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I’m still spinning from the 40th anniversary SCBWI conference in L.A. I had a blast. I caught up with lots of writer and illustrator pals, was dazzled by speakers such as Richard Peck, Judy Blume, David Small, Gary Paulsen (WOW, was his life story ever amazing), Laurie Halse Anderson, Libba Bray, and Norton Juster [who I chatted with during an elevator ride while fawning shamelessly over his The Phantom Tollbooth]. These people are not only amazing writers (some illustrators, as well), but also incredible speakers. How is it possible that some people are graced with so many talents? They enlightened, entertained (not kidding when I say I laughed, I cried….), and mesmerized 1,342 attendees. Seriously amazing.
retty much pudding at this point). Today, though, I thought I’d post about interior monologues since coincidently my head is still buzzing with conference chat.In a great workshop on voice, editor Krista Marino discussed interior monologue—the often unspoken thinking of a character. Inner thoughts can reveal what a character is considering, feeling, processing, and valuing. Because it can show back-story, attitude, and information about the character, interior monologue opens the door to reader empathy by allowing the reader to get to know a character’s true heart. The novel Speak, Krista reminded us, is a great example of interior monologue.
But how much interior monologue is overkill? Too much can lead to excess telling (and, of course, too much telling rather than showing can ruin a good story). Sometimes interior monologue can not or should not be revealed (the reader may not need to know everything). Sometimes too much interior monologue can get confusing or boring or weigh a story down. Interior monologue is sort of like seasoning—a heavy handed application can ruin the deliciousness.
When you’re writing or reading, what is your take on interior monologue? How much is too much?
I’ll leave you with that question as I go to refill my mug with something caffeinated (I’m still on California time).
Thank you for sharing your SCBWI experiences. (I'm also flummoxed and amazed by great writers who are also great speakers. How do they do it?) When I'm reading, I recognize too much internal dialog when I start to skim. Getting the right balance of internal dialog in my own writing is harder to judge and it's something I struggle with.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts on interior monologue. I do use it, but hopefully not too much. But it is helpful to the reader!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about the conference!
Oh no, I missed you there. There were so many people and I kept scanning the crowd. I met many blogging, FB, and Twitter friends, but I missed you.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine with interior monologue between action and dialogue scenes, but not too much during them or it slows the pace.
When I'm editing, I end up cutting the interior monologue the most, so I'm getting better at toning it down.
My roommate was in that workshop!! LOL. I totally agree on all the things you said about the speakers, they were AMAZING. I've never seen so many standing ovations. Plus Libba Bray totally called me a Diva several times so now I can die happy. As far as internal dialogue? I think it's important. I recall a major revision I did where that was the missing component and boy did it make a huge difference!
ReplyDelete...Judy Blume?! JEALOUS! :)
ReplyDeleteI usually have to add the interior dialogue after writing the first draft. I used to think it was more like "navel gazing" but I've started to appreciate it more.
ReplyDeleteI heard Krista Marino speak at FL SCBWI and that's when she made me a believer about the gold in interior dialogue.
So glad you had so much fun at LA SCBWI. :)
I guess you have lots more to share from the conference. I don't mind that internal conversation as long as it doesn't go on and on, killing the action. I think a good place is after an intense scene, which gives me time to get off the emotional roller-coaster.
ReplyDeleteGetting the right balance of internal dialog is hard, MG. I struggle with this, too.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly it, Kelly--interior monologue is really helpful to the reader. I notice that when I am reading.
We'll just have to meet at some other event, Medeia! : )
That is funny, Lisa. And those standing ovations were crazy, weren't they? I mean, one after another. And all deserved.
And, she was a surprise guest, Sabrina. I'll add that she was an incredible person--humble and informative and really nice.
I do that too, Karen. I'm so glad that I attended Krista Marino's workshop.
Wow, that sounds like a really amazing conference. I would have loved to have been there. I've loved Judy Blume's books for years. And The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observations on interior monologue. It is a tricky balance... as you say you have to watch out for overkill... and too much telling is always deadly in a story.
Great post.
Excellent post. I've been struggling with how much is too much inner monologue in my current WIP. This is so timely for me.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I love the post! Wish I could have made it to this conference. It looks like it was amazing. Interior voice is a WIP for me. I am trying to curtail the overtelling. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great point, J.L. Interior monologue would be a nice break after an intense scene. A nice opportunity for the reader to catch her breath.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doralynn. For me, getting the interior monologue right is a tricky balance. I love the way you put that.
And thank you, too, Lydia! I'm so glad this post is helpful.
You are most welcome, Maeve. I'm happy to share some nuggets of gold from the conference. : )
I think a little interior monologue goes a long way...just showing what a character is doing tells the reader a lot about what they're thinking, right? Anyway, I love voice conversations...such a skill, but also an inherent talent.
ReplyDeleteI am oozing with jealousy here. Sounds so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do like to sprinkle in interior monologue. Like you said, though, it can get old fast. Just enough to give a little grounding.
I love voice conversations, too, Anita. Voice is so hard to define that talking about what makes voice work is usually interesting.
ReplyDeleteJanet, "to give a little grounding" is the perfect way to describe how much interior monologue works. Thanks for that. : )
I'm SO jealous Cynthia and excited that you got to go to the conference and will be sharing more nuggets of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteAs with most all things that have to do with writing, finding the middle way is the challenge. I am reminded of Gollum who had continual conversations with himself. But if all Tolkien's characters had done that...GAK!
So happy you had a wonderful time at the conference. They are truly energizing. I think the more we write, the better feel we get for interior monologue. It's a great tool for building character voice.
ReplyDeleteHow was I not following you until now? Geesh. Talk about a slip up.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of interior monologue, but not in huge chunks. Infrequent one-liners work best for me (like if a character wants to ask a question that he doesn't want anyone else to hear).
Bish, Gollum is a great example! I loved those continual conversations, but you're right: If too many characters did that, this would get old. Real old.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! And you are so right. Practice gets us closer to perfect. : )
Thanks for following, David! I'm impressed that one-liners work for you. I can never quite manage just one line. I'll have to sharpen my revision knife.
I was just reading about this on Ingrid's notes: “The number one element I see missing in manuscripts today is not enough interior monologue.” – Editor Krista Marino
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised by this. It was serious food for thought.
I'm glad you had a great time--oh how I would have loved to go!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I've seen that same comment: "Not enough interior monologue." Which surprises me, I guess. When I was a new writer, I completely bogged my work down in IM. It didn't help that I wasn't a real good plotter either. Now that I'm much stronger in both areas, I still have a crit partner who calls me on any and all IM! I think the right amount is vitally important, but I'm come to realize there are some readers out there who don't like it.
ReplyDeleteHi, I just wanted to let you know the drawing is over at my blog. The winner was chosen by random.org... Maeve won. Thanks for participating!!
ReplyDeleteI love conferences! Pudding brain and all. I think it's really easy to tell when a book has too much or too little internal dialogue... it's decidedly less easy to tell if your own ms has it. :)
ReplyDeleteOoooooo. . .I am green with envy over your conferencing! Sounds like it was a blast. I am probably one of those bizarre people that really likes the interior monologue. I love to see how a character thinks, although I feel that a lot of the hum-drum IM you can cut away with meaningful actions on the part of the character.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that direct quote, Angela! I was surprised by that statement, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting, Marcia. It's never occurred to me that some readers prefer no interior monologue. I agree with you--the right amount is vital.
Thanks Doralyn and congratulations to Maeve!
So true, Peggy, and not just in term of interior monologue! : )
I'm with you, Julie. I enjoy interior monologue, to a point, because I love knowing how a character thinks.
Great post! That interior monologue is something this noob struggles with, finding that balance as you mentioned between great character insight and backstory and info dump.
ReplyDeleteI like dashes of interior monologue - short phrases (often sarcastic) that show off the character and let us see exactly what's going on :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. And welcome. Thanks for following. : )
ReplyDeleteI really like well done sarcasm in interior monologue, as well, Jemi--especially in short bursts.
I heard of agents and editors asking for more inner monologue, so less isn't always more in this case. I think it depends on the character and the story being told, how much is the right amount. It's another thing the author has to determine.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about your LA adventures!
That's really interesting, Elle. I didn't realize agents and editors have been asking for more inner monologue. Writing really can be a balancing act.
ReplyDeleteI like interior monologue particularly when it contrasts with something that's happening externally, such as when a character's thoughts are entirely different from what they're doing or saying.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the conference was awesome! :)
This is one of those things I struggle with the most. It's tricky getting the right balance, and sometimes it really is subjective.
ReplyDeleteInterior monologue really can enhance the action. Great point!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Stina. I struggle with getting the balance right, as well.
Thanks for the great comments!