How to Write Dialogue

by Matt Posner, Tim Ellis (Preface), Jess C. Scott (Preface)

Great dialogue is essential to fiction -- but what are the elements that make it great? Novelist Matt Posner breaks down the subject with meticulous detail and plentiful examples from published novels. Using classic novels and recent novels by active publishing authors, Matt tackles every element of dialogue writing, from content to punctuation. It's a fun and comprehensive study of dialogue writing that's as entertaining as it is useful.


How to Write Dialogue contains selections of expert dialogue writing by eleven current working and publishing authors in many genres. This amazing bullpen includes fantasist JA Beard, science fiction writer Cynthia Echterling, harsh realist Marita A. Hansen, multicultural icon Junying Kirk, horror specialist Stuart Land, fantasy romance author Mysti Parker, conspiracy expert Roquel Rodgers, prolific nonconformist Jess C. Scott, fantasy/science fiction/romance author Chrystalla Thoma, thriller and children's book writer Ey Wade, and time travel romance specialist Georgina Young-Ellis.

Featuring commentaries by best-seller Tim Ellis and prolific non-conformist Jess C. Scott, and with illustrations by fine artist Eric Henty, How to Write Dialogue is a powerful resource for fiction writers at all levels of experience.


"Before reading How to Write Dialogue, I was looking for ways to make my dialogue even better. Not only did Matt Posner answer all my questions, but he also included best practices that I can really use to write authentic, page-turning dialogue." -- Ezra Barany, best-selling author of The Torah Codes

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2013

About the author

I am a former novelist, no longer active in publishing. I continue to write when I can, but trying to sell writing is a tough gig -- maybe too tough for me.

Reviews

[Junying · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is dialogue?

Dialogue, in an English dictionary, most commonly means `a conversation between two people'; it also refers to the lines spoken by characters in a drama or fiction. It is an exchange of ideas and opinions. In Chinese, duihua (对话 ), simply put, an exchange of speech.

How to Write Dialogue contains selections of great dialogue writing by eleven current working and publishing authors in many different genres, and I'm honored that three short pieces of Trials of Life , the second of my Journey to the West trilogy are cited in the book.The samples used to illustrate one of Matt's points, which is how dialogue advances the plot.

There are many more useful examples in this well-researched book, from past literary masters and newer (like me) and seasoned authors from the indie world . The book provides analysis of how to write dialogue for character development and plot advancement, when to use specialised language (and when not to!) and many other topics. It is a practical guide for both authors and students - and it's entertaining as well.

I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating. I am a contributor. Some people would say that it is hard not to be biased. Maybe they are right. I have many reasons to sing the praises of Matt's book, one of which is the fabulous label he has kindly bestowed onto me: Multicultural Icon.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book - it is, after all, my Book of the Month. Next time, someone starts to talk AT me, if he/she happens to be an author, I may just offer to buy How to Write Dialogue - It is, in my view, more or less the same as "How to Conduct Effective Conversation", am I right? As a reader, I sometimes get bored, and even annoyed with poorly constructed and badly written dialogues in books. My kind of good reads, in general, are mirrors of real life and show us characters who talk and communicate just like you and me!

[Jess Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked if I would consider contributing part of the foreword to this book. I agreed to because of Matt Posner's commitment to the writing craft.

I did not know what the interior contents of this book would contain (the only information I had prior to the book's publication was that it was a book on "how to write dialogue").

I was thoroughly pleased to find that "How to Write Dialogue" features zero jargon and plenty of useful information. The author wastes no time in establishing what dialogue is and its function in fiction. He illustrates his points clearly and thoughtfully, by analyzing a well-curated selection of excerpts from classic as well as contemporary literature.

This diversity is important because a writer only improves upon their craft with extensive reading. I suppose some writers would insist that reading only one genre is sufficient, but then again it depends on what type of writer you aspire to be (and, by extension, the goals you wish to achieve as an author--while commercial viability is desirable in terms of marketing, I believe a real writer would endeavor to always observe certain key components of the actual craft of writing).

This is an indispensable guide to any author who wishes to learn the art of writing convincing, meaningful dialogue. After all, conversations are a key component of both life and literature!

[Kristina Linger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It is full of great advice and exercises that any writer could use. I would highly recommend using it to help you out or even to refresh your knowledge. I am going to be using these exercises in my current writing project. I absolutely loved reading this book.

The language usage in the book is extremely easy to understand. I didnt have a hard time understanding the words. It was a quick read for me, I do like to re-read a book to catch all the little things that I might have missed. I loved reading all the examples in the book. If you want a book on dialogue that is easy to read, well versed and easy to use then this book is it.