Sunday, August 2, 2015

creative writing - How do we handle pauses in a dialogue?


How do we handle pauses in a dialogue?



Let's say that character A speaks and then after a pause character A speaks again. How should we separate the two moments, should we write two lines of dialogues or should we cut the two lines of dialogues with a brief description?


For example:



"Was the computer software hacked?"


"No, it was a bug caused by legacy software. Any other question?"


"No? Ok, see you on Thursday."


"Bye"



Bolded parts represent lines spoken by the same person.



Answer




You indicate pauses with action, even mentioning the pause. (Or, as Cyn says in comment, with other exposition or thoughts).



Chad said, "Was the computer software hacked?"


Bryce shook his head. "No, it was a bug caused by legacy software. Any other question?"


Bryce waited for somebody to answer, but everyone averted their eyes, or looked at the wall clock.


"No? Okay, see you on Thursday."


Noise filled the room as students gathered their books and belongings, and began to wander into the hall. He waited for Alice to pass, his star pupil. She caught his eye.


She said, "Bye."


Bryce smiled and nodded to her.




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