Tips for 1st time book writers?

Question

Im starting a book and I need some advice on things to say instead of said and very creative names. Im very dermined to write this book and would love some help. Ive allready decided whats its about and what the main persons name is. Im not gonna tell you because people steal names. Thanks if you answer! ^_^

Answer 1

Names are tough, but look around you. Names are EVERYWHERE. For one story, I went to a hospital and took first and last names out of the plaques of celebrated doctors, mixed them together and made something out of it.

Other thing. I don't usually use "said." When two of my characters are having a conversation this is an example of what I do.

I'll use the names Trey and Frank as an example:

Trey asked, "Did you hear about the fire?"

Frank replied, "What fire?"

"The one at the barn."

"I didn't hear about that."

"Gina was killed."

This also works, just writing what they say, and it fits well.

Answer 2

pour your heart out

Answer 3

Use 'said'.

Said is your friend. It is a word very easy to gloss over, which is what you want in your dialogue; when using said you take the weight of the writing off the verb and give it back to your dialogue. Your dialogue is the most important thing, the verb attached to it should be as invisible as it can be.

Too many different verbs to describe speech will make your writing seem juvenile and awkward. But be careful not to just a verb with every single line of dialogue. If it's clear who's speaking there's no need for it. A strong writer with strong characters can create dialogue that is clear and comprehensible without having to say who says what on every line.