Years ago, before the ebook thing really took off, and self-publishing was “frowned upon” (I know it still is in some circles) I scoured the interwebs looking for avenues to either get an agent, editor, publisher or all of the above.
I practiced my query letter, prepped my few pages, and chapters and started the tedious task of trying to get someone to take a gander at my book. I don’t remember now how many I sent out, but I do remember there were many that were simply never answered, and two rejections. Two people actually took the time to reject me. Sounds funny, but it’s not. Believe it or not, I “almost” had one willing to give me a chance.
She didn’t like my dialogue.
I remember thinking, “OH! wow, I can change that!!!” I went back and in that single chapter, realized that I couldn’t change how the characters spoke, interacted with each other. Their vernacular, tone, sarcasm, whatever it was I had down on paper at that time made those characters who they were. Their authentic self.
Each character develops their own way, and even though I tried- I did attempt to rewrite, but it was clear to me that I would lose “something” if I changed it.
Now that’s all well and good, but it still hasn’t been published and would need a rewrite (not the dialogue) due to some things that were new or not even around in 2008 being out of touch with what really is in the here and now.
In my latest world (Otherworld) some characters have a formality, some casual, some always serious, and some have yet to be determined.
How do you learn what your characters need to say and how do they say it?
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Marina Skynnar- Author 