I Hear You

 

Do you have any tips for making dialogue more realistic? And for making it pop?

Writing dialogue is my favorite part of the writing process. Making it feel realistic can be the difference between a memorable character and one that comes off flat and forgettable. My best tip for writing realistic dialogue has nothing to do with the actual writing, but instead is happening everyday all day all around us. It’s the listening.

 Whether I’m on a train, bus, or walking through a park, I’m always listening, snatching up interesting turns of phrases and storing them away like treasure to be pulled out and used when the appropriate character emerges, much like a magpie.

When I’m watching TV or reading a book, or even listening to a music, I’m learning how people talk to one another who aren’t necessarily in my everyday orbit. I’m not just listening to the words they are saying, but also how.

I’ve heard TV rots your brain, but it also is a portal that can transport you to places you may not ever get to visit. Maybe you can’t hop a flight to Paris on a beautiful spring afternoon, but your TV can, or your bookshelf. And if you can’t go there in person, what better way to immerse yourself in language that can only expand your dialogue toolbox.

So, my hint to writing more realistic dialogue is, if you want your dialogue to feel authentic, however, you get there, go. To the places where you can hear and absorb the language you’re trying to represent. We’re all familiar with the term, write what you know. It’s almost the Golden Rule for writers. Why should that be any different for dialogue.