Jerry W Stewart

I recently asked Rachel Caine a question on a Bitten By Books. When I get the opportunity to ask an author a question I try to make the most of the question I’m asking. I usually ask how an author has honed a particular writing skill that they excel at in their work. What better way to learn (next to practice) than to ask a master of what you want to learn?

Rachel is a master of dialogue. Her dialogue comes alive in the minds of readers in a way that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private conversation. The dialogue between characters breathes life into each and every one of them, whether they are a main character or simple a stand in.

I was so excited that Rachel took the time answer my question, that I just had to share her answer on my blog. The following is copied from the comments section at the virtual release party for Carpe Corpus (which you can get to following the picture like above).

Rachel,

I love the Morganville Vampire Series and I truly appreciate all the freely offered short stories on your website. They are amazing and so are you for offering them freely to your fans.

When I get the chance to ask an author a question it is usually about the writing process. Your ability to bring such life-like dialogue to the pages of your novels is something I can only hope to mimic in my own works. How do you make the dialogue ring so true in the mind of the readers? Do you say it out loud as you are typing it or what?

Thanks,
Jerry W Stewart

Comment by Rachel Caine — June 30, 2009 @ 8:13 pm

50. Jerry, thank you, what a great compliment! I love writing dialogue, but it’s one of those deceptively difficult things, no doubt about it. I do sometimes read things aloud, but I’ve been doing it long enough that I hear the character voices very clearly in my head, so it’s gotten a lot easier over the years. I do think that reading aloud helps get a rhythm to your dialogue and prose as well, though. I highly recommend it.

This is a great tip from Rachel, and one that I’m honored to have. Go and ask her your own questions at the launch party and be entered to win a Sony eBook Reader. Also, I encourage you to read her books for the great stories and to learn how to write dialogue like a professional.

  I really want a Kindle 2, but I’m not having much luck winning one. I’ve entered and participated in a ton of Kindle 2 contests on the Web to no avail. Alas, I may have to purchase one like everyone else to be able to enjoy carry my entire library around where ever I want. I imagine I will give up hope at some point, and shell out the cash for a Kindle 2 of my own.

That day probably won’t come, though, until I’ve exhausted my chances to win one. Getting something for free is so much more fulfilling than spending money on it. If you’re one of those people who would rather just go and buy what you want rather than work hard at every contest you can find, then by all means feel free to click on any of the Kindle 2 links on my site to get yours now. If, however, you want in on some of the contest action, check out the contests below:

Bittenbybooks.com’s Rachel Vincent Virtual Release Party

Rachel Vincent is having a release party for the newest novel in her Shifters Series, Prey. Please check it out here for a chance to win either a Kindle 2 or an autographed copy of her latest book.

Kindle 2 Contests at Twitter

Check out Uncubicled and Squarespace for details on their Kindle 2 giveaways.

Good luck to all of you.

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