Dialogue: Contractions

Listen to people!

Write dialogue as people actually speak.

Too often, in reading manuscripts, I find dialogue between characters written as if a formal paper is being written.  A major example is failure to use contractions.  In too many novels, I find 'people' saying:

• We are going to the store.
• He is on the phone right now
• I am a doctor.

In real life, we say:

• We're going to the store.
• He's on the phone right now.
• I'm a doctor.

The result of such dialogue is that every character feels stiff, stuffy, overly formal, and unreal.  As a reader, I am constantly aware of the author, typing the formal writing taught to us for papers and essays.  I am completely unable to lose sight of the author, and am unable to enter into the world they are trying to create.

If you are interested in having Scotland through the Eyes of the Author presented to your group, please contact me at editors@gabrielshornpress.com 

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