Edit like an Editor: A Wattpad Featured Guide ✔

PRACTICE: Dialogue

Don't feel pressured to answer every single one, but try to challenge yourself! There's no judging here. This is a safe space.

Remember, the point of this guidebook is for you to improve and not feel the need to seek out an editor (at least not until you are one stage away from finally publishing your work!).

Please don't ruin it for yourself and look at the answers others have posted. How will you learn if you do so?

Good luck!

1. How would you write dialogue with a dialect?

2. How would you write dialogue for a character with a blunt personality?

3. How would you write dialogue for a character that is an expertise in her field?

4. Which of the following sentences has properly formatted dialogue?

A) "Are you okay?" She asked.

B) Leah looked away, "Yeah."

C) "Are you sure?!"

D) "Positive!" Leah screeched.

5. Does this line of dialogue need fixing? If so, how would you fix it?

"Come, now" he said, "It's starting to rain."

6. Is this redundant? If so, why?

"But I want to splash in the puddles!" the child exclaimed.

7. How would you write the dialogue after this line where the child mimics his older brother?

"You'll get muddy," the older brother said.

8. Does this line of dialogue convey the character's attitude? What is he feeling?

"We're going, now," the older brother said.

9. The following line is mixed with exposition. What emotion is the character emitting here?

"You can't make me," the little boy said with his hands on his hips. "You're not my father."

10. What would you say is the relationship between these two characters based on their dialogue alone?

"Hey, have you spoken with him yet?" she whispered.

"No. Would you quit asking!" He rolled his eyes.

"But what about our issue?"she prodded.

He brushed her aside, "There is no issue."

"Come on," she whined.

"Would you just drop it?" he asked gritting his teeth.

11. First of all, what's wrong with this excerpt? How could you fix it?

"Betty! It's so good to see you, dear." Margaret smiled at her in the food market aisle.

Betty smiled, "You too, Margaret! How're the kids?"

"Oh, they're wonderful. How's everything with Rick?"

"Same thing every day, but he's happy."

"That's what matters," Margaret said nodding her head.

Betty nodded her head.