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Writer's Craft #16
Writing Vivid Dialogue: Professional Techniques for Fiction Authors
Do you want to write fast-paced, exciting, sizzling dialogue?
This book reveals professional dialogue technique to characterise the speaker, carry the plot forward and entertain your readers.
This is not a beginner's guide. I assume that you have mastered the basics of fiction writing, and you don't need an explanation what dialogue is and why it matters for your story. But your dialogue isn't as strong as your story deserves. Perhaps it drags, perhaps the characters all sound the same, and perhaps it lacks tension, wit or sparkle.
I'll offer you a toolbox filled with techniques. These are not 'rules' every writer must follow, but tricks you can try. Pick, mix and match them to suit your characters and your story.
Some of these tools work for all kinds of dialogue, others solve specific problems - how to create male and female voices, how to present foreign languages and accents, how to present historical dialogue and flirtatious banter, how to write dialogue for alpha characters, for children and for liars.
I suggest you read once through the whole book to discover the tools in this kit, then return to the specific chapters which address the challenges of your current project.
You can apply the techniques to write new dialogue scenes, or to revise sections you've already written. When revising, you may want to compare the 'before' and 'after' versions. You'll be amazed how your dialogue scenes come to life.
I won't weigh this book down with literary theory. Sometimes I'll use examples - mostly from my own books, for copyright reasons - but in essence, this is about your writing, your stories, your dialogue.
If you like you can use this book as an advanced dialogue writing course, working your way through each chapter, doing the exercises in the chapter and the assignments at the end of each chapter. or you can simply read the whole book to get a feel for what's in it, then choose the techniques you want to study and apply for the chapter you want to write or revise.
This book reveals professional dialogue technique to characterise the speaker, carry the plot forward and entertain your readers.
This is not a beginner's guide. I assume that you have mastered the basics of fiction writing, and you don't need an explanation what dialogue is and why it matters for your story. But your dialogue isn't as strong as your story deserves. Perhaps it drags, perhaps the characters all sound the same, and perhaps it lacks tension, wit or sparkle.
I'll offer you a toolbox filled with techniques. These are not 'rules' every writer must follow, but tricks you can try. Pick, mix and match them to suit your characters and your story.
Some of these tools work for all kinds of dialogue, others solve specific problems - how to create male and female voices, how to present foreign languages and accents, how to present historical dialogue and flirtatious banter, how to write dialogue for alpha characters, for children and for liars.
I suggest you read once through the whole book to discover the tools in this kit, then return to the specific chapters which address the challenges of your current project.
You can apply the techniques to write new dialogue scenes, or to revise sections you've already written. When revising, you may want to compare the 'before' and 'after' versions. You'll be amazed how your dialogue scenes come to life.
I won't weigh this book down with literary theory. Sometimes I'll use examples - mostly from my own books, for copyright reasons - but in essence, this is about your writing, your stories, your dialogue.
If you like you can use this book as an advanced dialogue writing course, working your way through each chapter, doing the exercises in the chapter and the assignments at the end of each chapter. or you can simply read the whole book to get a feel for what's in it, then choose the techniques you want to study and apply for the chapter you want to write or revise.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2016
251 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Rayne Hall
115 books1,437 followersRayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction, some of it quirky, most of it dark. She is the author of over sixty books in different genres and under different pen names, published by twelve publishers in six countries, translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in magazines, e-zines and anthologies.
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 23, 2017
I can not recommend this book enough to writers of all levels. There is so much packed into this book. I am keeping it as a reference and will read it often. Each chapter is another powerful tool.
There are so many distinctions in writing dialogue and she touches on them all in a way that motivates you to make it snappier, livelier and as she says more vivid.
It was easy to second guess myself but now I know I have this book to steer me in a better conversational direction. I can write better, I have worked the assignments and read the differences myself. The direction and mentoring in this book is so perfect. I can't wait to read other books by Ms. Hall.
I am posting the full review on Mystery Thriller Week. The annual event to celebrate mystery and thriller authors, bloggers, and fans.
There are so many distinctions in writing dialogue and she touches on them all in a way that motivates you to make it snappier, livelier and as she says more vivid.
It was easy to second guess myself but now I know I have this book to steer me in a better conversational direction. I can write better, I have worked the assignments and read the differences myself. The direction and mentoring in this book is so perfect. I can't wait to read other books by Ms. Hall.
I am posting the full review on Mystery Thriller Week. The annual event to celebrate mystery and thriller authors, bloggers, and fans.
January 24, 2016
Writing Vivid Dialogue: Professional techniques for Fiction Authors. This book aims to offer a toolbox of techniques for authors to cherry pick to enable their characters to carry the plot forward and entertain their readers. Rayne suggests that this book could also be used as an advance dialogue writing course and I agree with this statement.
Set out in easy to use chapters, the book covers a huge range of ideas; building tension, working with contractions, making dialogue tight, body language and one with a word I love "Zingers".
Some of my favourite chapters were the ones about dialogue tags, dialogue beats and how people talk in Historical fiction.
I always find much I can use in Rayne's books, they deliver advice which you can start using today and are great value for money. Real recommended reading for authors.
Set out in easy to use chapters, the book covers a huge range of ideas; building tension, working with contractions, making dialogue tight, body language and one with a word I love "Zingers".
Some of my favourite chapters were the ones about dialogue tags, dialogue beats and how people talk in Historical fiction.
I always find much I can use in Rayne's books, they deliver advice which you can start using today and are great value for money. Real recommended reading for authors.
July 31, 2018
Probably the most helpful book on dialogue I have ever read. It covers different situations and gives tips on how to make it better. It's not just the usual advice on how you should write dialogue, it goes beyond that and provides really nice insights when it comes to strengthening dialogue depending on your intentions and the things you want to convey to the reader.
Overall, I really liked it and I recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their writing.
Overall, I really liked it and I recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their writing.
August 11, 2025
I loved it! The examples really surprised me, and it was amazing to see how small changes can completely transform a scene. I’ll admit there were a lot of things I didn’t know, but now I’m starting to notice them in almost every good fiction book I read. The author is definitely brilliant.
February 19, 2020
Excellent, as usual. I really appreciated her tips on using questions to pep up dialogue and on picking an important conversation and really polish it into zingers.
February 22, 2021
Rayne hall showcases an army of fascinating techniques and tools. As an author of a soon-to-be-released historical fiction trilogy, the insights about dialogue-building in past centuries were splendid.
July 8, 2016
This was an excellent book. It went through all the ways in which a writer can make the reading experience deeper and more meaningful. I have started employing all the techniques and my writings improving. Highly recommendedd.
April 6, 2024
tedious and only partially redeemed by hilarious examples of the author’s dull witted and clumsy prose.
This series of ill conceived and self regarding claptrap is poison to a writer of any ambition outside the tedious and shallow realms of genre fiction - what a relief to return to reading Rilke - one could learn more about the craft and art of writing from a page of Rilke’s poetry than from all thirty eight books of this drek; shockingly abysmal and designed for only the leaden witted.
This series of ill conceived and self regarding claptrap is poison to a writer of any ambition outside the tedious and shallow realms of genre fiction - what a relief to return to reading Rilke - one could learn more about the craft and art of writing from a page of Rilke’s poetry than from all thirty eight books of this drek; shockingly abysmal and designed for only the leaden witted.
February 22, 2018
Food for thought
Five Stars? Yes, five. I like the way Raine has considered virtually every angle to support her points and set challenging assignments at the end of each chapter.
I've considered myself an accomplished writer for some time. But in wanting to push my understanding further and develop my craft, I came upon this work. It has taught me a great deal. This is a very good work book, and I hope an excellent reference as I move forward. Try it for yourself.
Five Stars? Yes, five. I like the way Raine has considered virtually every angle to support her points and set challenging assignments at the end of each chapter.
I've considered myself an accomplished writer for some time. But in wanting to push my understanding further and develop my craft, I came upon this work. It has taught me a great deal. This is a very good work book, and I hope an excellent reference as I move forward. Try it for yourself.
April 12, 2020
Practical, concise, short.
This book took less than 2 hours to read from cover to cover and I was then able to go straight to my WIP and uplevel the dialogue. I am writing my first historical romance and was aware that my dialogue wasn't sparkly or flirtatious enough. This book directly targets these issues as well as many more. This is the first in the series I have read but I will definitely be reading the others.
This book took less than 2 hours to read from cover to cover and I was then able to go straight to my WIP and uplevel the dialogue. I am writing my first historical romance and was aware that my dialogue wasn't sparkly or flirtatious enough. This book directly targets these issues as well as many more. This is the first in the series I have read but I will definitely be reading the others.
October 10, 2017
I recommend this title to all authors, whether new to the craft of writing fiction or a multi-pubbed author with seventy-five titles. I believe this book of professional techniques has something for everyone.
Thank you, Rayne Hall, for opening my eyes. You brought key concepts to my attention I'd never been taught (or read) elsewhere. This book is one I'll reread.
Thank you, Rayne Hall, for opening my eyes. You brought key concepts to my attention I'd never been taught (or read) elsewhere. This book is one I'll reread.
April 12, 2019
Good advice to sharpen up that dialogue
I write sci fi and fantasy mostly. The techniques mentioned were useful for sharpening dialogue and making it distinct for different characters.
It's good that the book stayed focussed on dialogue rather than trying to do too many things. That focus makes this a better book.
I write sci fi and fantasy mostly. The techniques mentioned were useful for sharpening dialogue and making it distinct for different characters.
It's good that the book stayed focussed on dialogue rather than trying to do too many things. That focus makes this a better book.
February 5, 2021
This volume in the series (currently available on Kindle Unlimited) is rather light in content although it does cover a comprehensive range of situations. However, there is nothing here I haven’t seen elsewhere, so it’s all a bit basic, obvious, and dull. It’s not a resource I’d turn to for guidance.
April 30, 2024
I liked this quick read. While not the most thorough book on writing dialogue written, there are lots of good tips with examples provided to spice up your dialogue and cut extraneous boring bits.
I read it through KindleUnlimited for “free”, but it was good enough that I’ll probably order a physical copy for as a reference at some point.
I read it through KindleUnlimited for “free”, but it was good enough that I’ll probably order a physical copy for as a reference at some point.
June 4, 2017
Another example of Rayne Hall’s excellent advice. Always down to earth and readable, her books are helpful and informative. I already knew some of the hints, which were good recaps. But I did learn new things aswell. I particularly liked the suggestion of putting the strongest word at the end.
April 4, 2018
Another good "Here's-How" by Rayne Hall.
Rayne Hall gets down to business and shows you just how to write it: emotions, characters, settings, revision prompts . . . Her whole series is a must for beginning writers.
Rayne Hall gets down to business and shows you just how to write it: emotions, characters, settings, revision prompts . . . Her whole series is a must for beginning writers.
March 23, 2020
Dialogue bible
As always, loaded with great info and suggestions. I disagreed with some, already new some, and gained helpful tidbits with all the rest. I recommend all of Rayne's writing books to anyone, new or experienced.
As always, loaded with great info and suggestions. I disagreed with some, already new some, and gained helpful tidbits with all the rest. I recommend all of Rayne's writing books to anyone, new or experienced.
May 14, 2020
Excellent Tips!
The tips in this book have definitely made me more aware of things to avoid in my writing and things to use in my writing. I highly recommend this series to any beginner writers.
The tips in this book have definitely made me more aware of things to avoid in my writing and things to use in my writing. I highly recommend this series to any beginner writers.
May 17, 2020
Dialogue Makes a Difference
This book was a game changer for me. The step by step format helped me transform meh characters into people who are witty, insightful, and charming. I definitely recommend this book for writers at all stages.
This book was a game changer for me. The step by step format helped me transform meh characters into people who are witty, insightful, and charming. I definitely recommend this book for writers at all stages.
March 7, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant
What an amazing book. I loved reading all the chapters and realized that i was making so many rookie mistakes in my work. I am going to read this book again and have already purchased other books from the author. I hope they would be as brillian as this
What an amazing book. I loved reading all the chapters and realized that i was making so many rookie mistakes in my work. I am going to read this book again and have already purchased other books from the author. I hope they would be as brillian as this
February 12, 2022
I write contemporary Fantasy and this book has helped me a lot for my dialogue scenes, especially to remove talking heads in white rooms, making my dialogue flow and thought, as well as give my characters their own voices.
Highly recommend the book!
Highly recommend the book!
May 7, 2022
It was okay until....
I found the book somewhat useful. However, I was offended by the racial slur used towards the end. I do not know why it was necessary to use it. It seemed out of place and not connected to the content. Therefore, why use it?
I found the book somewhat useful. However, I was offended by the racial slur used towards the end. I do not know why it was necessary to use it. It seemed out of place and not connected to the content. Therefore, why use it?
January 30, 2023
This book is filled with excellent tips on writing vivid dialogue. Some of my favorites include building tension, tags and beats, how men and women talk differently, and foreign languages and accents. It's one of the best books I've read.
August 1, 2023
Dialogue can make or break a book, but it's not as easy as "imitate real conversations you hear around you." This is a great little reference book to improve your dialog-writing skills. Lots of practical tips with examples. Definitely a book worth reading for authors.
July 7, 2017
Must have for every fiction writer. Easy to follow tips.
October 20, 2017
Highly recommended. The series of books by this author meets all expectations.
October 31, 2017
Very helpful for someone who has struggled with dialogue. I am more of a descriptive writer and this has helped me to move some of the necessary info from description into dialogue.
December 31, 2017
Great
Really insightful text showing how to pay more attention to character's dialogue and its purpose for moving the plot along. Also useful for scriptwriters.
Really insightful text showing how to pay more attention to character's dialogue and its purpose for moving the plot along. Also useful for scriptwriters.
January 2, 2019
Great techniques. Great examples. Great book! If you want to improve the dialogue in your stories then this is the book for you.
February 5, 2020
Another great practical book on creative writing by Rayne Hall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews