|
|
|
IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Overheard (Version 3)
These exercises were written
by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop (http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).
Prepared by: Ruth Douillette
Posted May 28, 2006
Revised, reposted on August 12, 2007
Revised, reposted on March 7, 2010
Reposted on September 8, 2013
Reposted on December 4, 2016
Reposted on December 16, 2018
Reposted on June 20, 2021
Reposted on July 16, 2023
_____________________
In 400 words or less, write a scene around one of the lines
of dialogue quoted below so that we have some insight into
the characters, can see where they are and know why the
conversation is taking place. You have overheard one of the
following lines:
"I can't believe you just said that."
"Why? What's wrong with that?"
"You're kidding me, right?"
"Hey, it's the truth. I call it like I see it."
"But, under the circumstances..."
_____________________
As you can see, this exercise focuses on dialogue
enhancement. We are always on the lookout for good story
ideas, and an overheard conversation often produces a
spark upon which a character or even a plot can be built.
Perhaps an overheard cell phone conversation in the
grocery store provides fodder for a mystery plot. Maybe
the conversation of the couple at the next table at the
diner tells you a lot about their relationship or an
international scandal.
But what do you do with this 'spark?'
Take one of the snippets of dialogue provided and give
your reader a setting in which this conversation takes place
and help us to see the characters who might speak these
lines. The conversation might be humorous, angry,
heartbreaking, or just chat overheard on the bus. Add dialogue
tags and narrative to give your reader a clear picture of the
two characters and their setting.
_____________________
When critiquing, let the writer know if and how the dialogue
defines the characters having the conversation. Does the
dialogue reflect the scene and situation, e.g., does it let us
'see' the people and the place. Are personalities revealed?
Are the dialogue tags helpful in enhancing the story or are
they intrusive? How could the writer have made scene better?
Would you want to know more about these characters and what
happens to them?
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
| | |