How to Write GREAT Dialogue

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Abbie Emmons

Abbie Emmons

Күн бұрын

Dialogue is easier SAID than done. ;) Which is why in today's video, I'm sharing the 6 TECHNIQUES I use all the time to make my dialogue SHINE. ✨ No more cut-and-dry conversation! Let's learn how to masterfully write compelling dialogue that will capture and hold our readers' attention.
MY FILM/TV RECOMMENDATIONS: • The Kate & Abbie Show ...
7 TIPS FOR WRITING CHARACTER VOICE: • HOW TO ROCK YOUR CHARA...
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0:00 Introduction
1:18 An Important Note About Dialogue
3:55 #1: Listen to people talk in real life
4:54 #2: Listen to well-written dialogue in film
8:32 #3 Subtext
9:55 #4 Write your dialogue like a screenplay
13:20 #5 Give every character a unique voice
14:10 #6 Practice, practice, practice
15:32 Outro
________________________________
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• HOW TO ROCK YOUR CHARA...
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✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!
✨C R E D I T S ✨
All movie clips and soundtracks used for educational purposes under the Fair Use law. Poldark (2015-2019) copyright Mammoth Screen Productions and BBC Masterpiece. Downton Abbey (2010) copyright BBC Masterpiece.

Пікірлер: 732
@fatimamaequeniahan2388
@fatimamaequeniahan2388 4 жыл бұрын
"We humans can't live without communicating to each other" *introverts left the group
@TiaTam
@TiaTam 3 жыл бұрын
I'm an introvert and very talkative,, I just can't start/join conversations without feeling uninvited and uncomfortable lol
@leannemcelroy8482
@leannemcelroy8482 3 жыл бұрын
TiaTam Same
@LovelyKelly645
@LovelyKelly645 3 жыл бұрын
@@TiaTam sameee!! And after a while I get tired and need time to recharge by myself
@Vita-a-stelle-e-strisce
@Vita-a-stelle-e-strisce 3 жыл бұрын
@@leannemcelroy8482 Great Hollow Knight picture!
@badcatzgamedevelopmentcomp4808
@badcatzgamedevelopmentcomp4808 3 жыл бұрын
as an introvert, I'll say that my survival instincts overcome my need for space. So sometimes even I bend the knee to being social.
@yo-im-soup1317
@yo-im-soup1317 4 жыл бұрын
That mood when you're actually writing a screenplay so you HAVE to write it like one
@TiaTam
@TiaTam 3 жыл бұрын
Same :) Makes the entire thing one small step easier though Ig
@SheegogProductions
@SheegogProductions 3 жыл бұрын
My current writing project is a screenplay. Now the hard part is turning it into prose. :P
@newtoatheism5968
@newtoatheism5968 3 жыл бұрын
Oh yes I know that mood
@duinforodamar8792
@duinforodamar8792 2 жыл бұрын
I write it in a different format than a movie script if that's what I'm doing.
@Z5Z5Z5
@Z5Z5Z5 2 жыл бұрын
im also writing a screenplay. Dialogue is so hard
@TiaTam
@TiaTam 3 жыл бұрын
I often make up my dialogue by talking to myself because then I can _hear_ when it sounds off It always helps me a lot. Whispering as well, if I can't be too loud around other people
@adahig7566
@adahig7566 3 жыл бұрын
that’s actually rlly smart
@blindwolfieyt
@blindwolfieyt 2 жыл бұрын
I do that too!
@taliw7736
@taliw7736 2 жыл бұрын
Good idea haha
@bygoneamelia
@bygoneamelia 2 жыл бұрын
Haha, I do that. Like I 'act' out the conversations as I am writing them. The only downside, is that my family thinks I'm crazy.
@ayeongu_7384
@ayeongu_7384 2 жыл бұрын
i do something similar. mainly for fanfiction when i'm bored af but it also helps me with making it sound natural because my thing is i think about the premise of the scene and go from there. i find it difficult to explain but i find it fun and helpful :>
@AsifHassan
@AsifHassan 3 жыл бұрын
One thing I realized about a well-written argument between two characters, is subtlety. One of them lied to the other but instead of yelling and shouting about it what actually goes on is a passive aggressive discussion. They may talk about betrayal and hurt but they never bring up the lying part because it hurts them too much.
@oliverford5367
@oliverford5367 Жыл бұрын
The rule of thumb I've noticed is to see if the dialogue has any nouns for particular emotions. If it does, that's a smell that the dialogue is on-the-nose. So the first Poldark scene has "anger, jealousy". The second describes actions: sleeping with somebody else and needing to be forgiven. The words anger and jealousy are never used. Occasionally you need to have a character mention emotions directly, but most of the time it should be communicated without being directly named.
@maryquitecontrary9669
@maryquitecontrary9669 Жыл бұрын
Yes! Subtlety and subtext is everything
@heathermacdonald6404
@heathermacdonald6404 4 жыл бұрын
I also write random dialogue when developing characters. Usually, when I am developing a character, I transcribe the speech of someone on KZfaq. For example, when I wanted to write realistic dialogue for a 16 year-old girl, I listened to many different teenage girls on KZfaq and transcribed their speech. Wow! It was an eye-opener. I could not have written realistic dialogue for my teenager without seeing real speech in print. Very useful exercise. I would join your Patreon but I am not on Facebook. Thanks for all the great videos.
@authordeborahjeanwhite6188
@authordeborahjeanwhite6188 4 жыл бұрын
Heather MacDonald amazing idea! I’m going to try it!
@guixluv
@guixluv 3 жыл бұрын
That's actually a very great tip. Thank you!!! 💕💓💞
@francescagolden1061
@francescagolden1061 3 жыл бұрын
Ooh awesome tactic! I’ll be doing that.
@sey9034
@sey9034 3 жыл бұрын
Commenting to save, good tip!
@vh6772
@vh6772 2 жыл бұрын
That....that is a brilliant idea...
@aboycalledfish
@aboycalledfish 4 жыл бұрын
super interesting that the girl said "I don't know, Ross" in both examples, but they end up communicating completely different levels of character believability
@worthfightingfor2299
@worthfightingfor2299 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, exactly.
@arshanijah8338
@arshanijah8338 4 жыл бұрын
currently trying to write a wattpad book, but i keep using “she said” or “he says” for everything lol
@AbbieEmmons
@AbbieEmmons 4 жыл бұрын
Good luck with your story!
@mackdebruin999
@mackdebruin999 3 жыл бұрын
A good way to avoid he said/she said is to say a character is doing something, after that the dialogue is implied to be from that character, no he said/she said required. John grabbed the chair. "I love chairs." Instead of "I love chairs." John said.
@arshanijah8338
@arshanijah8338 3 жыл бұрын
Mack Debruin that’s amazing, thank you, i’ll be using this!
@Mint-cn1yg
@Mint-cn1yg 3 жыл бұрын
Arsha Nijah how’s it going so far? What’s your Wattpad user?
@gracefuldeals
@gracefuldeals 3 жыл бұрын
I would love to check out your book too! Please let us know your Wattpad username. :)
@oddduckdeena
@oddduckdeena 2 жыл бұрын
I’m working on my first book. I had no intention or drive to ever become an author, but I had a character in my mind that I wanted to spend more time with. The story flows okay, I’m sure it is derivative and predictable, but I am passionate enough to continue writing it. The dialogue is where I fall flat. Thank you for the tips. You have a sub in me.
@jefftitterington7600
@jefftitterington7600 Жыл бұрын
How's it doing? Are you happier with it?
@serene3175
@serene3175 Жыл бұрын
I hope that it’s going well :)
@eric-ms3pz
@eric-ms3pz Жыл бұрын
fr interested and kinda wanna read it lol
@TheJadeCircle
@TheJadeCircle Жыл бұрын
Was I supposed to read "You have a sub in me" as "You've got a friend in me"?
@katiewilson9317
@katiewilson9317 4 жыл бұрын
It is SO ODD how you think of a scene and the characters just start talking! I do, I pause them so I can get my notes app on my phone or a pen and paper to write it down...usually late at night when I should be sleeping. :) So happy when something I think is described by someone else out loud. Thank you for this video!! New sub here!
@EDDIELANE
@EDDIELANE 4 жыл бұрын
Disconnecting from your characters voice was what happened to the last season of Game of Thrones. Tyrion is the most heartbreaking.
@futurestoryteller
@futurestoryteller 4 жыл бұрын
What's funny is Game of Thrones' dialogue lacked subtext. Martin was really good at characters communicating exactly what they were thinking, just in clever ways. I felt like part of the problem with the dialogue in the last two seasons was that without Martin's input they started taking the more "sophisticated" television dialogue approach of the characters never saying exactly the right thing. Varys and Tyrion in particular _always_ said exactly the right thing. An example might be when Varys tells Tyrion that "a very small man can cast a very large shadow."
@rahraht3242
@rahraht3242 4 жыл бұрын
Yes, I've also experienced that. Sometimes when I'm thinking about a scene, dialogue starts coming in and I write it down. It's pretty cool the feeling of characters just starting to have bits of conversation in your head lol
@elite_piggyzillaxx174
@elite_piggyzillaxx174 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I thought I was the only one who did that lol.
@vigorofavirgo3916
@vigorofavirgo3916 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah it just flows
@rokamayono8590
@rokamayono8590 2 жыл бұрын
It feels really smooth and really helps
@wendychavez5348
@wendychavez5348 4 жыл бұрын
Often I will build a scene or a story around an internal dialogue, especially if I'm debating two or more sides with myself and see good points from every perspective. It's not always easy to make talking to myself seem like a conversation between two or more individuals, though when it works it's amazing.
@miraculouswinxer8837
@miraculouswinxer8837 3 жыл бұрын
I do that tooo , i always roleplay as my characters to understand their point of view and i always talk to myself and debate about things.
@mayaj8855
@mayaj8855 3 жыл бұрын
Notes for me: Subtext subtext subtext! Always leave a hint of what the characters are thinking and feeling up to the imaginations of the readers, this will turn your characters into living breathing beings with thoughts, secrets, and experiences. Practice scripting dialogue from everyday conversations and well-written shows and movies. Add in ques and body language to practice bringing the dialogue to life. Write dialogue like a screenplay. this way you're less focused on description and grammar and more focused on the conversation. THAT'S IT!! Pro tip: try writing scenes of just dialogue before actually beginning the 1st draft of the book to kickstart your writing process. Give every character a unique character voice. YOU DO NOT WANT ALL YOUR CHARACTERS TO SOUND THE SAME!!! ex. in Heros of Olympus, you knew every single time it was a Percy, Leo, or Annabeth chapter solely from the character's voice. or Zara and Sophia Greenleaf with very two distinct character voices PRACTICE!!!
@cheaBea231
@cheaBea231 4 жыл бұрын
Yes, I definitely get dialogue for random scenes in my story and have to write it down immediately! Sometimes it is even how a whole new story begins in my head.
@christinekaye6393
@christinekaye6393 4 жыл бұрын
Yes, I write all the dialog as a script first. As a matter of fact, I developed my novel that way, role-playing the characters as I created the plot. I started recording these sessions because I found the spontaneous responses were the most natural and I couldn't always remember them later. This method also helps me get in touch with the emotional content of the scene.
@lindseysmith2455
@lindseysmith2455 4 жыл бұрын
Dialogue always comes to me first! I build every scene around a conversation I've imagined. And for some reason, it's always while I'm listening to music and doing something mindless (like walking or driving) that these conversations appear.
@Mii..
@Mii.. Жыл бұрын
Same here. When I'm driving or listening to music that's when the best scenes and dialogue show up in my head. And it's worse when you forget that because you didn't write them down.
@yuki_sushi3480
@yuki_sushi3480 Жыл бұрын
The music im listening to influences how I write- so I have to have a perfect playlist for each time I write something specific 😭✌️🤧✨
@viniciusgalindo3302
@viniciusgalindo3302 4 жыл бұрын
I always write the dialogue before-hand, it's easier for me to go into the chapters and write at a faster pace.
@zordox5533
@zordox5533 4 жыл бұрын
I always struggle with dialogue being too awkward or boring and stiff, so this really helped me fix some of my mistakes. Thank you!!! 🥰😊😇
@saraoln
@saraoln 4 жыл бұрын
I never personally thought of writing dialogue first and then adding in narrations, but I do have my moments where some of my characters just start talking out of nowhere and then I have to rush to my notes before I forget the exact sentence he or she said 😂.
@armellebiampamba4257
@armellebiampamba4257 2 жыл бұрын
I do that too! Execpt I forget half the time and then try desperately to remember
@saraoln
@saraoln 2 жыл бұрын
@@armellebiampamba4257 Sadly, yes. That happens to me, too 😳😭.
@Mii..
@Mii.. Жыл бұрын
Sameee thing I do
@saraoln
@saraoln Жыл бұрын
@@Mii.. When our characters are meant to be working with us but sometimes they just decide, "Let's just keep making conversation and have a little fun with our writer by not stopping 😌."
@Mii..
@Mii.. Жыл бұрын
@@saraoln exactly lol. But it's fun to see your mind expressing natural conversations with your characters. It brings out their personality. ❤
@topik801
@topik801 4 жыл бұрын
I write dialogues like you do! Sometimes even whole scenes, completely out of order :) First I write down only characters' lines, then I add the context, the action tags, and so on. Can't wait for the next video!
@heathertoomey7068
@heathertoomey7068 Жыл бұрын
I, too, have conversations continue on in my head that have to be written so I don't forget, once I've started. And I'm so glad to know that it IS fine to write dialogue first, like a screenplay, without the words like "said" and body language, etc. Still have work to do on that.
@emxry
@emxry 4 жыл бұрын
I use dialogue if I want to show the character’s personality and if I need to put a fact out there to make the story work.
@Animaine7030
@Animaine7030 4 жыл бұрын
I can attest to the validity of Rule # 4. It's literally saved my writing.
@christophermyron978
@christophermyron978 2 жыл бұрын
You've inspired me to not beat myself up over my cringeworthy dialogue from my 10 year old manuscript. Using your tools helped! I feel one step closer to publication possibilities.
@gianni206
@gianni206 2 жыл бұрын
1. Listens to others talk 2. Listen to film's best dialogue 3. Bake in subtext - like, hold back emotions when characters be frontin' 4. Write it like a screenplay (even before all else) - copy over later! 5. Give character unique voices - what style does each have 6. Practicepracticepracticepracticepractice
@unsweetsweets
@unsweetsweets 4 жыл бұрын
13:02 I don’t really write it down like it’s a screenplay, but I always come up with my dialogue by thinking about the scenes and then playing out the characters, then I just make the dialogue what I think in the moment. I usually just do it because it’s fun, but it really helps to make it more natural since most conversations are usually what the character is thinking in that moment and less planned out. So maybe not exactly the same, but similar ?
@chantlmcclary6419
@chantlmcclary6419 2 жыл бұрын
I do something similar but I use the bullet system which is getting a notebook and writing out the story in bullets the best way I can describe it is writing the story like an RPG video game and writing down dialogue options,with a tree in a separate notebook which helps me choose what they'll say better before I actually write it in that notebook.
@SoundBoss5150
@SoundBoss5150 3 жыл бұрын
Would love to hear you touch more on instances when direct dialogue is appropriate. I've heard that it's okay to be on-the-nose when what's being said is properly motivated by the characters wants/needs but I for one still struggle to identify how to do that, especially early on in the story. Keep up the great work!!
@ericcarlo5278
@ericcarlo5278 Жыл бұрын
Starting on my first short story and as I'm going through the process, I think really understanding your characters relationships with one another and their purpose in the story also helps a bit when coming up with dialogue
@Aponea3
@Aponea3 3 жыл бұрын
I have always written my stories as if they were films/screenplays, and I dare to claim that writing dialogue is my biggest strength. You expressed exactly what I feel about this topic, thank you for the reassurance! :)
@kalyani-hg2mz
@kalyani-hg2mz 3 ай бұрын
Omgg, I am 15 and writing is my passion,something that I enjoy a lot and I have immensely struggled with dialogues,so thank you so much for making this video,I know I am late but still thank youuu❤❤
@ailsa2434
@ailsa2434 4 жыл бұрын
Can't wait for the follow up video to this! I also am finding that script writing dialogue comes very naturally, and is super helpful. I think the reason is because it helps make writing seem less like writing, and more like working on a painting. You start with the basic strokes (the dialogue itself) and slowly build it up, adding in a gesture here, a background detail there, bringing the conversation to life. That's all in note form, without worrying about the prose. I'm certainly not claiming to be on top of my game yet. I'm only starting out. But for some reason, doing it this way makes it WAY more natural, like a craft. It makes me feel better to know you do this as well!
@KashishK
@KashishK Жыл бұрын
Tip number 4 is my favorite now too! For my new book, I have been focusing on new aspects and areas where I can improve and I have been watching your videos as well as podcasts, and they help soo much! I have learned many things over the past 2 weeks and I'm so thankful for it. I tried the method of taking away all narrations within my dialogue and read it, and yes. It sounded very weird. So then, I edited it, and now it sounds so much better. I'm going to use this trick much more often now! Thank you Abbie!
@Weird-Girl
@Weird-Girl 2 жыл бұрын
I ALWAYS write bits of dialogue that come to me at random intervals 😂 it’s always so helpful to have it when I go to write the specific scene it’s in.
@mimib___6709
@mimib___6709 2 жыл бұрын
I wrote dialogue for the first story I'm planning to publish into an e-book first before the full story was even fledged. It definitely helps and inspires me even more to craft my characters and the story around it, and not just stop like I've done with so any others. It keeps me going so to speak. This was so helpful!
@calliesdandelions
@calliesdandelions Жыл бұрын
I have been doing the dialogue script-writing for a while now, and I love it!
@cottagestoryteller
@cottagestoryteller 4 жыл бұрын
Omgosh I needed this video. I didnt realize it until I heard you say it out loud, and that is that dialogue is best with subtext. 🤷‍♀️ No one says what they feel or mean outright. Killer video as always! Thank you, Abbie!! 💖
@AlexVeeGee
@AlexVeeGee 4 жыл бұрын
Omg! I do number 4 too! Always have, its part of my process! I've not heard of anyone else doing this (until now). I've often given this tip to my writerly friends, and I think they think I'm crazy, lol. 😂
@obsessedwithart231
@obsessedwithart231 2 жыл бұрын
I love that you said a story is a story! So many authors make it seem like movies are a bad thing and in order to be an author you need to read all these long complicated historical classics and if you don’t you have bad taste, and whatever your writing doesn’t count. But you saying a story is a story really takes the pressure of me and so many other viewers. I ADORE your videos.
@BelleRose11000
@BelleRose11000 Жыл бұрын
I feel a lot more confident now as you describe using the screenplay writing method for dialogue because I do that too! Dialogue has been one of the most difficult parts for me to write partly because I'm autistic and struggle with real life conversations. A few years ago, I found it helps to write my dialogue as a screenplay. It helped a ton. Avoids the "he/she said" and helped with outlining the story. Then I stopped writing for a few years, big mistake. I am now getting back to writing, though it's not easy getting back. Once again I have been struggling with dialogue. But now seeing this, you've reminded me of what I did to overcome that struggle. It helps to know other writers use that trick. I won't forget it, in fact I'll start screenplay writing some dialogue scenes that have been brewing in my mind. Thank you Abbie!
@LarryThePhotoGuy
@LarryThePhotoGuy Жыл бұрын
I usually begin with the general dynamic of a scene (What needs to happen) and how the most volatile character reacts. That is, I hear a line of dialogue that is key to the feeling intentions(s) of that character and then lead the rest of the dialogue to that expression. I.e., "You will never fool me again!"
@rukkayyagaro2238
@rukkayyagaro2238 4 жыл бұрын
I have been looking forward to this all day!
@ognonamisvamp
@ognonamisvamp 2 жыл бұрын
I plan out most of my dialogue ahead of time. You are definitely not the only one.
@eowyn237
@eowyn237 4 жыл бұрын
Abbie, you never cease to deliver exactly the answers and inspiration I need! I haven't written in screenplay format before, but I'm definitely going to try it this very evening. Also, I haven't seen Poldark, but that second scene -! Manalive, it gave me all the chills. :)
@BellaD-i4s
@BellaD-i4s Жыл бұрын
YES I can totally relate to that! There have been so many times where I’ll think about something in or for a plot in my book and suddenly a conversation in between two of my characters will pop into my head! I wondered the same thing; if other people did this. Glad to know I’m not the only one with this lol
@futurestoryteller
@futurestoryteller 4 жыл бұрын
I'm increasingly impressed with you and your channel. I recently saw a screenwriting "guru" talking about writing realistically and he said to just practice, he didn't even tell people to listen, the way you said _everyone_ does. You not only cover all your bases, but you also remember every caveat and nuance that are important to bear in mind. Maybe you can help me with talking heads then. I definitely do get scenes or random bits of dialogue invading my brain, and I like these human interactions the most. This makes it difficult for me to build past the conversations themselves. I watched your video about how pacing can only flow at reading speed, and I've always felt that instinctively so when two characters are trading words it can be hard for me to interject information that will make readers feel rooted in the environment, especially if I'm writing prose.
@gaintmoleperson4660
@gaintmoleperson4660 3 жыл бұрын
You legitimately the only person who doesnt give obvious advice and makes it short
@redstorm4032
@redstorm4032 4 жыл бұрын
I’ve just been struggling with my dialogue today! This will be so helpful ahh!
@KayliRules
@KayliRules Жыл бұрын
Finally, something naturally occurring in my approach to writing! I've always turned to writing dialogue like a screenplay, seemed the easiest and best approach to writing. Thanks for pointing this out, Abbie!
@jamescreighton4912
@jamescreighton4912 3 жыл бұрын
I admit, I was so happy when you mentioned thinking of dialogue like you are writing a script. I am writing something now with that very lesson in mind. I try to cut out the descriptions and extra bits as much as possible (unless it effects the dialogue itself) and just let the characters talk. It feels much better and it allows the characters to shine more than the author. (Sounds weird but its true).
@sofiepeeters8565
@sofiepeeters8565 4 жыл бұрын
I do that! And I must say it’s very helpful to see your characters moving through a certain scene like it’s a movie.
@johnmichael_
@johnmichael_ 4 жыл бұрын
Oh hey, i put my dialogue in screenplay display too! Ive always struggled with trying to incorporate my dialogue in correctlywritten sentences, so yeah this helps me lol great video!!
@selacastleberry8977
@selacastleberry8977 Жыл бұрын
I am a brand new writer, trying my hand on a screenplay. Basically, all of my writing thus far is just dialogue. I just have dialogue pop into my head and write it in the screenplay format. Your videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you for all of your research.
@gerritvalkering1068
@gerritvalkering1068 Ай бұрын
One of the things that got hammered home working in the service industry was 'body language, non-verbal communication'. Body language and intonation is easily 75% of communication. It's why jokes and sarcasm works so badly online. So I generally imagine the body language, how character say things, pauses etc before I start on the words.
@StopMotionPerson20
@StopMotionPerson20 Жыл бұрын
When I have to write a dialog I first kinda "roleplay" the entire scene in real life and then write it down. It actually helps so much! Ps. Im SUPER nervous 'bout my book as a 13 yr old author and your videos show me that my book is actually good
@fabianaramos2472
@fabianaramos2472 Жыл бұрын
Good luck!!
@wnder7974
@wnder7974 5 ай бұрын
Name of your book/
@josieann4390
@josieann4390 4 жыл бұрын
Hey Abbie! I also write my novels in screenplay format beforehand to master dialogue, but I thought it was because I majored in screenwriting in college. Glad to know other writers use this process as well! 😊
@readerturnedwriter
@readerturnedwriter 4 жыл бұрын
This was SO helpful, thanks for these tips! I loved when you talked about subtext, I agree it's so important (though not necessarily easy). I also love the idea to write some dialogue before writing your video. I remember watching a video about adding tension to dialogue, one tip was to have each of the two characters having a different conversation from each other in subtext.
@kathleenmoniquemabao2072
@kathleenmoniquemabao2072 4 жыл бұрын
Regarding about writing the dialogues in script style, when I first started writing stories back in high school, most of my writings are in script style. Then I was told by my writer classmates (who had way more writing experience than me) that I should write in narrative style. No wonder there are times that I'd have a hard time making realistic dialogues for my characters and not just gibberish. Thanks for the tips, Abbie. It'll be nice to go back to how I first started writing stories ☺
@cosmosbandit4807
@cosmosbandit4807 2 жыл бұрын
Your explanation of subtext finally made it click for me on how not to "write" it but "create" it. You have really helped me in writing episode 5 on my channel. Thank you! Subscribed and belled!
@jenller
@jenller 4 жыл бұрын
I also write the dialogue as a script, I use different colors to identify the characters. It's really helpful to keep you on a roll without any interruptions of thinking about tags.
@ellishakriesl9599
@ellishakriesl9599 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love the idea of writing your dialogue first! I've always struggled a bit to get into the groove of writing conversations. Going to go give this technique a try!
@lakshmipriyaa4976
@lakshmipriyaa4976 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, Iam from India and i saw your video and felt happy because my brother used to tell me that my story has loads of dialogues, and I was worried and even thought of changing my writing style but after seeing this video i am more convinced about it.....Thank you and GODBLESS...☺
@naritasupremacy8081
@naritasupremacy8081 4 жыл бұрын
I'VE BEEN WAITING WEEKS FOR THIS!!! THANK YOU!!! Rock on!
@brenbail2000
@brenbail2000 4 жыл бұрын
Yes. I absolutely pre-script dialogue, just to make sure I have all I need in the conversation. Especially for pivotal moments in the story, it's a must!
@rekharajgopal7044
@rekharajgopal7044 Жыл бұрын
Aren't you a gem, Abbie! You have a technique for everything. Method to the writing madness always
@mikemckeel4174
@mikemckeel4174 Жыл бұрын
I read once that Tolstoy was visiting a friend and saw War and Peace on a table. He picked it up, flipped through it, and said "I wish I knew then what I've learned since then." Something for all of us to keep in mind.
@toom_56
@toom_56 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you sooo much, I’m really trying to get into writing my book and you are such a big help!!!!
@dubclu6
@dubclu6 9 ай бұрын
I write as though it’s a movie in my head. And I think about how I don’t want to waste peoples’ time with boring stuff or conversation that has no purpose. It needs to be interesting to some degree all the way through and play like a movie in my head. I should be able to see how it would look as a film.
@alondradiaz8266
@alondradiaz8266 3 жыл бұрын
This is my favorite video in any series. Brilliant!! And I have never thought of dialogue in that way! 😂✨🌸
@ravenfeatherdust
@ravenfeatherdust Жыл бұрын
I write it down like a screenplay all the time whenever I get a dialogue idea!!!
@lilypond5158
@lilypond5158 3 жыл бұрын
When you started talking about Poldark.... I love that show so much, even my dad loves it.
@shinmalestat9272
@shinmalestat9272 Жыл бұрын
Alot of my character development comes from the day dreaming dialogue between them. Some of them Ive turned into short stories that will probably become scenes later on. If not then those will be unknown canons. Another channel that can help with developing dialogue is Charisma on Command. He will break down characters in shows or even the way people handle stressful interviews to show body language, what it displays and how to use it.
@sarahalbert6833
@sarahalbert6833 2 жыл бұрын
I am approaching the end of the first draft of my very first novel. Before I began writing, many conversations between the characters played out in my head. So, I wrote those first before beginning the draft. It’s strange because I wasn’t able to start at the beginning and write in chronological order. I am a discovery writer, so I tend to start with the scenes which excite me the most. I tend to jump backwards and forwards in the writing process naturally, because the story plays in my mind like a film and it’s never in order of events. It’s as though the dialogue and scenes come out of nowhere, like the story has a mind of its own and I’m just the person observing it. Writing this way helps with writers block and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy your channel and absolutely love your writing advice videos, so thank you.
@BonBonHassan
@BonBonHassan Жыл бұрын
I watch so many Korean dramas and that has also helped me in my writing because the characters are so rich and even the subplots are intriguing.
@lauracations4613
@lauracations4613 3 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh! I have been writing in screenplay format and thought that it was a bad thing! Thank you for showing me that this is a GOOD thing! Excited to keep writing now 😁
@rokamayono8590
@rokamayono8590 2 жыл бұрын
Since I already write up random stories or prompts I don't actually do anything with, I figured out an idea where I write up random scenarios, and then work out how the characters will act in them, and that will hopefully help me get a feel for how their personalities work, regardless of whether or not I actually include those scenarios.
@usalscorner
@usalscorner Жыл бұрын
So some of what you said finally explains why I've always been told that I'm great at dialog even when I started writing in middle school. I'm autistic, so I have to pay more attention to all those little details when talking or listening. It's the bits between the dialog that can be a challenge sometimes...
@advaithramesh6697
@advaithramesh6697 Жыл бұрын
Writing all the dialouge before the description and narration actually made the scenes way more crisp when i finished writing them.
@lhyn_was_mah_name2113
@lhyn_was_mah_name2113 3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I get scenes in my mind before I write it, Im glad Im not the only one.
@ernesto-dev
@ernesto-dev Жыл бұрын
Interesting video. One that made me think of another thing related to dialogue: a character’s inner voice. When a character’s thoughts are to be written in parts of the story. Would be awesome to see a video about that, and how it is similar and different from dialogue.
@theaquinnwrites
@theaquinnwrites 4 жыл бұрын
I do this too! Makes writing so much better/easier.
@demonrulzends777
@demonrulzends777 Жыл бұрын
The most important aspect of my books are dialog. I always felt this way although I dropped the ball when I 1st began writing. I cringe at horrible conversations & try to engage my readers with character interaction. I also write conversations before scenes then come back later to add them to the story. You are not alone. I appreciate your videos I learn so much much. Thank u🙏
@justalittlefun5885
@justalittlefun5885 Жыл бұрын
I do have the habbit of imagining a whole big scene full of conversation which later becomes a scene, I don't actually write it down until recently, I realised how much easier and realistic it sounds when you later put it down on the story.
@sumadey4993
@sumadey4993 4 жыл бұрын
Seriously, you really do know what I need at the right time!! Can't wait for the pitfall in dialogues video..!!!☺☺☺
@darshimehrotra3002
@darshimehrotra3002 3 жыл бұрын
Every piece of dialogue gives your readers information etc. Observe people talk. Subtext Screen Writing Unique Voice
@charizardchaser
@charizardchaser 2 жыл бұрын
Getting into acting, writing scripts for short film help me tremendously. I act out my dialog before I write it. Realistically, majority of people speak no more or less than a sentence. If it's a paragraph, it's a monologue. As a writer I highly suggest get into acting and helped me a lot.
@fayz-dayz
@fayz-dayz 4 жыл бұрын
Yes! When Im at work or a busy area and I’m hit with an idea. I jot the dialogue down script style. It’s quick and effective
@catalinacg1247
@catalinacg1247 3 жыл бұрын
I always write the dialogue first!!! It makes things so much easier and somehow keeps me motivated thinking that I do have ideas. And those randoms dialogues that pop in my head end up being the most fun to write and develop the scene with actions
@mischa2643
@mischa2643 4 жыл бұрын
I’m stalled on a very tense bit of dialogue just now-this is a huge help☺️
@nancywakeley9853
@nancywakeley9853 Жыл бұрын
I definitely have dialogue coming to me in spurts like you described! I might never use it but it gives me a sense of the scene.
@csdsa
@csdsa Жыл бұрын
Omg. I am BINGE watching your videos. Amazing stuff! I am coming to an end of writing my first fan fiction slow burn and wish I had come across your channel before I started. Can't wait to watch your vids and get onto another story :)
@dizzy0110
@dizzy0110 4 жыл бұрын
I write my dialogue like that too! I’ll be doing something mundane, like doing dishes, and all of the sudden I hear my characters’ arguments or confessions or what ever and I have to rush through my chore so I get get to my phone and make a quick note of it. Haha happens all the time
@ZoesWeirdThoughts
@ZoesWeirdThoughts Жыл бұрын
I write some of the dialogue beforehand too. Sometimes a great idea for a joke or a scene will just pop into my head and I have to write it down before I forget it.
@jeremiahtitustoussaint3772
@jeremiahtitustoussaint3772 4 жыл бұрын
Omg this video was God sent.. i was literally in the middle of writing a dialogue and got this notification on my phone... thank you Abs
@amo4god
@amo4god 2 жыл бұрын
It's so much easier for me to write dialogue like a screenplay. I definitely struggle more with filling in the lines between the dialogue lol Thanks for the awesome tips!! I need all the help I can get!
@MarcBienenfeld
@MarcBienenfeld Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the advice, dialogue is the thing i struggle with most
@thatgrumpychick4928
@thatgrumpychick4928 Жыл бұрын
I tend to act through a scene before writing. It's helped a lot
@kjonesnewyork1
@kjonesnewyork1 2 жыл бұрын
One of the best movies for dialogue in my opinion is the movie Goodfellas. It’s not just that it has the New York cadence and accent that brings intrigue but the exchange between characters is clever in what they say and don’t say but imply. Several examples here too much to write now. Just a favorite of mine because of the exceptional dialogue
@madhatyr
@madhatyr 2 жыл бұрын
I love the dialogue in the film “lucky number sleven”
@heyfell4301
@heyfell4301 Жыл бұрын
Man, I feel called out when you mention that looking at old projects makes people cringe at their dialogue. I can find some fun re-reading some old stupid descriptions I made, but as soon as it comes to the dialogue, I have to pause and just say "this is the least natural line I've ever read" all the time. Going back through old projects is one thing I like to do to get inspired, since I made most of them when I was still super young, meaning I was creative enough to have good ideas but incompetent enough to make things laughable, this way I feel proud for not being so bad at writing nowadays, and I get back my old ideas to implement in new projects, all of that while having fun laughing at myself.
@rentonreva2047
@rentonreva2047 3 жыл бұрын
This is awesome. thank you!
@taliw7736
@taliw7736 2 жыл бұрын
Just what I needed thanks Abbie ☺️
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