Loose Change

Dialogue tip 1 - What is not said

Dialogue tip: When writing dialogue, remember what is not said is often as important as what is said. Like negative space in art, what is left unsaid may provide a context or frame around your dialogue.

Not mentioning the elephant in the room makes it clear your character knows about the elephant and is choosing not to mention it, which also reveals something about his/her character and reaction. Saying, "Why is there an elephant in our living room?" requires an explanation, and tells the reader nothing they didn't already know. Saying, "Oh, I see. I've been meaning to visit my parents." in response to the elephant says the character already knew about the elephant, or is at least not surprised, and suggests it means the elephant has been chosen over the person speaking. On the other hand, saying "There's an odd smell in here. I need to make dinner." says the character is refusing to acknowledge the elephant and hopes his/her partner will make it go away so that it needn't be discussed.

This was first posted to the Newsfeed, but I realized I should post it here instead, as I plan to do more.