Mastering Dialogue: Techniques for Writing Interruptions
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Chapter 1: The Art of Dialogue
Dialogue is a crucial element for fiction writers, as it can either elevate a story to new heights or detract from it entirely. Authors aim to immerse readers in their narratives, almost akin to a magical experience. By the time readers engage with a novel, they possess a wealth of linguistic knowledge accumulated over many years.
While individual sensitivities to language may vary, humans are adept communicators, quick to notice dialogue that feels unnatural or forced. As a neurodiverse parent of three neurodiverse children, I've observed how different people respond to language nuances, which can disrupt the reading experience when not executed properly.
Spoken and written dialogue differ significantly. Written dialogue tends to be more structured compared to its spoken counterpart. Since nonverbal cues cannot be effectively conveyed through text, characters often require more explicit verbal exchanges than they would in real life.
Readers anticipate a natural back-and-forth in dialogue, something that can become jarring if characters speak out of turn. The lack of auditory and visual cues can lead to confusion about who is speaking, unlike in real-life interactions where we naturally infer meaning. In everyday conversation, we often interrupt each other, ramble, or finish one another's thoughts, but this is less straightforward in writing.
To effectively portray interruptions in dialogue, writers must rely on punctuation. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of interruption.
Section 1.1: Understanding Interruptions
Interruption occurs when a speaker is cut off in mid-sentence. This can happen in two primary ways: either another person interrupts them or they interrupt themselves.
Consider the various ways someone might be interrupted:
- One person talks over another.
- Two people may speak simultaneously.
- An external noise, like a barking dog or honking car, can break the conversation.
- A physical gesture, such as a hand on the shoulder, can also serve as an interruption.
When a speaker interrupts themselves, it could be due to various reasons, such as:
- Forgetting their point.
- Changing their mind.
- Losing their train of thought.
There are three typical reactions to being interrupted: stopping abruptly, trailing off, or continuing to speak over the other person. Each response has its own punctuation style.
Subsection 1.1.1: Punctuation for Interruption
To indicate an abrupt stop, use an em-dash. This punctuation mimics the sound of someone cutting themselves off mid-sentence, often reflecting strong emotions like anger or frustration.
Example:
“You know what? I’m really tired of —”
She raised her hand. “I literally don’t care.”
For trailing off, an ellipsis is appropriate. This suggests a gradual fade in speech, often implying confusion or hesitation.
Example:
“You know what? I’m really tired of …”
She raised her hand. “I literally don’t care.”
When characters speak over one another, regular punctuation—like periods or exclamation points—should be used.
Example:
“You know what? I’m really tired of being interrupted by you all the time—”
She raised her hand. “I literally don’t care.”
When choosing punctuation, context matters. If it’s clear that more is to be said, an em-dash or ellipsis can work well. But if a complete thought has been expressed, a period is appropriate.
Chapter 2: Practical Examples of Interruptions
To fully grasp these principles, let’s examine how to depict interruptions effectively.
The first video, "Interrupted Dialogue," provides insights on capturing the essence of dialogue interruptions in your writing.
The second video, "Dialogue: How to Write Interruptions, Trailing Speech, Stammering, etc.," delves into techniques to enhance the realism of your characters' conversations.
In conclusion, mastering the art of dialogue, especially when it comes to interruptions, can significantly enhance your storytelling. By employing the right punctuation and techniques, you can create a more engaging and realistic narrative experience for your readers.
Shaunta Grimes, a writer and educator, resides in Northwestern PA with her family and pets. She has authored several novels, including "Viral Nation" and "The Astonishing Maybe." To stay updated with her work, subscribe to her Substack newsletter, "Then See What Happens."