This goes for reading and writing them
Photo courtesy of the author, Henery X
I Live to Learn so I may Learn to Live.-Henery X
Why I Love Dialogue Driven Stories
2023, Henery X ©
The Art of Conversation
Dialogue driven stories show me the depths of the writer’s imagination and the originality of their creativity, as well as displays mine in my stories. They also allow me to see how much deeper I can be within my stories, taking chances I may not have considered otherwise.
Dialogue driven stories are the main reason I wanted to become a writer. I became entangled with certain writers’ ways with words.
Sure, two or more characters can be engaged in conversation, but how will this conversation leave a lasting impression? Each character must have his or her own unique voice. Giving distinctiveness to each character’s voice isn’t a simple task, and it’s because of this that the story captivates my attention. It never ceases to amaze me that the responses from each character result from one mind, a mind that knew exactly what it wanted to convey and did so masterfully.
My Blueprint
When I’m creating dialogue, I play the part of each character. I look at the entire situation from a question-and-answer perspective. When one character is talking, it’s my question, and when another is responding, it’s my answer. It’s always a conversation between me, myself, and I. Every response is what I’d say or look to hear if I was in a conversation with a person or other people. Every dialogue driven story I have ever written derived from this blueprint, it just made perfect sense to me. This also gives the reader a look into how I feel about certain situations, my perspective. Just as I look to have my thoughts provoked as a reader, I look to do likewise as a writer. I want to give the reader something else to consider.
When dialogue involves a woman or women, it’s all about what I think they’d say in the situation and, mostly, I always ensure I laced their words with wisdom. I love paying homage to women, who in my humble opinion are God’s greatest creation. I digress.
Have Me Think To Act And I’m Hooked
If you want me to read your story to the end, ensure it’s laced with captivating dialogue. The type of dialogue that will not only have me thinking but just as important, eager to act on my thoughts as well. I discovered a long time ago that fictional tales can help change reality. Truthfully, the only thing not completely real in most stories is the characters. Situations are usually based on something that has happened or some reality the writer wants to happen. Every experience has the potential to become a story. We just need to invest time and energy into making it so. And one of the beautiful things about this is that we can have it be a mixture of facts and fiction. Fiction added to something based on reality makes it more appealing. It leaves the reader wondering if it’s true or not, as well as more invested in reading until the very end.
Below is a fictional tale based on a common situation…. relationship troubles. I created it just for this moment, and while in this moment.
Mark and Sara were thinking of ending their two-year relationship. Sure, they loved one another, but at times, the love just wasn’t enough. They considered seeing a relationship counselor, but before this step became more than just a consideration, they decided to have an open and honest conversation first.
“Thank you for agreeing to do this, Mark,” Sara whispered.
“You’re welcome, Sara. I’m willing to do what it takes to make our relationship work,” Mark said. He smiled as he stared into Sara’s eyes.
“Are you really?”
“Yes.”
“Even cut back on your hours at work so we can spend more time together?”
Mark turned his eyes away from Sara’s and placed them on the floor.
“See, Mark. This is one of the major issues I have with you.”
“Sara. You need to understand that I’m working extra hours so that when we spend time together, it’ll be doing something memorable. You know, like going to see a play and having dinner at a fancy restaurant afterwards.”
“Oh, Mark. Haven’t you realized by now that all I need for a moment to be memorable is your presence? I couldn’t care less if we go out or stay in. I just love being with you.”
Mark looked up at Sara and smiled. “I love being in your presence as well, my love. I just want us to create memorable moments outside of this house we call home.”
“I want that as well, but not at the expense of you not being in this house we call home. I understand you want to work so you can provide for us, and I love that about you, but going out frequently is a provision I can live without. Besides, you know I love to cook, and we have too many networks connected with our pricey cable service to be considering outside entertainment.”
“And I love everything you cook. I look forward to each meal you place before me after work. And you’re so right about the cable service. Don’t we have every major network?”
“We do. I’m glad we had this conversation, Mark.” Sara stood up, walked over to Mark, and sat on his lap. She wrapped her arms loosely around his neck as she stared into his eyes.
“I’m glad as well, my love. And no more overtime for me. Now that I know you’re not concerned with what I thought you were concerned about, I will spend my time creating moments just like this,” Mark said. He wrapped his arms loosely around Sara’s waist and placed his lips on hers. They kissed as if they were long-lost lovers reunited.
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering. May all you deserve and desire flow abundantly into your life, as a river does into a sea.
Remember. I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.
Continue to be a lighthouse for all those who feel lost in the sea of life.
May we never lose our desire to outdo what we’ve already done.
Peace, Love, and the utmost Respect.
Comments