WHR Writer Life - Writing Dialogue

Crafting authentic dialogue for a western historical romance presents both challenges and rewards. Achieving a language that feels true to the time period enhances the overall atmosphere of the story and helps immerse readers, but it isn't as easy as it looks.

The Challenges

The English language has evolved over time, and certain phrases or expressions that were common in the Old West might sound outdated or unfamiliar to contemporary readers. Striking a balance between authenticity and readability can be challenging. 

Each character's speech must also align with his or her background and experiences. Crafting characters who speak with a foreign accent adds another layer of difficulty. One must give their dialogue the flavor of the accent without making the reading burdensome.

Being true to the setting year is yet another challenge. It's crucial to avoid using words or phrases that didn't exist during the time period of the story. Anachronisms can jar readers out of the historical setting and disrupt the immersive experience. 

Conversely, use of some period language can anger modern readers. Many words that are socially unacceptable today were commonplace then. Writers struggle to balance historical immersion and cultural sensitivity. I personally lean towards being period correct, but I still avoid some words.

The Payoff

Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. The way characters speak reveals their education, background, and personality. Crafting authentic dialogue allows the author to showcase the distinct voices of his or her characters. And, when readers feel that the characters speak and interact in a manner true to the historical period, it enhances the overall authenticity of the storytelling. 

While research can be incredibly time consuming, it also provides opportunities for discovery. Uncovering forgotten phrases or unique expressions of the time is enjoyable, and incorporating these into your dialogue adds depth to the narrative. It can also be a source of story inspiration. Some of my best scenes were inspired by research.

When done well, authentic dialogue transports readers to another place and time. It creates an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience, making the setting come alive.