| In this article, we'll explore 5 top tips for writing a | | | | in the dialogue you hear on television or in the |
| novel. But before we do, I want to emphasize | | | | movies), people use first names. Here's an |
| upfront: A tip here or there will not provide you | | | | example: "I don't know, Joe, what do you think? |
| with enough information to help you write a novel. | | | | Seems like, you know, Joe, you're always pushing |
| You need more. Try an online course, for | | | | things to the limit." The truth is this: if you spend |
| instance. Or seek out the guidance of a | | | | time listening to people talk in real life, you'll almost |
| professional writer. Anything more substantial than | | | | never hear them address each other by name. |
| a few quick tips. | | | | The conversation would really go like this: "I don't |
| Okay, no more lecturing. The truth is ... a few solid | | | | know, what do you think? Seems like, you know, |
| tips can provide you with the motivation to get | | | | you're always pushing things to the limit." So the |
| started and a rough idea of how to start. So here | | | | tip: always minimize your use of fist names in |
| are some new ones for you ... | | | | dialogue. |
| 1: Use Your Own Voice | | | | 4: Edit With The Story In Mind |
| It's tempting to try to mimic the voice of a writer | | | | One of the most difficult tasks you'll encounter as |
| you admire. Most writers are readers first. They | | | | a writer is editing your work honestly. You'll know |
| come to the craft by way of appreciation for the | | | | when you encounter a passage or a scene that |
| talents of others. So it's not uncommon to try to | | | | doesn't move the story forward, that you know |
| write in the same voice as someone you've been | | | | you could cut without affecting any other |
| reading. However, you're doing yourself and your | | | | elements. But do you have the toughness to cut |
| readers a tremendous disservice. The world | | | | it? What if it's beautifully written? What if you put |
| doesn't need another Stephen King or Ray | | | | your heart and soul into it? Could you still cut it? |
| Bradbury or Janet Evanovich. Readers want new | | | | It's hard to cut your own work, especially when |
| voices, fresh voices. Give them what they want. | | | | you're proud of what you've written. Bottom line: |
| 2: If Keeping A Journal Helps, Keep A Journal | | | | does the passage contribute to the story? If it |
| I'm not a journal writer. I do have friends who not | | | | doesn't, face up to it, cut it and move on. |
| only keep journals but swear by them. If you | | | | 5: Don't Worry So Much |
| enjoy keeping a journal and it doesn't distract | | | | If you're going to write a novel, enjoy the |
| from your novel writing, then keep a journal. If | | | | process, especially the first draft. Don't worry |
| you don't enjoy keeping a journal, don't keep one. | | | | about if it'll all work out in the end. Writing isn't |
| The danger with a journal is that it's always easier | | | | permanent. You can change anything. Allow |
| to sit outside under a tree and write about your | | | | yourself to write for the pure joy of the process. |
| take on the world or how your life is going or this | | | | Your novel will be better for it. |
| great description of an elderly woman you saw at | | | | There they are, five more tips for writing a novel. |
| the market last Tuesday, and ... never work on | | | | Straightforward and to the point. Take them for |
| your novel. So be careful if you keep a journal. Be | | | | what they're worth. Keep them in mind when |
| aware when you're using it as a means of | | | | you're writing, but don't let them get in the way |
| avoiding your novel writing. | | | | of your words flowing freely. And as I previously |
| 3: First Names Don't Belong In Your Dialogue | | | | mentioned, if you truly want to write a novel, a |
| This is a pet peeve of David Morrell, a wonderful | | | | good novel writing course can help you write a |
| writer. Too often in dialogue (this is especially true | | | | better novel, and write it quicker. |