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Rated: E · Message Forum · Action/Adventure · #1741114
Let us discuss all those questions that we have concerning writing. Pure writing answers.
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Feb 13, 2015 at 7:58am
#2792139
Re: Question regarding large speech section in novel
by Tobber Author IconMail Icon
How much uninterrupted dialogue is too much really is a subjective matter, but generally readers find dialogue easier and faster to read than pure description, so too much dialogue is rarely a problem, in my opinion.

If it looks like on huge piece of unbroken text then maybe your setup is not optimal or maybe you are letting each character speak for too long. I would recommend going to a new line when the speaker chances (see example below) and only letting each character speak for one or two lines at the time, at least 90% of the time.

EX:
"Blah blah blah blah," said character A.
"Blah blah," said character B.
"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah."
"Blah blah blah," character C interrupted.

Or if the text is meant for e-book/online reading:
"Blah blah blah blah," said character A.

"Blah blah," said character B.

"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah."

"Blah blah blah," character C interrupted.

Furthermore, I would recommend that you add a few line of description now than then to have something else than dialogue. Usually, a line or two where you describe an action of one of the characters or some thought of the POV character will do the trick. How often you need to do this is a matter of opinion.

Finally, I would suggest that make sure the dialogue has some sort of conflict, so it is one huge, obtrusive info dump. Have the characters disagree or let the situation escalate in some way. This will keep the reader sprinting through that dialogue in no time.

I hope this was helpful *Smile*
MESSAGE THREAD
Question regarding large speech section in novel · 01-14-15 9:18am
by A Preston Rover Author IconMail Icon
*Star* Re: Question regarding large speech section in novel · 02-13-15 7:58am
by Tobber Author IconMail Icon

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