Writing Dialogue That Sings

Dialogue is one of three narrative tools to move the plot along and reveal character (in addition to description and action). Each character must speak with a unique voice—an amalgam of style, tone, intonation, and word choices.

During this presentation, you’ll learn how to write dialogue that rings with truth; how to integrate subtext, revealing emotional truths through what the characters say—and by what they leave out; how to properly format and punctuate the dialogue in your manuscript; and how to write dialogue that resonates with readers and makes them want to read on. 

Difficulty level: intermediate

Speaker(s)

• Jane K. Cleland

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