Help with my writing please!?!?!?

Question

I am currently a political science major, but my english instructors are begging me to switch my major to english. I enjoy writing, but my passion is in politics. I would, however, like to continue writing on the side. My writing has been very well received by my peers, and I would like to believe that it isn't half bad. Here is a link to a few pieces of my writing which I am willing to share at this point in time:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=199251662

My problem is that I can not write dialog! Every time I try to write something with dialog it turns out to be a disaster! I don't know what the problem is, but it always sounds so cheesy and planned. It's like my writing is reduced to a 3rd grade level! How can I learn to write dialog? How can I make it sound not so ridiculous? I practice writing very frequently, and I have no problem putting my ideas and thoughts into words. I just can't seem to write anything with actual characters!

Answer 1

Join an online writing group to hone your rough edges

Try the folks at Cowboy Logic. they have monthly contests with critiques, challenges, lessons, networking and fun

Check them out at the link below:

Answer 2

Saying it out loud (read both sides of the conversation) should get you pretty far. You'll be able to hear it when the characters don't sound right. If you are still having trouble, listen closer to the way people talk in real life.

The problem might also be how well you know your characters. They should have distinct personalities and you have to know who they are to write them. If you ask them something in your head, you should know what they'd say and how they'd say it. If you don't, you might have to develop them a bit more in your own mind. If they aren't important enough for you to know them well, reading out loud and listening closer should be enough.

Answer 3

Looking through all of that was quite impressive.Spelling and wording was fine.