P.S. I’m launching another blog very soon about dealing with the ‘quarterlife crisis’ by keeping active, working, etc. Seems like your eBook would be a good fit … I’d like to discuss how we could help each other out more, please use my email! Thanks again!

Also, at every book launch I’ve been to, listening to a reading with dialogue has the crowd that much more engaged. At my own launch, it brought much humor to what felt a bit formal and frightening to me. If it works out loud, I figure it’s working on paper too.

So I do believe that dialogue can be used in non-fiction. It doesn’t always need to be a singular voice. And maybe it shouldn’t just be a monologue.

Thank you, Mary ;)

Thanks for the article.

Simplicio: I don’t think this kind of dialog has much to add. After all, won’t putting the points against your article in there dilute the effect?

Salviati: On the contrary. The effect will become even stronger, because all the potential objections will be addressed. It also lets the readers identify with the character who objects the article. That’s why having the character become convinced at the end is so powerful.

Simplicio: But won’t the readers feel manipulated? After all, it seems like pretty obvious manipulation. You even said it yourself, it’s like teleshopping.

Salviati: There’s a simple reason it’s used in teleshopping. It WORKS. I talked to several friends, and they clearly liked this form of dialog. You can learn a lot by watching professionals… and teleshopping people are professionals at convincing others.

Simplicio: Mmm, okay, I might give these kinds of dialog a try.

Salviati: Okay, I’m glad to hear that. And now back to Vlad, I think we already took up a lot of time here with our chatting :)

(btw. it helps you cultivate your schizophrenia, great for passing long boring evenings :p)

But I haven’t had much experience with using the kind of dialog described in this article. I’ll definitely give it a try and see what happens.

Again, thanks for this article.