There are a few rules for writing good dialogue. First of all, it must outlined by establishing the general idea and the basic exchanges between the speakers. Do not always use the verbs “said” and “replied”, try to use a variety of expressions: “Paolo shouted” is very different from “Paolo whispered”.  Sometimes the reader can understand and follow the dialogue without such indications, for example when only two people are speaking alternately. Each character should have their own distinct voice: an old African clergyman does not talk the same way as you do. Then add the essential information – the time, the place, what the people are doing and where they are going – and the dialogue will be ready. It’s tough but worth it!

Claudio Visentin

In travel writing, dialogue is used above all to talk about encounters with foreigners (the local people). It is much more than just a conversation. As the dialogue progresses, it defines the characters and their relationships and advances the plot (by giving information, describing events, etc.). You will quickly discover that it is not easy to write good dialogue. Indeed, it is perhaps the most technical aspect of all writing and genres. A very useful exercise would be to record and transcribe a conversation that you have had with a friend, for example on Skype. You will be surprised to learn that a real dialogue can sound quite false on paper and vice versa.

Claudio Visentin