Creative Writers: Dialogue Writing Tips Tags

Dialogue tags are the short inserts that identify the speakers in a written conversation. Without them, the reader would be lost. Dialogue tags are quick cues that keep the reader on the right track. When you change routes to another speaker, it is not always necessary to put a label. Sometimes you can use the character’s speaking patterns and the natural flow of the conversation to identify the change in speakers.

The modern style dictates that all dialogue tags identify the speaker first and then the action. In other words, you should write “Jason said”, instead of “Jason said”. If you’re selling your work, little things like this show you’re on top of the latest writing trends.

Don’t use tags like “Jack said wryly” or “Crystal said wryly.” Avoid using adverbs that end in -ly (anywhere in your story). This is another writing trend that publishers started in 2008. Stick to the same old, same old, mundane,” said Jack.” The subconscious mind of the reader will pass it over without style and will never realize that he read it.

Readers expect to see tags. They flow with the story and don’t distract from the action.

When you support conversations in your stories, what could have been just narration and exposition will become dialogue. And with that change will come an exchange of emotions, pacing, conflict, and the actions of the characters as they progress through the theme.

Challenge yourself to bring life and energy to speech. If you want to know what natural dialogue sounds like, stop talking and listen. Eavesdropping will become your best friend. Eavesdrop wherever you go. Restaurant talk is fabulous. That’s conversation at its best!

Can you hear what your character would say in your mind? If you can’t, you don’t know your character well enough. Make a list of 50 things about your character and you will know him inside out. When you can hear them talking in your mind and you can see them as real people, you will be able to hear their normal conversation better.
Always address the following questions.

· Does the dialogue reflect the speech of real people?
· Does it lead the reader into the emotion of the scene?
Does it flow naturally?

The most common fault of authors is writing meaningless dialogue or too much dialogue. The reader’s mind requires frequent breaks to absorb the action, and for that reason, you should break dialogue into groups and sprinkle short scene scenes throughout. You can do this with almost anything.

Avoid one- or two-line conversations, like this:

“How are you?” Jane asked.
“I’m fine,” Jack said.
“What’s new?”
“Bit.”

This type of conversation is boring and says little or nothing. Every piece of dialogue should be there to add to the character, reveal something to the reader, advance the plot, or introduce new material. If your dialogue is there just to strike up a conversation, edit it a bit. Check below for more free writing tips.