How I Use Dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool in memoir writing. Some memoirs that I have read include a ton of dialogue, which works well for some stories. I don't use too much dialogue, and when I do, I use dialogue for these specific reasons:

• better depict my current environment

• further describe the character of a person in my story

• creates unique tone specific to my writing

• can increase or decrease the severity of a situation

• transports the reader to a specific time in my past

From my chapter Digging My Way out of Cement:

“Are you sure you want to do this? We can always try next time we are here, Sweetie. It’s so hot out.” My mom’s words instantly evaporate into the sticky air. My weekly appointment is over, and it’s time to practice getting to the car. For months I was trapped in a wheelchair–my legs frozen. As my nerves begin to regenerate and my connections return, I have had to re-learn to walk. I started by learning to crawl, at 15 years old, I was on my hands and knees on a mat learning to move from my hips. I still travel mostly in my wheelchair, but my parents hook my walker to the handles for situations like this. I have to do this. I have to make it to the car with my walker. Concerns or not, I have to prove to myself that I can.