I’m circling in on a deadline. Southern Utah setting. A guy with a not-so-pleasant past. A woman who wants more information. A dead guy…

While writing I keep thinking about something I read at Diana Holquist’s blog a few weeks ago (she actually posted it about a month ago, but I didn’t find it until recently). She was talking about how there is too much dialogue in books. Honestly, it’s not something I thought about until I read Diana’s thoughts and now I think about it on and off – damn her!

Diana says:

And if there’s one thing that there’s WAY too much of in fiction today (especially romance novels!) it’s dialogue. I have a good friend who says the best way to write dialogue is to write it, then cross out 75%. I think 90% might be a better bet for most writers. In my final edits, I often cross out at least a good half of utterances, and every slash makes the scene better.

Now, I actually enjoy dialogue. It’s one of those things I think I do well…usually. So, being the insecure writing type I am, Diana’s comment got me thinking – again, damn that Diana!

But, her comments about cutting dialogue do ring true for me. I revise as I go (and then revise again later). When writing the beginning of a book, I give myself permission to overwrite. This result is what you would expect – circular and unnecessary dialogue. That’s okay since no one else really sees it. From there, I edit and pare down. Only after that can I move to the next part of the book.

Basically, allowing for “too much” at the beginning, I put a character in my head. Cutting and revising spares you guys from having to wade through all of that when reading the actually book. Of course, I always worry I cut too much or not enough (see previous comment about being insecure writer). Diana’s comments kind of highlighted that concern – I curse her a third time!!**

Do you guys think there’s too much dialogue in most romance books? I’m just wondering if this is a general feeling people have. I never really focused on the amount while reading. Sure, there’s bad dialog out there. Maybe this is really the same problem. Not sure. Will have to focus next time I read.

** Despite the fact Diana ruined my day (week!), go pre-order her newest Sexiest Man Alive anyway.

Today is one of those busy “must get XXX number of pages written” days. But, if you miss me (of course you do), you can stop over at the Brava Blog where I’m talking about all the new television shows coming out that have paranormal elements.

I also posted a review of Sarah Strohmeyer’s The Sleeping Beauty Proposal at PBR. The premise of the book is a little different, but the writing is smart and funny. Go check it out.

We all know novels with paranormal aspects have been huge hits over the last few years. All you have to do is look at the bookshelves at B&N, or whatever other bookstore you frequent, to see all the titles and covers with werewolves, shapeshifters, vampires, witches, demons and other sorts of otherworldly creatures. But has anyone noticed this popularity translating to cable network television shows?

Yeah, I know all about Buffy and Angel. Not those. I’m talking about new shows. For example, I saw commercials the other day for two upcoming shows centered on law enforcement vampire dudes and another on a diary where this young woman writes down her vindictive thoughts and they then come true. There were others but that gives you an idea.

Have you guys seen this trend? I’m wondering if the shows were out there before but off my radar screen until now. Maybe I’m only noticing because I’m so in tune to the paranormal romance novel phenomenon.

What do you think? Are you watching these programs? Are you going to? And, if you are/do do you read paranormal novels as well – ie, is your love of paranormal consistent in books and shows, or do you prefer one over the other?

Let’s hear your thoughts. One lucky commenter will win a copy of one of my books – your choice.