Communication Quote by Janet Fitch
“This involves more than I can discuss here, but do it. Read the writers of great prose dialogue-people like Robert Stone and Joan Didion. Compression, saying as little as possible, making everything carry much more than is actually said. Conflict. Dialogue as part of an ongoing world, not just voices in a dark room. Never say the obvious. Skip the meet and greet.”
About This Quote
The quote emphasizes concise, purposeful dialogue that reveals deeper meaning, avoids obviousness, and integrates conflict within a broader world context.
In simple terms: Write tight, meaningful dialogue that shows more than it says.
Key Takeaway
Focus on subtext and conflict.
Themes
writing
dialogue
conciseness
conflict
subtext
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- editing
- character development
Key Concepts
literary technique
show, don’t tell
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance brevity with clarity?
- What subtext can you embed in a simple line?
A Different Perspective
Overly terse dialogue can obscure clarity for readers.
![“Do remember, though, that unless you're a playwright, the result [dialogue] isn't what you want; it's only an element of what you want. Actors embody and re-create the words of drama. In fiction, a tremendous amount of story and character may be given through the dialogue, but the story-world and…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ccc/ursula-k-le-guin-138_actors_do-remember-though-that-unless-you-re-a_2836249.jpg)
