In Defense of Dialogue

"I know, I know," I said. "Too much dialogue will kill a novel."

Okay, yes, a novel can't be all dialogue. But is it overuse if it accomplishes what an author wants it to accomplish? 

I don't write lines of dialogue such as: 

"Hi, how are you today?"
"Fine, thanks. And you?"

When I employ dialogue, it's for a purpose. Which is better? 

"You can't go in." 

or 

He told me I couldn't go inside.

Sorry, dialogue haters, but a gruff guy barking out an order has more impact than a namby-pamby recounting of what took place. 

On the other hand, it matters what accompanies each of these examples. I wouldn't just write the first without detailing the scene ~ facial expressions, the recipient's reaction, what else is happening during the exchange. And for sure, stating that "he told me I couldn't..." can be interesting depending on what comes after that statement. It's a style choice.

My style choice is, it depends on the scene. Yesterday I blogged about summing up where my main character found herself at a particular time. She'd come to an agreement with her label to pay back her advance, she'd given notice to her boss at the coffee shop and to her landlord. Theoretically, those could have been conveyed via dialogue sessions, but why? What would dialogue have added? It's not like I use dialogue as a crutch, for heaven's sake. I am capable of writing exposition.

But take, for example, the main character's mentor, Paula. Having Paula talk is crucial. I could describe her as profane, indirect, and sweet, but how exactly? "Once again Paula let loose with a string of obscenities"? Sorry, that doesn't cut it. That hardly brings her character to life. 

And I've said it before, but it bears repeating: When you write in first person point of view, the main character needs to interact with people. She doesn't spend the entire time stranded alone in the desert (unless that's the story you're writing). 

A quick glance at my manuscript reveals that I have included tons of dialogue. I maintain that if it's done right, it only enhances the plot. Every dialogue scene I've written will stay, because it's important to the story. Should I add more exposition? Definitely, but it's hardly too late for that.  

One more thing: When I Googled "can a novel have too much dialogue" every article I found answered in the affirmative. No one is taking an opposing view, but in actuality there's an opposing view for every opinion. It's the old confirmation bias at work. "Well, everybody else says too much is bad, so..." I'd prefer the answer, "yes, but..." Yes, there can be too much, but not if it's done right. Not if it serves an important purpose, by either advancing the plot or revealing character or heightening a pivotal scene.

Experts often serve to make writers doubt themselves. I'm not a newbie; this novel isn't my first go-round. I've learned a lot ~ not from experts, mind you, but from making mistakes and learning from them. I know what I'm doing. 

Bottom line, if I like it, that's what matters.