Keep your dialogue positive

I’m not just talking about the character dialogue you write – it’s what you tell yourself and say to others.

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Recently, most conversations with friends and relatives have consisted of listening to their woes (and some of mine). While I don’t mind being there as a sympathetic ear for them to vent, or commiserate in camaraderie, I think it is important for that type of exchange not to be the dominant form of discourse. No-one wants to be thought of as a Debbie Downer. Whether you are aware of it or not, you could fall into a negative cycle where all you do is whine.

Hells no, I’m not going to fall into that pit of despair!

When I was reading through a draft last week (which I remember writing in a particularly difficult period in my life) one on my characters had broken into an extended poor-me speech… and it did not relate to the story at all. That tone continued through a number of chapters, and I could imagine readers putting the book down. If it was someone I knew in real life, I’d be avoiding them like they’d just sharted.

Guess I must have been venting.

But those words had the power to drag me back to a morbid moment. That’s what writing is all about – but it needs to be in the right place, serve a purpose.  Darkness makes the light all that brighter… and all that. I’m all for drama and angst, but want my experience on this planet to be more about bright colours and pretty sparkles.

You see it online – people are more inclined to rant on blogs and videos these days. Yes, though occasionally entertaining, most of the time I am clicking on in search of something more substantial.

I think it is important to focus on achievement and things you want to accomplish. Don’t lose track of those goals! That way, when people keep ask you about what you are working on, you have the ability to act as your own cheerleader. It creates the encouragement and sense of achievement you need to strive forward.

I’ve noticed this personally. I’m practising at being my own best salesperson, always talking about my projects, thinking of ways to boost exposure or expand the universe of my novel. (You have to learn these skills if you want to succeed in the writing biz.) And people respond to that. They ask questions. They talk about you to their friends – because you are interesting, your work is interesting.

Your positivity and enthusiasm is infectious!

Though, it is a two-way street. Don’t forget to actively listen to others accomplishments and goals, give them a greatful pat on the back too – after all it’s not all about you. Be that bright light in the room that puts a smile on everyone’s face. A smile catches like fire!

So I think it’s important to be aware of your own dialogue – not only to keep you in a happy state of mind to boost productivity, but also to let others see you in the best possible light. It’s a perpetual cycle that can fuel success… if you let it.

© Casey Carlisle 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.