38. Dialogue Tools: How Unexpected Dialogue Creates Intrigue for Your Audience

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:     

This episode presents my final three favorite tools in a series on how to write great dialogue in your novel, screenplay, or play. These advanced techniques can transform the quality of one's project by making everything more intriguing and visual to the audience. 

1. Use the Sidestep - answer questions in odd ways.

• Unexpected dialogue or turns in dialogue create immediate interest
• Answer questions with questions
• "Do you love me?" "Do you want me to?"

2. Use Silence or Action in place of dialogue.

• Never use dialogue if an action can do the same thing.
• Don't feel the need to always have your character speak. Focus on revealing the internal emotional state of your characters through action.
• Action always trumps dialogue.

3. Use Visual Images in place of dialogue.

• Ex. Shane cuts down the tree stump instead of thanking them for a meal.

UP NEXT

We'll finish out November by discussing some of the major mistakes I've been seeing in client projects as of late, followed by some of my biggest "A-Ha Writing Moments" in December.

QUESTIONS OR TOPIC REQUESTS? 

If you have a question about this or any other episode, or if you have a specific topic that you would like Zena to address, click on the link below to leave a voicemail recording with your problem, question, or issue.

https://www.speakpipe.com/ZenaDellLowe

SPECIAL THANKS

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer Carla Patullo for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to  www.carlapatullo.com

Tags: Artist, Artists, Writing tips, Writing Advice, Writing Podcast, Crafting a Story, Writers, Writer, Author, Novelist, Screenwriter, Story, Storytelling, Storytellers, Zena Dell Lowe, Mission Ranch Films, The Storyteller's Mission, The Mission with Zena Dell Lowe