Chuck -- I have a dialogue question. It seems like I’ve gotten fairly good at having dialogue between two characters who know each other well. I’m able to avoid ping pong conversation and give attribution to actions. But right now I’m writing a scene with two characters who have just met each other and I’m trying to figure out how to make it less bland and boring.
The scene is fine as it moves on past the introductions. It’s just that the first part of when two people meet is hard to give substance to. The main character is helping a woman change a tire in a bad part of town. She eats fast food on the roof of her car as he changes the tire out and things pick up well from there as they warm up to each other.
But the first part where he’s saying he’s happy to help her, his name, reassuring her that he’s not a threat (which he isn’t), etc. It just seems so... generic and predictable. Any ideas to consider? Maybe have him hand her his wallet or something? Would that be a strong physical gesture I could use that isn’t so boring?? As opposed to “Hi my name is blah blah blah...” ... “What’s your name?” -- heh ok it isn’t *that* bad but I’m simplifying to demonstrate.
I stayed at the Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Ran into the rookie roster of the Portland Trailblazers in 2012, staying there too. I didn't know it at the time 'cause I never followed pro basketball, just college. We played blackjack half the night. Although tall, I thought they were pulling my leg when they told me they were Trailblazers. Goddamn, they were lucky to meet this clueless Hoosier.
Got it saved in my calendar even if I'm 5000 miles away. I really, really wish I was there.
Chuck, if you don't mind, I'd like to drop a few suggestions I've heard David Sedaris mentioning about public reading. Maybe not them all apply, but I think they're interesting.
- Always be better dressed than your audience
- Never let them see your stack of pages – they’re gonna say, "Oh God am I gonna listen to all that."
- Never say something like “The first of twelve poems”
- Never stop for any reason
- Shaking everyone’s hand at the front door (okay maybe skip this one)
- Write thank you letter to bookstores or whoever hosted your reading
- Don’t slow down when you’re approaching the ending
Sedaris mentioned these in one of his Masterclass I followed a few years ago. I thought it might be helpful to whoever will jump on stage.
Best of luck everyone. Drop your name in that hat, hop on stage and perform like a Palahniuk. There's a little bit of Chuck in all of you.
Can I ask you something about dialogue? You encourage writers to avoid tennis match dialogue because that back and forth kills tension and doesn't allow it to accumulate. The crazy part about that is SO many writers write like that. But when I read some of your writing, it's not a line-by-line conversation. And honestly, it sounds more like a real person telling a story that way. There's usually some action or body language and then the line. Are most readers accustomed to reading tennis match dialogue? If so, how do readers react when they come across your way of writing dialogue? Have you noticed a stronger reaction?
Damn. Wish I could make that. I hope you continue to do stuff like this! It’s very cool. I’m hoping to make it out to something at some point.
Can someone who is going to be there in person please, please, pleeeeease do an Instagram live or something?
*apologies to Chuck for using a set of three “please”s*
Sweet! I can't wait (2 pages going into the hat)
One of these days, maybe I can make it to Portland….
I'll put my name in the hat. I have an old Lie Factory piece that got a new ending.
I’ll be there 🙋🏼♂️
I would love to attend to be a supportive audience member if there's room.
My name in the hat, as well--3 page story.
I'll attend in spirit from India!
Chuck -- I have a dialogue question. It seems like I’ve gotten fairly good at having dialogue between two characters who know each other well. I’m able to avoid ping pong conversation and give attribution to actions. But right now I’m writing a scene with two characters who have just met each other and I’m trying to figure out how to make it less bland and boring.
The scene is fine as it moves on past the introductions. It’s just that the first part of when two people meet is hard to give substance to. The main character is helping a woman change a tire in a bad part of town. She eats fast food on the roof of her car as he changes the tire out and things pick up well from there as they warm up to each other.
But the first part where he’s saying he’s happy to help her, his name, reassuring her that he’s not a threat (which he isn’t), etc. It just seems so... generic and predictable. Any ideas to consider? Maybe have him hand her his wallet or something? Would that be a strong physical gesture I could use that isn’t so boring?? As opposed to “Hi my name is blah blah blah...” ... “What’s your name?” -- heh ok it isn’t *that* bad but I’m simplifying to demonstrate.
I stayed at the Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Ran into the rookie roster of the Portland Trailblazers in 2012, staying there too. I didn't know it at the time 'cause I never followed pro basketball, just college. We played blackjack half the night. Although tall, I thought they were pulling my leg when they told me they were Trailblazers. Goddamn, they were lucky to meet this clueless Hoosier.
I’ll be there with work to read for sure. Can’t wait!
Got it saved in my calendar even if I'm 5000 miles away. I really, really wish I was there.
Chuck, if you don't mind, I'd like to drop a few suggestions I've heard David Sedaris mentioning about public reading. Maybe not them all apply, but I think they're interesting.
- Always be better dressed than your audience
- Never let them see your stack of pages – they’re gonna say, "Oh God am I gonna listen to all that."
- Never say something like “The first of twelve poems”
- Never stop for any reason
- Shaking everyone’s hand at the front door (okay maybe skip this one)
- Write thank you letter to bookstores or whoever hosted your reading
- Don’t slow down when you’re approaching the ending
Sedaris mentioned these in one of his Masterclass I followed a few years ago. I thought it might be helpful to whoever will jump on stage.
Best of luck everyone. Drop your name in that hat, hop on stage and perform like a Palahniuk. There's a little bit of Chuck in all of you.
Break a leg.
Sounds fun 😊
Can I ask you something about dialogue? You encourage writers to avoid tennis match dialogue because that back and forth kills tension and doesn't allow it to accumulate. The crazy part about that is SO many writers write like that. But when I read some of your writing, it's not a line-by-line conversation. And honestly, it sounds more like a real person telling a story that way. There's usually some action or body language and then the line. Are most readers accustomed to reading tennis match dialogue? If so, how do readers react when they come across your way of writing dialogue? Have you noticed a stronger reaction?