Dialogue
Elements of Fiction Writing series
Scene & Structure(1993) →
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This guide shows how to use speech on the page to make conflict felt and to move a story forward. It explores how much dialogue a narrative should contain and how to weigh it against description, action, and other story elements so that none of them dominates. A central distinction runs through the discussion: the difference between dialogue that works on the page and the way people actually talk. Written for those learning the craft, it offers a practical look at one of fiction's most important tools, aiming to help writers create conversations that feel alive without simply copying everyday speech.
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