DIALOGUE
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One of the interesting techniques used by Ernesto Mallo in his novel Needle in a Haystack was the use of italics for dialogue with no indication of who is speaking, or even when one person stops talking and another person starts.
I thought it added considerably to the tension and the sense of being involved in the story.
Aren't you interested in knowing how he died? Of course I am....It's just that I'm so overcome, everything has been so sudden......Of course. Tell me, you're his only heir, is that correct? If there is anything to inherit then I suppose I am.
.............
You wouldn't happen to be a lefty, would you? A lefty? No, I try to abide by rights in everything I do. That sort of sarcasm is going to be your downfall one day. I want an answer by tomorrow. Tell Jorge and I'll contact you. All right, anything else? You can go . Thanks, good day.
There are quite a few conversations in which this is done, and it is nice to find a writer trying something a bit different for once.
7 Comments:
Norman - Thanks for highlighting the power of interesting dialogue written in an innovative way. That's really an intriguing way to write a story, and even with the snippet you provided, it's clear that the reader can understand what's going on. So no clarity seems to be lost. I like that.
Norman I'm still looking for a copy in Spanish which seems difficult to find. I'm still more interest in this book.
Oh, whenever I do something like that, my betareaders think I made a mistake ;D
Thanks Margot. I agree it was quite easy to follow once you realised what was going on.
Dorte, I am sure that just shows they have not kept up with your development as a writer.
Jose Ignacio, that must be annoying for you when it was written in Spanish in the first place!
I´ve just send tips to José as where he can find my novel in Spain. Regards, Ernesto Mallo
Thanks Ernesto, Jose has posted about your help with a translation.
My pleasure, Uriah. And thank you for your review. I love it. Ernesto
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