“Dialogue is active, it’s not just casual chatter.”
“Exactly!” I say, looking up from my computer.
“Because every line has to move the story forward.”
“I know that…” I begin, but then stop - because I'm not sure what happens next.
“And you can’t describe a character’s inner life either, you’re not writing a novel. Focus on what they do.”
I look through the window at the tall disused chimney. It towers above the street, immovable against the deep blue sky as suggestions of cloud...
“So if you start writing long descriptions of the setting you’re probably avoiding the action.”
“Stop distracting me now, I need to write something to put on my website.”
“Oh, why didn't you say that? Just keep it short and do it in the third person.”
Liberty Martin writes scripts for theatre, television, film and animation, makes performance and live art, and facilitates creative workshops. You can get in touch via the contact page, or enter this site to find out more.