Writing a Blog affords the writer a platform for expression, creativity and sharing. -Sharing is a significant part of the blogging process. We all have skills. Why not put some of those skills out there? By sharing, we pass on some of our own hard-earned knowledge. Also, others may be inspired to toss some of their skills into the learning pot.
I have gratefully gleaned a plethora of skills and techniques, on all kinds of subjects, via the internet. And while there is much more to learn in this vast internet community, I wish to also contribute. Here’s what I have in mind.
Once a week, I’ll write about one aspect of the writing process, some helpful tips that might resonate with your own writing. If you have any questions, I’ll try to answer them, or see if I can find an answer.
Children’s Dialogue and the Test of Time
The main characters of The Solstice Conspiracy are children. To write a book that speaks to children and will hopefully withstand the test of time, we need to be aware of how they speak to one another. Listening to your kids at play, or when a group of students are sitting in a coffee shop can be useful.
When reading or watching a movie, you’ll know when the dialogue doesn’t work. For example: I watched an ad on the television in which a boy describes a hockey rink, where the community gathers to watch and play, as”Breath Taking”. No ten year old is going to say “breath taking”. He might say “totally awesome”, but even that may not be current. Imagine reading a children’s book written in the sixties where the kids gush “groovy” and “far out”. Unless it’s a book specifically about the sixties the words won’t work.
When writing dialogue, the same holds true for adults. A man working down at the loading dock wouldn’t say “splendid” or “delightful” Unless your character is specific to that mode of speech (which would make him a fish- out -of -water in that location,- leading to some interesting situations. But setting that possibility aside, dock workers would likely respond with “good” or “okay”, a down -to -business communication. -Short and to the point.
Give attention to the word choices, weighing how important the expression is to the story. “Awesome” may work in this decade, but perhaps in ten years, awesome will revert back to a deeply moving or spiritual experience. An awesome chocolate cake won’t work. -Just Sayin’
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