How to Write Authentic Dialogue That Captivates Readers

The Power of Great Dialogue

Professional writers spend 30% of their revision time perfecting dialogue. Here's how to make yours work harder:

Before: "I'm going to the store," John said.

After: John jingled his keys. "Be back in twenty - unless they've got those lemon tarts you like."

Key improvements:

• Adds character-specific detail
• Shows relationship dynamics
• Creates subtle tension

Advanced Dialogue Techniques

1. Subtext: "Nice dress" (when meaning "You're overdressed")

2. Dialect vs Pronunciation:

   • Avoid: "Ah'm fixin' to go"
   • Better: "I'm heading out" with occasional regional words

3. Pacing Control:

   • Rapid-fire for tension
   • Longer pauses for reflection

Final Checklist

✅ Natural speech patterns

✅ Character-consistent vocabulary

✅ Purposeful silence/pace

✅ Subtext where appropriate

✅ Formatting perfected

Great dialogue should disappear - readers should hear voices, not see words on a page.