This blog page will be dedicated to regular dialogue sessions to help writers create natural conversation, as if we are co-writing a story.
NOTICE: IF YOU INTEND TO REPLY TO THIS BLOG PLEASE CONSIDER CHECKING BACK IN PERIODICALLY. I CANNOT HELP YOU IF YOU DON'T REPLY.[]
Here's how this'll work:
Step 1: Choose from any of the written prompts available below.
1b: Copy and paste them into the comments below. You are allowed to edit the prompt slightly if you want a different scenario or extra details.
Step 2: Choose from the list of character ARCHTYPES I've provided: archtypes are personalities or dynamics that define a character's role.
Step 3: I will reply to the scenario with my own response. You may use your archtype to reply whichever way you want after my reply, HOWEVER IT MUST LOGICALLY FOLLOW THE PROMPT BEING USED. You can also reply to the prompt with dialogue first, and I will respond secondly instead.
The goal is to create organic, natural-sounding dialogue that makes sense within the given context. We don't have to create the most Emmy-award winning speech ever, just get the characters to not sound like they're in a David Lynch environment. And remember to have fun writing!
- WS
Character Archtypes - Imagine how you'd react with any of these personalities to the scenario chosen. How scared would you be? How would you react to an event?
- The Protagonist: This can serve as a self-insert role as well if you feel more comfortable speaking as yourself in the scenario. Otherwise, protagonists tend to be risk-takers, curious folk and highly observant.
- The Funnyman: Humorous, light-hearted, often used to ease tension during a scene or arc.
- The Cynic: Quick to squash any cheeriness, often quietly bitter or outspokenly-critical about any given thing. Prone to being far more cautious than the Protagonist in most ways.
- The Meek: Very timid, doesn't like conflict. Will mostly agree with whatever anyone says unless it directly conflicts with their well-being.
- The Fighter: A gruff, well-built character. Whether or not they win is relevant, but they love to get into conflicts and solve their problems with anger usually.
- The Carer: A gentle soul, is often emotionally attached to everything.
- The Sage: A wise character, the source of information for the protagonist. Often is the first to understand whats happening in a horror setting.
These are mostly examples of characters you can use; if you want to try a different personality, by all means go ahead. Just make sure their traits don't completely break the flow of the given event. Make sure Out-Of-Character (OOC) replies are typed in parantheses (()).
Prompts - Choose a scenario to respond to. The events can go any direction you like if you choose to reply first, just make sure it's grammar-checked and keeps the flow going.
Scenario 1: You've just recieved a mysterious letter in the night. The envelope looks ancient and is signed from someone claiming to be family. It's lying on the kitchen counter now as you and your (family member) decide what to do.
Scenario 2: A rattling noise can be heard in your tool shed sometimes. You invite a friend over to investigate but it always stops before anything is done. You're starting to feel like you're at the end of your rope.
Scenario 3: You're exploring an abandoned house with a partner, who's mutual friend disappeared within. The house is damp, quiet and smells like death.
Scenario 4: There's something vaguely off about your spouse, but you can't quite put your finger on it. They've been acting strangely ever since they bought that weird antique lamp.
Scenario 5: A horrible abomination is stalking in the distance. As you get out of your car, you hear it shriek loudly until it disappears into the trees.
Scenario 6: Make up your own scenario! Go for it.
I'll try to update this blog as frequently as possible, please let me know if you have any questions. This is the first time I've tried this, so please give me feedback on how I can run this better.