I give a couple of different examples in the book, using my own work as a guide. But if you want to completely banish on the nose dialogue from the recesses of your mind there is one simple trick…

Read a lot of mafia fiction.

Cosa Nostra members avoid “on the nose” dialogue like the black plague, because it’s almost certain to get them arrested.

“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
in other words,
“He’s gonna do what I tell him, or I’m gonna kill him.”

Read a few good Mafia books and pay attention to the dialogue. Before you know it, your characters will be oozing subtext. Just don’t forget to get rid of the Chicago and NY accents.

***
I didn’t write the Working Writer’s Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels to get rich and retire… I wrote it to help people get their comic scripting “A” game on.
And that help doesn’t stop at those 90 printed pages.

If you’re finding these posts helpful, like’em and more importantly like the page… and spread the word with a share or a PM…

If you don’t, you just might get a visit from my cousin Vito, Capiche!?
No seriously, I’m Italian and I’ve got a cousin named Vito. He’s really big and wears gloves even in the summer. So be nice and hit the button.▪

About the Author —
Nick Macari is a full-time freelance story consultant, developmental editor and writer, working primarily in the independent gaming and comic markets. His first published comic appeared on shelves via Diamond in the late 90’s. Today you can find his comic work on comixology, amazon and in select stores around the U.S.  Visit NickMacari.com for social media contacts and news on his latest releases.

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© 2016 Nick Macari. No reproduction without written permission.