Writing realistic and useful dialogue can be one of the hardest parts of creative writing. Many writers make common mistakes that can make their dialogue feel weak and overused. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Exposition Dumps: Sometimes, writers use dialogue just to share information. This makes conversations feel unnatural, like a lecture instead of a chat. Characters can sound robotic, as if they are just sharing facts instead of having a real conversation.
Solution: Instead, share information slowly. Use hints and let characters reveal their thoughts naturally through their talks.
Lack of Distinct Voices: If all characters speak the same way, it’s hard for readers to tell them apart. This makes it tough to connect with the characters.
Solution: Give each character a unique way of speaking. Think about their backgrounds, goals, and personalities. Different speech styles and choices of words can make them feel more real.
Overusing Dialogue Tags and Adverbs: Using fancy tags like “he exclaimed” or too many adverbs with words like “said” can take away from what the characters are saying. This can make the dialogue feel forced and confuse readers.
Solution: Use simple tags like “said” or “asked.” Let the words in the dialogue show emotion. Trust your writing to do the work.
Forgetting the Purpose: Dialogue should do two things: show who the characters are and move the story forward. Sometimes, writers forget this and write dialogue that doesn't fit the story.
Solution: Before writing a conversation, know what you want to achieve. Think about what you want to share about the characters or how the chat helps the story.
Avoiding these mistakes takes practice, but with some effort and editing, writers can get better. Embrace the hard parts, and remember that good dialogue is a key tool in storytelling. When done well, it can leave a lasting impression.
Writing realistic and useful dialogue can be one of the hardest parts of creative writing. Many writers make common mistakes that can make their dialogue feel weak and overused. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Exposition Dumps: Sometimes, writers use dialogue just to share information. This makes conversations feel unnatural, like a lecture instead of a chat. Characters can sound robotic, as if they are just sharing facts instead of having a real conversation.
Solution: Instead, share information slowly. Use hints and let characters reveal their thoughts naturally through their talks.
Lack of Distinct Voices: If all characters speak the same way, it’s hard for readers to tell them apart. This makes it tough to connect with the characters.
Solution: Give each character a unique way of speaking. Think about their backgrounds, goals, and personalities. Different speech styles and choices of words can make them feel more real.
Overusing Dialogue Tags and Adverbs: Using fancy tags like “he exclaimed” or too many adverbs with words like “said” can take away from what the characters are saying. This can make the dialogue feel forced and confuse readers.
Solution: Use simple tags like “said” or “asked.” Let the words in the dialogue show emotion. Trust your writing to do the work.
Forgetting the Purpose: Dialogue should do two things: show who the characters are and move the story forward. Sometimes, writers forget this and write dialogue that doesn't fit the story.
Solution: Before writing a conversation, know what you want to achieve. Think about what you want to share about the characters or how the chat helps the story.
Avoiding these mistakes takes practice, but with some effort and editing, writers can get better. Embrace the hard parts, and remember that good dialogue is a key tool in storytelling. When done well, it can leave a lasting impression.