Crafting Great Dialog by Guest Andrea Merrell

Crafting Great Dialogue

By Andrea Merrell from

  http://www.TheWriteEditing.blogspot.com  

Dialogue can make or break a story—too much, too little, too stilted, or too corny.

When we read, we want to see the characters interacting with each other. Whether they're arguing, sharing secrets, or just getting to know each other, we want the communication to be real and flow in such a way that we get pulled into the story.

As writers, we all have a unique voice. When we create our characters, they will also have a voice. The problem occurs when all of our characters have our voice instead of their own. How boring for our readers if everyone in our story sounds the same.

Tips To Remember When Crafting Dialogue

• Use believable, down-to-earth dialogue that fits your character.
• Don’t be afraid to use contractions, since that’s the way most people talk.
• Be mindful of the setting, especially if it’s historical.
• Make your words fit the culture.
• Consider the age of your characters.

Using speaker beats and tags will enhance your dialogue. Let’s look at both.

Speaker Tags

A speaker tag shows the speaker’s name and a speech-related verb (said, asked, shouted). This is generally the best way to show which of your characters is speaking, but sometimes we tend to overuse them. They're not necessary each and every time someone speaks, especially in a long section of dialogue.

Example: “That’s a lovely dress you’re wearing,” Wendy said.

                   “Thank you so much,” Beverly replied.

                    “Would you tell me where you got it?” Wendy said.

                   “Sure. It came from Dillard’s,” Beverly answered.

Do you see how annoying that could get?

Note: This is a common error when using speaker tags:  “That’s a pretty scrawny dog,” Jim laughed. Since Jim cannot laugh that comment, the proper way would be: “That’s a pretty scrawny dog.” Jim laughed. Do you see the difference? In the second example, there is a period after the word dog instead of a comma. The problem with this is that the second example now becomes a speaker beat instead of a tag.

Speaker Beats

A speaker beat describes the action that accompanies what the speaker is saying (like the example above). Here is another example:

“I can’t believe you said that to me.” Jessie grabbed her keys and headed for the door.

Note: Just like the speaker tags, don’t overuse beats. Too many will interrupt the flow of dialogue. They're not necessary every time but work well to help set the scene when used correctly. You can also use them at the beginning instead of the end:

Jessie grabbed her keys and headed for the door. “I can’t believe you said that to me.”

Know your characters well and present them in such a way your readers will not forget them.

What secrets can you share about crafting dialogue? We would love to hear your suggestions.

Andrea Merrell

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/cooldesign/Master Isolated Images.)

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The Eye of the Beholder

by Andrea Merrell @AndreMerrell

I’ve heard it said that heartbreak—just like beauty—is in the eye of the beholder. What breaks my heart and causes me pain may not be the same for you. We all have God-given strengths and weaknesses. We all handle situations differently. And each one of us sees things from a unique and individual perspective.

Some view this as a negative. I see it as a positive. In God’s economy, nothing is ever wasted. He can take any situation the enemy means for evil and destruction and turn it around, working it for our good and His glory. One way He accomplishes this is by having us share our stories—our tragedies and triumphs—our failures and successes. This takes a willingness to be open, honest, and transparent. When we take that risk, there is so much we can learn from each other.

We all need humor, encouragement, practical advice, and a large dose of hope. If I am in the middle of a crisis and someone shares with me how God brought them through the same devastating experience, my faith is restored and my hope renewed. It’s like being thrown a lifeline when you feel like you’re going down for the third time.

In Praying for the Prodigal, my desire is to throw that lifeline to others who are dealing with a rebellious teen or young adult who has chosen a life of sin and destruction. I want to share the lessons I learned through my journey with two prodigals and encourage parents to pray God’s Word over their children daily. God can work miracles in the lives of those who are fully, wholeheartedly committed to Him, believe His promises are true, and refuse to give up—even when things seem to be falling apart all around them.

What do you need to share with others? What hidden resources and experience do you possess that might be the very catalyst to restore someone’s faith. Whatever it is, I encourage you to dig deep, then be willing to share your journey. You might be the exact answer to someone’s prayer.

** Praying for the Prodigal  (March 25, 2015, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) is available at Amazon.

Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a freelance editor and has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript. The Gift, and Praying for the Prodigal. For more information visit www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com. 

Surviving a Prodigal

by Andrea Merrell @AndreaMerrell

Fewer things are more heartbreaking than watching your child march boldly into a life of sin and destruction—unless it’s watching both of your children take that dark path at the same time. This definitely raises the stakes and doubles the agony of being the parent of a prodigal.

This is the basis for my new book, Praying for the Prodigal. This book is an example of how God can take a devastating situation, turn it around, and work it for our good and His glory. It also shows us how God creates beauty out of ashes by taking our pain and turning it into something that will touch the hearts of hurting people.

Raised in a godly environment, my children went to Sunday school, VBS, and Christian camps. They never listen to secular music or read secular books. They could quote Scripture verses and knew all the words to the most popular Christian songs. Born again and baptized at an early age, they were good, upstanding, obedient kids. What could have possibly gone wrong?

The staggering truth: even good kids rebel—and even good parents can end up with a prodigal.

My story is a story of redemption and how God protected and delivered two rebellious young people who tried to run from His embrace. But God would not let go—of the prodigals or the parents. Even when I felt that God had turned His back on our family, He was busy working and preparing the way for a glorious homecoming—just like the biblical account of the prodigal son.

The lessons I learned during this time—things I wish I had known early-on— are gifts from the Father’s hand, to be shared with others who are in the middle of a fiery trial. And isn’t that our job as writers? To draw from our personal experiences, grow wiser and stronger through the storm, then pay it forward by extending hope, encouragement, and practical advice to help someone gain victory in their own life?

If God has called you to write—whether it’s a novel, a Bible study, or a simple devotion—I encourage you to find your passion and channel it into your writing. I’ve learned that the more open and transparent you are with your words, the more your readers can relate. Whatever you’ve gone through—sickness, divorce, abuse, abandonment, or the death of a loved one—God can take your words and apply them as a healing balm to someone’s hurting soul.

** Praying for the Prodigal will be released March 25, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Books can be pre-ordered at Amazon.

Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a freelance editor and has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript. The Gift, and Praying for the Prodigal. For more information visit www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com.  

For Writers: What's in Your Hand

By Andrea Merrell

“I feel called to write, but don’t know what to write about.” I hear this frequently, especially from first-timers who have a stirring in their heart to put pen to paper … but simply don’t know where to begin.

If you ever feel this way, ask yourself:

• What am I passionate about?

• What type of books/ stories/articles/devotions/blog posts do I like to read?

• What am I most knowledgeable about?

• What have I been through that might help, inspire, and encourage someone else?

PASSION

Everyone is passionate about something. It might be motherhood, caring for the elderly, or helping someone through the crisis of divorce or even death. Maybe you’ve struggled with weight loss or chronic illness. Perhaps you’ve found creative ways to decorate or prepare meals on a budget. You might be someone who has a beautiful way to craft a devotion that will touch a hurting soul and bring them closer to the Lord. The opportunities are endless. Find what moves you and channel that passion into your writing.

READING

What do you enjoy reading? What type of stories are you drawn to? This may not seem important, but several years ago my husband asked why I was writing everything except fiction—since my eyes were always glued to a novel. “First,” I explained, “my mind doesn’t work that way. Second, there is the matter of creating characters, scenes, dialogue, and plot. I can’t do it. You just don’t understand.” He raised his eyebrows, shook his head, and silently walked away.

The next day my mind was buzzing with characters, dialogue, and a story line. I sat down at the computer to prove fiction writing was totally outside my bailiwick. Within a short time, I had produced two chapters of my first novel. When I handed them to a friend so she could tell me how bad they were, she got to the end, shook the pages in my face, and said, “Where’s the rest? I want more!”

The lesson I learned was that God does not want me to underestimate myself or put Him in a box. He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV). The Message puts it this way: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

KNOWLEDGE

Write what you know. Draw from your education, training, and life experience. This could mean anything from nursing, to gardening, to sailing. Everyone has expertise in at least one area. Don’t waste it. Infuse your knowledge into your writing so other people can benefit. Then branch out. Find things that interest you and do your research. Talk to professionals who can help you with detailed information. Let Google become your best friend.

PAIN

This might be one of the most important tools for inspiration. What terrible thing have you been through that you can share with others? What have you faced and conquered that will help bring victory into the lives of your readers?

Praying for the Prodigal is a result of five long years of dealing with rebellious and ungodly behavior from both of my children. Many have asked if it was difficult to write this story, and my answer is absolutely yes. As I sorted through the details, I re-lived many of the events that brought fear, anger, frustration, tears, sleepless nights, and the hopelessness that tried to swallow me. The best part, however, was the healing that took place as I wrote. My sincere prayer is for this book to give hope and encouragement to those who are traveling the same dark path.

In God’s economy, nothing is wasted … even our pain. What the enemy means for evil and destruction, God can turn around for our good and His glory—and the edification of the body of Christ.

BOTTOM LINE

Ecclesiastes 9:10a (NASU) says, Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. So, what’s in your hand? Don’t be afraid to offer it to the Lord and step out in faith. Your words may be someone’s lifeline and a direct answer to an urgent prayer.

Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a freelance editor and has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript. The Gift, and Praying for the Prodigal. For more information visit www.AndreaMerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com. 

Writing with Excellence

by Andrea Merrell @AndreaMerrell

New writers want the answer to HOW to be
a simple 1-2-3 formula.

Many times I have been asked these questions from new writers: 

• How do I get started? How do I know I’m on the right track? 
• How can I possibly learn everything I need to learn? 

There are no simple 1-2-3 answers, but my best advice is to start at the beginning.

The First Step

Except for occasional writer’s block, putting words to paper or fingers to the keyboard is generally the easy part. Writing for publication is the hard part, but it can be done with time, study, and determination. You just need to know the rules and guidelines.

In the movie Finding Forrester, Sean Connery’s character (a famous author who has become a recluse) gives this advice to an aspiring young writer: “No thinking. That comes later. You write your first draft … with your heart. You rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is … to write, not to think.”

Great advice, but that being said, the second key to writing should be to think.

Use your time wisely when you're editing.

If you’re a natural editor, getting your entire story on paper without constantly going back and making corrections will be difficult. Perfectionism is not your friend (at least at this point). It can keep you working on the same few chapters for months, even years, without finishing your book. If this is a problem for you, politely, but firmly, tell your inner editor to be quiet or take a vacation so you can finish writing. When you’re in the zone and words are flowing (some writers call it word dump), you don’t want to stop the flow to make sure all your words are perfect. There will be plenty of time for that later. As you continue with the story, you’ll make lots of tweaks and changes, and you don’t want to keep going over and over the same ground.

Your writing time is valuable. Use it wisely.

The Second Step

Once you have your words on paper or safely tucked away in your computer, it’s time to start the editing/re-writing/proofreading process. If this is difficult for you, go back over your material and read it aloud. Read it slowly. You’ll be amazed how much this little exercise will help you. Chances are you’ve read it so many times your eyes will skip over obvious errors. By reading aloud, you’ll get a better feel for syntax and sentence structure. If possible, have someone else read it to you and listen carefully as they read. Software programs are available for your computer that will read text, and some are free. Google “Computer Reading Programs” for a list of options.

Getting feedback from others is always beneficial. Every writer needs a writing partner, critique group, mentor, or a professional editor.

The Third Step

Most of all, keep writing!

Keep learning, growing, and—most importantly—keep writing. Make the investment to attend writers’ conferences. This will not only teach you the basics and sharpen your skills, it will help you build a network with other writing professionals. If you’re having trouble in a certain area, there are countless books and online resources available on every possible subject. You can also sign up for blog posts from other writers and editors that will be filled with helpful information.

Don’t get discouraged by rejection letters, negative feedback, or other obstacles that try to derail you. If God has called you to put words on paper, He has a plan and purpose for those words. Keep polishing your manuscripts until they are as clean and professional as possible.

Does that mean your work will ever be perfect? No, probably not. Perfection is something we can spend all our time pursuing and never reach. Instead, strive for excellence in all that you do, which means doing the best you can with what you have.

(Excerpts taken from Murder of a Manuscript by Andrea Merrell, published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Used by permission.) 

Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (LPC). She is also a freelance editor and has led workshops at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, Writers Advance Boot Camp, and the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Andrea’s first book, Murder of a Manuscript, is available on Amazon. Her next book, Praying for the Prodigal, will be released by LPC in 2015. As an editor, Andrea’s passion is to mentor and encourage writers, helping them to polish their manuscripts and make them as clean and professional as possible. To learn more, visit www.andreamerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.blogspot.com. 

Say Goodbye to the Exclamation Mark!!!!!!

by Andrea Merrell  @AndreaMerrell

With all the diverse forms of social media and texting, the exclamation point has become very popular in bringing emphasis to anything and everything someone is trying to say. I’ve been guilty of it myself, but the problem comes when we have the same tendency to overuse it in our writing. For all you serious writers, this is a definite no-no, so it’s time to execute the exclamation.

Execute—According to Merriam-Webster’s

• To carry out and produce what is required or expected to give validity to. To perform the fundamentals properly and skillfully.

Execute—According to Agents, Editors, and Publishers

• Kill it—wipe it out—put it to death.

Example from an Agent

To prove this point (no pun intended), let’s look at a portion of literary agent Chip McGregor’s blog post, What Drives an Editor Crazy? 

Someone wrote to ask a favorite question: “Are there certain editing errors that drive you crazy?”

Yes! Of course! Here’s one! Novelists who use exclamation points as though the period key didn’t work on their keyboard! I hate this! Really! What’s worse is the writer who needs to use several at once!!!!!

As an editor who battles with this constantly, I say a hearty “Amen!”

Are we saying you can never use exclamation points (EPs) in your writing? Absolutely not. The key is to know when and how to use them properly. They are appropriate when someone is shouting or showing extremely strong emotion.

Example: 

As three-year-old Susie was about to wander into the busy street, her mother shouted, “Susie, stop!”

In most cases, writers use unnecessary EPs when they are trying to make a point (pun intended), or they are very excited and passionate about what they are sharing. I once edited a book that contained anywhere from 200-300 Eps. All but a few were deleted from this otherwise excellent book. Some publishers only allow one or two exclamations in a 50,000-word manuscript.

This is an issue that could cause immediate rejection of your manuscript by an agent, editor, or publisher. Don’t take that chance. Limit your excessive use of EPs to personal e-mails, texts, tweets, and Facebook messages (notice I said personal and not professional).

To eliminate this problem, there is an easy fix. Use strong verbs and more showing. Trust your reader to get it. If you need to emphasize a word, it’s better to use italics—just don’t go overboard. Anything in your writing that is redundant (exclamation points, italics, quotation marks, ellipses, en and em dashes, words, or phrases) will wear on your reader.

Bottom Line

Too many exclamation points can be hazardous to your manuscript.

Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (LPC). She is also a freelance editor and has led workshops at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, Writers Advance Boot Camp, and the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Andrea’s first book, Murder of a Manuscript, is available on Amazon. Her next book, Praying for the Prodigal, will be released by LPC in 2015. As an editor, Andrea’s passion is to mentor and encourage writers, helping them to polish their manuscripts and make them as clean and professional as possible. To learn more, visit www.andreamerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.blogspot.com.