As I have stated previously, dialogue is extremely important in writing a manuscript. Anyone will tell you the value of writing good dialogue into the writing process. Some people do just seem to have a certain knack for it. Others, and I place myself in this category, have to work at it and develop it over time.
While I was writing Titan: The Midnight Hour my editors told me I wrote dialogue well, mind you I said well not great or fantastic. I really worked at making the dialogue feel natural and real. For that book, when I was dealing with Michael and his friend least, I simply envisioned myself as Michael and having these same conversations with my friends when I was his age.
Since I started 'The Midnight Hour' I have paid very close attention to dialogue in the books I read for pleasure, movies I watch, and the way people around me talk. I have done what I can to study the very nuance of speech. That's still not to say that I've figured t all out and can now write characters and dialogue like Stephen King, who I've always felt was one of the greats in this department. When I first read Stephen King I was blown away not by the fantastic story elements of his book but by how well his characters were drawn out and communicated.
When I was going through the first draft of Titan: City Under Siege I've tried to let a lot of the dialogue drive the manuscript. I even wrote many of the dialogue parts more like a film script than a book manuscript. I'm really trying to let the talking do the walking with this new book. I really try and put myself in the pace of my characters and answer or speak as I would if I were them. Now that I'm in the full second draft stage I am really looking to polish this aspect up as much as I can.
Truth is I'll always be doubting myself and how good I may or may not have written a book. I will, however always be looking to practise and improve. What else can you do?
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