Dialogue: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Effective Dialogue (Write Great Fiction Series) [Paperback]

Gloria Kempton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 2004 | Series: Write Great Fiction Series

Craft Compelling Dialogue

When should your character talk, what should (or shouldn't) he say, and when should he say it? How do you know when dialogue--or the lack thereof--is dragging down your scene? How do you fix a character who speaks without the laconic wit of the Terminator?

Write Great Fiction: Dialogue by successful author and instructor Gloria Kempton has the answers to all of these questions and more! It's packed with innovative exercises and instruction designed to teach you how to:

• Create dialogue that drives the story
• Weave dialogue with narrative and action
• Write dialogue that fits specific genres
• Avoid the common pitfalls of writing dialogue
• Make dialogue unique for each character

Along with dozens of dialogue excerpts from today's most popular writers, Write Great Fiction: Dialogue gives you the edge you need to make your story stand out from the rest.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gloria Kempton (born 1951) is an American author of ten books, including Write Great Fiction: Dialogue.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (October 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582972893
• ISBN-13: 978-1582972893
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

132 of 137 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, an Excellent Dialogue Book October 9, 2005

By B. Abernethy

Format:Paperback

I was worried there was no such thing as a decent dialogue book. I wanted to buy "Dialogue" from the "Elements of Fiction Writing" series but the reviews were horrible. I instead bought "Writing Dialogue". The book was horrible, a waste of time and money. I was starting to think there was no such thing as a decent dialogue book. Perhaps no more than one or two dozen pages could be written on the subject.

Gloria Kempton in her excellent "Dialogue" book from the new "Write Great Fiction" series from the excellent "Writer's Digest Books" publisher laid my fears to rest. I was very jaded from my horrible experiance with "Writing Dialogue" and read this book with a very poor attitude to start. As the chapters went by, I found my self liking the book and learning excellent points. By the time I got to chapter five, Narrative, Dialogue, and Action, she had won me over.

I learned much from her. Some highlights:

Make your scenes three dimensional. Narration, action, dialogue.

Don't bother with huge multi-page descriptions of your charactors to get a handle on their emotions and drives. All humans fall into nine catagories. Place your charactors in one of these catagories and 90 percent of your work is done. I am number five, the observer. My wife is number nine, the peacemaker.

To really get to know a charactor write a few page monolog of them speaking to you.

The power of dialogue to do many things, quicken the pace, add excitement and emotion, touch the reader's heartstrings, control the scope of the novel.

Different types of novels and the type of dialogue they require.

A must buy by anyone serious about writing.

PS I have had excellent results from the "Writer's Digest Books" publisher. I have most of their "Elements of Fiction Writing Books" and an working on getting all of their new "Write Great Fiction" books. They seemed to have kicked it up a few notches with this new series. Top notch stuff!

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a "Lazy Writer" Book November 16, 2007

By Carrie Hall

Format:Paperback

I think I understand why some ratings here are low and I also have feeling some folks were expecting someone to magically plop all the rules of dialogue in their laps. Sad news, darlings, you must WORK at learning dialogue and practice as the author delineates in this book. Before, I was very stiff in my dialogue and overworked it to death, and after this book? I'm no longer afraid of it. I have a better grasp on how character personalities work in combination with how they speak. I'm know now that every dialogue needs three crucial components to have balance. The author uses concise examples and literary excerpts from top notch authors to get her points across, and she does a great job.

Don't worry about the lazy naysayers, they wanted a quick list of how to's and don't understand how patience and practice DO pay off in the end.

(And to Thriller lover in particular, you don't have a clue do you? A character's personality has everything to do with dialogue, it's what makes their voice unique. Why do you think she included an entire chapter on it? Gah! *shakes head* )

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Painless Way to Write March 25, 2006

By Cat Lover

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this book because it was a requirement for a Writers On-Line class that focused on dialogue. Prepared for a dry book on the subject, I was pleasantly surprised at the approach and examples. It focuses on all writing and not specific genres.

This book is on my reference shelf and will remain there as a valuable tool and reminder of what I need to incorporate in my romance writing.