Writing Craft
Dialogue

Dialogue brings characters out of the abstract and onto the page. J.D. Allen, Desiree Brown, Joseph Terrell, Kelly Oliver, Maggie Toussaint, and Robert Downs share techniques for writing conversations that feel natural, engaging, and story driven. This session offers creative tips for keeping dialogue sharp while pushing scenes forward.

Dialogue can carry an entire story when used with precision. Kathryn Lane, Elena Hartwell, Mary Adams Belk, R.G. Belsky, Reavis Z. Wortham, and Sharon Marchisello explore how conversation alone can drive plot, reveal character, and sustain momentum. This session focuses on crafting authentic exchanges and includes live audience questions that dig into real-world dialogue challenges.

Great dialogue does more than fill space, it reveals character and moves the story forward. Jacob Moon, Jane B. Lee, Rich Zahradnik, and Rick Pullen explore how to decide what belongs on the page and what should be left unsaid. This session focuses on writing conversations that feel purposeful, sharp, and true to character while keeping scenes moving.

Authentic dialogue reflects who a character is and how they see the world. Moderated by Roger Johns, Alexandra Ivy, Dana Chamblee Carpenter, Jim Nesbitt, Kelly Oliver, Lynn Chandler Willis, and Mike Faricy explore how to craft dialogue that feels natural and specific. This session focuses on tone, dialect, and language choices that give each character a distinct voice.

Dialogue comes alive when it sounds real on the page. Jessie Chandler leads Alan Orloff, David Freed, Gail Lukasik, Kira Peikoff, and Michael Sears in a discussion on writing natural, engaging dialogue. Using readings from their own novels, the panel demonstrates techniques that bring energy, clarity, and authenticity to fictional conversations.

Dialogue shapes how readers experience character and story. David Walker, Deborah Shlian, Joseph Terrell, Philip Cioffari, and Tom Collins examine how dialogue drives plot, reveals motivation, and creates narrative rhythm in the modern novel. This session focuses on both writing and editing dialogue so every exchange feels purposeful and clean.

Dialogue can carry far more than conversation. Benny Sims, Chris Berg, Gabrielle St. George, Jaden (Beth) Terrell, Les Edgerton, Nancy Sartor, and Rick Glaze examine how dialogue reveals character, drives plot, and keeps readers engaged. This session explores tone, authenticity, audience awareness, and the subtle role of body language in shaping meaningful exchanges.

Effective dialogue earns its place by serving character and story. Danny Lindsey, Jim Nesbitt, Kathleen Cosgrove, Peggy O’Neal Peden, Robert Downs, Ross Cavins, and Shirley B. Garrett discuss how to make dialogue purposeful, authentic, and revealing. This session focuses on using conversation to advance plot, shape voice, and strengthen reader connection.

Strong dialogue reveals both what characters say and what they feel. B.J. Sloan, Deborah Dobbs, Helen Thornton-Gussy, Jaden (Beth) Terrell, Robert Mangeot, and T.O. Paine explore how dialogue can uncover emotion, deepen character, and move plot forward without feeling forced. This session focuses on letting conversation do the work of story in a natural, organic way.

The mood of a scene often lives inside its dialogue. Richard Helms and fellow panelists share original examples to show how word choice, rhythm, and pacing shape atmosphere and emotional depth. This session also addresses the thoughtful use of dialogue tags and adverbs, helping writers understand how small choices can strengthen or weaken the overall effect.

Dialogue can do far more than carry conversation. Jaden (Beth) Terrell moderates Addison Michael, Linda Sands, L.M. Whitaker, and Sharon Marchisello as they share practical ways to use dialogue to reveal character, move the plot forward, and sharpen a novel’s voice. This session helps writers make dialogue an active storytelling tool.

Strong dialogue sounds natural while doing serious narrative work. Joseph Terrell, Dana Chamblee Carpenter, Jim Nesbitt, Linda Sands, and Nancy Roe discuss how to write dialogue that reveals character, advances story, and feels true to voice. This session explores rhythm, subtext, and realism, offering practical guidance for making conversations feel alive on the page.

Dialogue works best when every line serves a purpose. Benny Sims, Dana J. Summers, Gay Yellen, Jule Selbo, Kathryn Lasky, and M.K. Dean explore how to write conversations that sound authentic, reveal emotion, and move the story forward. This session focuses on making dialogue feel natural while ensuring each exchange deepens character and advances the plot.