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Question
I am writing a non-fiction story of my life..a memoir if you will. I am having trouble with the dialog portions of it. I don't know how to incorporate bits of dialog with my own naration, without it sounding like a movie script.
any tips on this and memoir writing in general?
thanks,
Kristen
Hi, Kristen!
My best advice is to read other memoirs that are already published. It might take a dozen or more for you to get a feel about what sort of style you might like to write in. Dialogue varies from style to style (and between characters) so it's difficult to give you a simple answer because it's going to depend on how you're writing it. Check with your local library and read as many stories as you can. You'll get a feel for what "works" to your own ear and what you don't. Keep the ones that work and compare them side by side. What interests you about the dialogue in those books that makes you keep turning pages.
Research is the key to any kind of writing. I did the same with my genre before I tried to put a single word on paper. Good luck!
Cathy
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Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
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