Mastering Dialogue: Common Mistakes and Enhancements

“Dialogue is a form of action. We can utilize what's happening around the dialogue to assist what's being said.” - Savannah Gilbo

Today, I'm thrilled to talk about the intricate art of dialogue with you once more. We're going to explore three common pitfalls that often lurk in dialogue and learning how to navigate these challenges can truly elevate your storytelling. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[02:34] Savannah explains the meaning of attributions and what to do when you doubt if something being said is clear to the reader.

[06:55] Reading a snippet from “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins and why it is a great example of keeping attributions simple.

[11:27] Why asking rhetorical questions undermines the emotional potential of your scenes. 

[14:15] The value of not including too much backstory or too much information in your dialogue.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #104: 10 Tips For Writing Better Dialogue
• The Hunger Games Series (Book 3): Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

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