Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.

1 WRITING IDEA

Ever thought about a character’s first line? 

It’s their initial handshake… firm and confident. Or soft and fishy.

A few reasons to give red-carpet treatment to debut lines:

• Impressions Matter
  Just like a first date or job interview, opening words set the tone. 

• Hook ‘Em Fast
  A great line can be the difference between a reader thinking, “Meh” or “More, please!” 

• Show, Don’t Tell (The Golden Rule)
  Instead of saying “Jane was sarcastic,” have her early dialogue drip with delicious sarcasm.

• Reflect Their World
  Sneak in a hint at the character’s background, social status, or setting.

Fun Exercise: Try writing five different first lines for your main characters. Which one makes you go, “Yep, that’s them!”? 

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2 WRITING QUOTES

“Well-crafted dialogue will indicate if a character is smart or dumb, honest or dishonest, amusing or an old sobersides. ”

— Stephen King

“Diction in dialogue is about so much more than the ideas your characters communicate. It’s a tool for revealing who they are, what they want, and how they feel.”

— Abi Wurdeman

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3 Writing Questions

1. Can you think of examples from books or movies where the first line left a strong impression on you?

2. How can the first line of a character contribute to their overall development throughout the story?

3. What makes a first line memorable?

A teen flees her secluded town, only to stumble into shocking events unfolding across the mountains.

About Me

Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. And by the way, my newest book is called Color The Sky With Song.

Photo courtesy of Zdeněk Macháček @zmachacek

Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.

1 WRITING IDEA

Great authors have a knack for crafting dialogue, but let’s be real—it’s trickier than it looks.

Want a secret to make your dialogue sizzle?

Have your characters argue. 

When you fill conversations with tension, misunderstandings, and hidden agendas, your readers will devour every word.

Why? We all like to eavesdrop on juicy drama.

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2 WRITING QUOTES

“Tension on a tightly suspended cable is what holds up the bridge… and it’s what makes a good novel or a good life.”

— Unknown

“Dialogue is not just words on a page, it’s the emotional tension between characters.”

— Unknown

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3 Writing Questions

1. What are some common pitfalls writers face when creating dialogue?

2. How can writers ensure that tension in dialogue remains engaging without becoming repetitive or predictable?

3. How does the setting of a conversation influence the way arguments unfold between characters?

What if a trip to the Amazon resulted in an amazing discovery?

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About Me

Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. I’ve also written a book called The Jungle Within.