Mastering fast-paced, plot-forwarding dialogue is a must for writers of romance fiction. However, learning what not to do is a big part of mastering this element. Following is a list of dialogue don'ts:

• Don't use a lot of dialect. This can be very hard to read. Instead, choose one or two words to give the tone and flavor of the dialect.

• Don't repeat in dialogue what you've just said in internal thought. Repeated information is boring.

• Don't let your characters tell something to someone, or explain what they already know. Delete any line of dialogue that starts with “I know you already know this but … ”

• Don't allow your characters to tell the entire story again to another character when the reader already knows it. Opt instead to fade out of the conversation. For example: “I went to work and ….” Sarah told Brent the entire story.

• Don't use high-dollar words or avoid the use of contractions in dialogue unless it is a character trait.

• Don't repeat names in dialogue. For example: “I want to go home, Cindy. Please, Cindy. Listen to me. Cindy, I'm serious.”

• Don't allow your characters to give a speech in dialogue. If someone has something lengthy to say, break it up with internal thought, other people's dialogue, or action.

• Don't allow everyone to sound the same. Use speech patterns and word choices to make each character's dialogue unique.

Probably the biggest “don't” when writing dialogue is … Don't be boring. Your readers expect your dialogue to be exciting, invigorating, and provoking. Don't disappoint.