Into the Fire

I realized something during the recent reading of a novel. It's nothing new and it won't surprise most of you diehard readers.

When an author uses dialogue to recount events, near-present, past, or historical, there's a tendency to slow the story down to a crawl if the information is abundant or complicated. And that's not a recommendation for a thriller. I'm all for pensive moments between the action and chaos in a genuine thriller, but elaborate dialogue and soliloquies are not recommended. That pertinent information which contributes to the story – and which the author feels is critical – must be doled out in succinct reveals instead of pages long recitation. If the novel is not a true thriller but rather a story mixed with action and information, an author can get away with it because the reader doesn't come to a dead stop without anticipating a slower pace interrupted with bursts of action-packed drama. 

As we've discussed here before, dialogue is a major factor in enjoying a novel. Abundant dialogue can be entertaining if done well. Sparse dialogue can be very effective if perfectly plotted. Snappy, melancholic, sarcastic, brutal, heartwarming, even melodramatic dialogue can serve a story with just the right touches and bring the reader to laughter and/or tears, anger and/or anxiety, impatience and/or irritation, joy and/or sorrow. The wonder of words and how they're used and expressed plus their placement in the story make a novel what it is. 

I love dialogue. When it's exceptional, the story becomes memorable. 

Father, thank you for authors who serve you well. Thank you for the magnitude of words and giving writers the privilege of using them well. You are the source of every good and perfect gift. Thank you for them all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.