Three Dialogue Prompts

Gail Carson Levine’s  first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a 1998 Newbery Honor Book. Her other books include Ever, Fairest, Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish, The Fairy’s Return, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, and the six Princess Tales books. She also is the author of the nonfiction book Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and the picture book Betsy Who Cried Wolf, illustrated by Scott Nash.  So when Gail gives advice we listen. 

Here are Gail’s three dialogue prompts:

Write a separation scene. Two characters are parting forever or for a long period. Each is important to the other, but not everything about their relationship has been positive.

Write a first-meeting scene in which each character has big expectations for what will result from the encounter.

Write a reunion scene in which each character is burdened by his perspective of the old relationship.

You can read all her thoughts about dialogue by clicking here.

Enjoy,  Kathy