Creating a Character: Dialogue and Characterization (Art of Creative Prose)

Grade 7 Up–Young writers of fiction can build their skills with the helpful advice and exercises in these books. Each title introduces the basics of one or two aspects of writing, followed by illustrative passages from literature. Most examples are taken from classics, but some come from contemporary authors such as J.K. Rowling and Barbara Kingsolver. In Dialogue, young authors learn the importance of showing, rather than telling, when developing a character, as well as creating well-developed protagonists and antagonists, memorable minor characters, and natural-sounding dialogue. Crafting a vivid fictional world is the focus of Imagery, which highlights the use of images that appeal to the senses, word choice, and figurative language. Wording encourages authors to find their own voice, explaining the difference between literary and direct styles and detailing the importance of rhythm, tone, and atmosphere in fiction writing.