincing…
  • Let your villain be vulnerable.
    • Everyone, even bad guys have a weak spot, find and exploit.
  • Give the villain a story arc.
    • Do they grow worse, or better over the story?
  • Understand Villain’s motivation.
    • Is it greed, jealousy, hatred…

Click the link at the bottom and read the entire post from Now Novel.

What did you think? Get any ideas for your villain?

Do you have trouble writing about the bad guy?

Leave me a comment, I’m dying to hear from you. 

Creating villain motivations: Writing real adversaries at Now Novel.

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How to avoid the danger of a lawsuit

Get it in writing!

Are you in danger of being sued?

Don’t take a chance! Read the fine print and know what you’re signing.

One of my favorite bloggers, Jane Friedman, has provided us with much-needed information for writers.  Who to contact, when we need to contact someone, and how to get permission. Are there any fees involved?

Don’t let your hard work get tied up with a lawsuit.

When in doubt, get permission.

Click the link below, and read her very important post.

What did you think? Learn something new?

Have you ever sought permission from someone?

Have you ever been issued a cease order or been sued?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on her article. Leave me a comment.

A Basic Guide to Getting Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter By Jane Friedman

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