Hi there, guys and dolls!  Today, I’d like to bring up the idea of the art of conversation — what we say and how we say it.  Verbally, as we speak to one another, we often don’t think about what we are saying or think before we speak.  But when you are crafting a story, dialogue and flow, may start out in an inspirational torrent, but after it’s written, it’s thought out, picked over, edited and honed with consideration to what it means to the overall story.

There’s all kinds of reasons to converse when it comes to a novel, and in particular, a cozy mystery.  In writing STRANGLED BY SILK, there were many different types of dialogues used.  Sometimes there’s banter among the Santa Lucians to show their character, their personal stance, mannerisms and opinions.  There were conversations to bring the mystery further along, adding suspense and leaving a breadcrumb trail of clues.  Sometimes it’s to pursue a line of red herring ideas to make some suspicions of an innocent accused of wrong doing that was completely misconstrued.  And some conversations to lead into a future path or delve into a past history that will rear itself in future Poppy Cove novels.  And then there is also the activity of what is left unsaid can speak volumes all on its own.

Whether we are crafting written words, or speaking out loud, in real life, or in fiction, the real purpose is actually always the same.  We are communicating — voicing our opinions, sharing our thoughts, getting along or making our own unique stand loud and clear.  Impulsive or mulled over, by what we say or don’t say, every minute of every day we are giving to the world our view.  Be proud of the art of conversation that each and every one of us are constantly contributing to by just being who you are in the world, as both speaker and listener.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean