Dialogue is an integral part of any novel. Here are eight ways to upgrade your dialogue and avoid some newbie pitfalls.

1. Every conversation should move the plot forward. No empty fillers, please.
2. Pick a punctuation style and stick to it. If you are going to query a major publisher, you may want to use Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). Regardless of what you choose to use, consistency is key. For example: if you use an en-dash when a character is cut off in a conversation, do it every time. 
3. People rarely use each others’ names in conversation after an initial greeting.

   Here is an example of overuse:
   “Heya, Eric.”
   “Hello, Nora.”
   “Eric, how has your summer been so far?”
   “Well, Nora, it has been rather busy. I’m ready to slow down for a bit.”
   “I totally understand, Eric. I have been busy too.”

   Besides the fact that the dialogue is a yawn fest, people don’t naturally use one another’s names that much when talking. I makes your characters sound like game show hosts. “Yes, Vanna.” (more…)