Never underestimate the importance of dialogues. The ability to create virtuoso dialogue often distinguishes a brilliant writer from a mediocre one, and dialogue is always the most dynamic and lively ...

I think a lot of beginning writers are always looking for cheat codes or fast ways to improve their writing. When really, the best way to get better is just to write a lot. But dialogue is one of ...

Given how fraught writing for publication can be, it’s understandable for faculty to perceive the process as dehumanizing. Even soul-crunching, as one of our colleagues lamented. College and ...

When my teenage son picked up “Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing” (Morrow, 96 pp., $14.95), it fell open to Rule 3: “Never use a verb other than ‘said’ to carry dialogue.” “I wish my teachers could ...

Maybe you’re thinking about writing a screenplay, but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’re interested in following in the footsteps of writer-directors such as Mindy Kaling or Jordan Peele.

“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.” –Frank Costello (played by Jack Nicholson), The Departed The Academy may have selected a silent film, The ...

Dialogue shouldn't sound natural. Maybe that's a hot take, especially given the sage advice that usually comes from well-meaning writing teachers or trusted mentors. Because of course we need dialogue ...