Dialogue in writing presents a difficult challenge to the writer. On the one hand, you want your characters words to sound lifelike. On the other hand, if your characters’ words are too lifelike, the result, ironically, is lifeless writing that drones on and on like a transcript of an endless Congressional hearing. In this two-session course, we’ll do close readings of real-life dialogue and dialogue in fiction to develop strategies to make dialogue work for you in your writing. Then we’ll do some targeted exercises to explore different types of dialogue strategies that go beyond direct quotation to create a symphony of distinct speaking voices for your characters. Though this course focuses on fiction, playwrights and screenwriters will also find this valuable!
LIVE VIDEO CONFERENCE: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform, Zoom. The dates and times will remain the same. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. Shortly before the start date participants will receive an email with login info. Please check your spam if you don’t see it.
If you need an accommodation for this workshop, please contact us at access@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}}. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
