In this new addition to the "Writers' Bookshop" series, successful novelist, Jean Saunders has defined all the necessary ingredients for creating realistic dialogue in fiction. Pointers include the actual layout of dialogue; basic principles of punctuation; avoiding trivia; and making your characters more believable through their speech. Many examples are given to demonstrate this vital part of successful fiction, whilst other key features include: primary purpose of dialogue; creating atmosphere; is it a cliche; effective adverbs; the listening ear; and avoiding the slush pile. Without dialogue, a novel is no more than an endless essay. Only through their speech can the characters really come to life. This practical guide by an experienced author shows how it is done.