Do you think you're dialogue soars above expectations? Well, sad to say, that might be a bad thing.
There are times in fiction when silence between characters packs a better punch than a string of dialogue. Have you ever experience that in life? Where what your feelings couldn't be expressed anymore?
Silence, according to Dave Lambert (an editor who worked at Zondervan for a while), can be way more powerful than dialogue.
Take this scene from Kung Fu Panda:
Po (the panda protagonist)is argueing with a kung fu master, saying the master can't train Po in time for a great fight.
"But I can train you! I can make you the Dragon Warrior," says the master.
"Oh please! How are you going to turn this," points at his bulging stomach, "into the Dragon Warrior?"
The master's pupils shrink, and he avoids eye contact as his mouth drops open. None of the characters say anything for a whole 5 seconds or so.
"How!" Po says.
"I don't know how!"
When no one is sure what to say, that is when the emotion of the situation catches the reader off guard a little. If you can't find the words for a certain scene, maybe that's a good thing.
Be nice to fast food workers on Black Friday. I'll be one of them. I'm the only where I work, who is not a manager, who is working 12 hours that day. This aught to be fun!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Power of Silence
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9 comments:
Good advice. I hate it when characters can't sit still (though mine are probably more hyperactive than most peoples') and can't stop talking.
-Catey
Amen! Actions speak louder than words!
Man, my sister (works @ Subway) and I really feel for you. She has a (slightly) difficult time during a busy lunch hour, and doesn't know what she'd do on Black Friday. She's thankful to have that day off.
So is your restaurant in the mall or does it stand alone?
~Kiwi
Uhhh...forgive me if I sound under-educated....but what's Black Friday?
Indeed, silence can be VERY powerful. You realize these things when you're writing and are seeking such a scene...
:)Ian(:
I problem is the characters like being a little too quiet some times, Catey. :)
That's about what I said in a proposal I wrote, Araken! "Because this character can't speak eloquently, he must use his actions to communicate his concern for others."
Kiwi, I've heard Subway is a little tougher on people because all the sandwiches are unique to the customer. I wish I could get that day off. Unfortunately, it's in my contract that I work that day! The restaurant is in a mall, and is the only REAL food place (unless you like hotdogs or fast-food chinese).
Ian, I think it means you educated if you don't know what BF means! It's the day after Thanksgiving when stores have HUGE sales. Everyone seems to turn out (including people who can't speak English) and everyone is hungry.
How did working yesterday go?
-Catey
Well, it kept me hopping! Our store did its busiest day EVER.
Hiya!
I'm Bookie and I came to say, "HELLO!"
Well that, but not just that. I'm part of the YCF, too, and I just saw on "Joyful Sounds"/Zoe's blog that you were part of the YCF too!
Ha, what a coincedence.... ^_^
So yeah, I like your blog, keep up the great work-hope to come by again,
~Bookie
Bookie, I hope to see you around more too!
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