The Booknatics discussion

Growing up in choir, plays, and what-nots, I have a huge habit of using expressions and acting out when speaking to friends and family. They often giggle at me because unknowingly and quite frequently when I am speaking to someone about what another person said, I use my hands and expressions to imitate said person.

It’s embarrassing when I catch on to it and try to stop myself as quickly as possible hahah
But then there are the times where I am home alone and writing, ever since I was a kid, I would act out what my characters were saying to each other, to make sure what they are discussing makes sense and to spot if there is any other emotion that would make the scene better or add to it. I still find myself doing this as an adult, and I have to say…it makes me feel quite silly. Especially when I forget Tim is in the house and he’s staring down at me from the stairs, covering his mouth holding back the laughter . *blushes*


Please tell me I am not the only one who does this! I know I am a tad crazy, but is that stretching it? LOOLOL

You are not the only one, Sky. I act out scenes, I read dialogue out loud and I sometimes do a lot of hand gestures, actions. You have to live the scene a little to make it feel realistic and this is a great way. At the very least, dialogue needs to be read aloud to ensure it flows as a conversation would.

Phew! I was talking to another writer about it is whatsparked this though and she busted out laughing at me!! I've been so nervous about my first public story I've been going every extra mile I can to feel better about the finished project. eep!

Sky *A Booknatic* wrote: "Phew! I was talking to another writer about it is whatsparked this though and she busted out laughing at me!! I've been so nervous about my first public story I've been going every extra mile I can..."

A lot of people recommend reading aloud your books when you write. I'm surprised she doesn't. We want dialogue to sound natural, not forced or stilted or "written." It really helps to talk it out.