Comments on: 5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your Story

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 19:29:40 +0000

This gave me some excellent ideas for a scene I’m currently writing. Thank you so much. I feel like I can conquer the rest of this chapter like a pro!

By: Gordie Eggleston

Gordie Eggleston — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 04:25:31 +0000

I often find myself converting my characters dialogue to gibberish when reading it aloud… but only for the purpose of gauging the cadence. Now I realize I should do this as a two-pronged exercise! Thank for the advice!

By: Valerie Strawmier

Valerie Strawmier — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 03:48:22 +0000

I love how you interact with your characters in this post and I can’t wait to share this with my followers! Thanks for posting!

By: Julie Musil

Julie Musil — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:09:10 +0000

Ollin, this was so great! I absolutely love the tip about plating gibberish to see if the subtext shines through. Thanks so much!

By: Owllady

Owllady — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:59:29 +0000

This trait could overlap with Naivete to add something interesting, I think. I always prefer characters who exhibit more than one clear trait.

By: Monica T. Rodriguez

Monica T. Rodriguez — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 22:21:34 +0000

This is terrific. I’ve always known subtext was an important element, but it’s been much harder to hit the right note. This post makes it clear what I need to do. And the gibberish trick is brilliant! Thanks!

By: LTM

LTM — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:38:26 +0000

I LOVE me some subtext! And this is the best breakdown I’ve ever seen of how to do it well. I love that the Boy sounds a bit like Jar Jar Binks–LOL! 😀

All that bit about the secrets is very good, too. And you’re so right. What’s more interesting that #4-5? Great post, thanks, A, B & Ollin! <3

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 04:09:39 +0000

I love this post, Ollin. Like so many others, the gibberish technique is totally resonating with me. What a fabulous way to make sure your character’s body language and actions are conveying the right message. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us!

By: J.W. Alden

J.W. Alden — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 22:44:59 +0000

I recently had a battle with subtext in a story I'm shopping around. I had a scene with two characters, who used to be allies but have been pulled apart by circumstance. They have a dialog exchange in which Character A lets Character B know that he's now an enemy with a target on his back, all in a public place where B is in a position of authority and safe from hostility. So the surface dialog is actually B paying his respect to A in front of everyone, but the subtext is "Enjoy this comfort while you can--you messed up and we're coming for you."

It was a challenge, but great fun to write. I love scenes with heavy subtext, both as a reader and a writer. Great post!

J.W. Alden

By: Tara Tyler

Tara Tyler — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:21:15 +0000

great advice and examples! love it!
and secrets always make great plot twists!

By: ollinmorales

ollinmorales — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:24:22 +0000

@Cynthia Chapman Willis @Bish Denham @Dayner - yes, I suggest trying to speak the dialogue out loud, and play it as if it was a scene with partner. See what body language you have to create to get your point across without saying it directly. Good luck!

@Laura Pauling Yummy! Secrets! The best stories all have great secrets. :)

@Rashna @Riv Re @Susanne @Traci - Thank you. I'm so glad it was clear and helpful to all of you.

Thanks Angela and Becca for having me on Bookshelf Muse! I feel so honored and your readers are so kind and wonderful! Thank you.

By: ollinmorales

ollinmorales — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:20:17 +0000

@Fiona Ingram Yay! I'm glad it helped you.

@Laurel Garver It's even better when you read the dialogue out loud with a friend! It's so much fun and illuminating.

@Angela Ackerman Thank you so much! I'm flattered. You know I spent about 4 years studying subtext: I was a drama major with a focus on acting. And actors, well, that's all we do is subtext! So I know subtext very deeply.