Classes

Writing Subtext – Novelists & Screen Writers

Act II

There is nothing more stale, more craft-less, more boring than on-the-nose dialogue. The remedy? Writing subtext. But what is it? The Bible is filled with examples of subtext:
• Genesis 3:9 – God to Adam, “Where are you?”
• Exodus 4:2 – God to Moses, “What do you have in your hand?”
• 1 Kings 19:9 – God to Elijah, “What are you doing here?”
• Job 1:7 – God to Satan, “Where have you been?”
• Isaiah 6:8 – God to Isaiah, “Whom shall I send?”
• John 20:15 – Jesus to the woman at the tomb, “Who is it you’re looking for?”

Did God/Jesus ask these questions because they needed to be enlightened? Or was there an underlying meaning (subtext) in the conversation that ensues? Writing subtext can be one of the single most important tools in a writer’s toolbelt.

* I’ll include examples of subtext from movies and novels as well.