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In this issue... Writing Dialog in Fiction – Part 1 – Grammar and Style

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Writing Dialog in Fiction – Part 1 – Grammar and Style

By Bruce L. Cook

Excellent fiction requires superb dialog. Writing a conversation between two persons (dialog) or among several (“session”) is a challenge to any dialectician. In the case of fiction writers, it’s essential to follow some basic guidelines. This series of three articles on dialog considers three essential areas: grammar and style, individualization, and context. .... (continued below)

   
         



Excellent fiction requires superb dialog. Writing a conversation between two persons (dialog) or among several (“session”) is a challenge to any dialectician. In the case of fiction writers, it’s essential to follow some basic guidelines. This series of three articles on dialog considers three essential areas: grammar and style, individualization, and context.

Grammar and Style

Too often a publisher encounters basic grammar errors in fiction, such as “Hello he said.” Or, worse still, a series of utterances with no punctuation at all. Here is a small collection of basic rules.

In studying dialog grammar, the first rule is the basic form: Example, “Hello,” he said.


quotation mark, dialog, comma, quotation mark, space. remainder of sentence.


For the next rule, consider the case of an interjection during dialog: Example, “Hello,” he said, “it’s good to see you.”


quotation mark, dialog, comma, quotation mark, space, comma, ___ said, comma, quotation mark, next dialog, period, quotation mark.


(And, of course, you can add sentences of dialog before the ending period and question mark.)

Or, in a painstakingly long quotation covering several paragraphs, use this less-known format:


quote mark at start of each sentence plus one at end of the quotation, after the period.


Example:

“Four score and seven years ago …

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war…

“But, in a larger sense, we…

“It is for us, the living, …not perish from the earth.”

(Not that it’s recommended to use long quotations in fiction! Not to mention that punctuation in dialog is the same for period or question/exclamation marks.)

Sadly, a new writer might say “They’ll know what I mean. I am such a genius that readers should just figure it out.” This superior attitude, grounded in self-adulation and inexperience, is the hallmark of some new writers. Instead, we need humility and a willingness to learn.

Further, it’s essential to have correct copy when submitting your work for publication. Grammar errors are death for a submission. Even a nice story can be disqualified on its face.

Next month we look at individualization in dialog, which is another important facet of writing.








Cover of book - Theories Ethnic ViolenceFundamental Theories of Ethnic Conflict, by Muli wa Kyendo (ed.)

Description

This book develops and expands on theories that aim at explaining the root causes of ethnic and racial conflicts. The aim is to shift focus from research, policies and strategies based on tackling the effects of ethnic and racial conflicts, which have so far been ineffective as evidenced by the increase in ethnic conflicts, to more fundamental ideas, models and strategies. Contents extend across many disciplines including evolution, biology, religion, communication, mythology and even introspective perspectives.around the world.

Drawn from around the world, contributors to the book are respected and experienced award winning authors, scholars and thinkers with deep understanding of their special fields of contribution. The book was inspired by the conditions in Kenya, where ethnic violence flared up with terrifying consequences following a disputed election in 2008. Although the conflict was resolved by the intervention of the international community, Kenyans – like many other Africans - continue to live in fear of ethnic conflicts breaking out with more disastrous consequences. The book will be useful to policy makers, NGOs and others involved in promoting peace. It will also be useful in guiding research and as a text book in universities and colleges.

Handbook of Research on Examining Global Peacemaking in the Digital Age, Bruce L. Cook (ed.)

Description

Violent behavior has become deeply integrated into modern society and it is an unavoidable aspect of human nature. Examining peacemaking strategies through a critical and academic perspective can assist in resolving violence in societies around the world.

The Handbook of Research on Examining Global Peacemaking in the Digital Age is a pivotal reference source for the latest research findings on the utilization of peacemaking in media, leadership, and religion. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as human rights, spirituality, and the Summer of Peace, this publication is an ideal resource for policymakers, universities and colleges, graduate-level students, and organizations seeking current research on the application of conflict resolution and international negotiation.


 

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Publishing New Writers,

November 2019 (vol. 20, no. 11)

Publisher:

Dr. Bruce L. Cook
1407 Getzelman Drive
Elgin, IL 60123

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