Writing arguments in fiction

Talking of conflict in fiction as I did in my previous blog, writing an argument occasionally becomes necessary. The thing to remember about writing arguments is that they’re not at all like real life confrontations.”

Here are some thoughts:

They shouldn’t have repetitive elements. Unlike real arguments which go in circles for ages

They shouldn’t be boring Written arguments are there to take the plot along. They should reveal something about a relationship between two people and/or give the reader information

Remember how the rules of conversation work

* A lot of the time, we do not speak in correct sentences/we often use short sharp phrases

* Keep your dialogue crisp - we can tell a lot about a person in a short snap of conversation

* We interrupt a lot

* We assume a lot. Not ‘Your brother has been murdered.’

‘What, my brother Brian?’

‘Yes, that’s him. Your only brother. The younger one. With the red hair.’ Keep it realistic.

* * Do not pack dialogue with extraneous information

And above all, make sure that every word justifies its place on the page.

 

John Dean