The Thrill of Crafting Suspense via Dictation

Image from Unsplash by https://unsplash.com/@othentikisra

As a writer, I've always sought new and innovative ways to enhance my writing process. Recently, I delved into the world of dictation, with mixed results.

One of the primary reasons I tried dictation was to get away from my desk while still getting my word count. Dictation can be done on the go, allowing me to create as I move. And less sitting can only be a benefit to my body and my longevity as a fiction writer. As a bonus, dictating while pacing around allows my ideas to flow more organically.

The old and new digital recorder.

I’ve been a long-time user of dictation software. I’ve dictated from my desk and on the go. When writing from my desk, I find that seeing the words (and mistakes) appear was distracting. I stopped frequently to make corrections and often typed the story again without really noticing when I switched from speaking to typing. Either way, the word count goes way up, but so do the mistakes, homophones, and just plain errors I make when speaking. This means more time editing and sooner is better because if I wait, I cannot always decipher what I meant to say.

One tip that works for me is inserting an asterisk where I know I’ve made a mistake. That allows me to search for more easily, and fix, errors. I also use this when I want a ‘re-do’ in a sentence or have to add some fact/detail that I can’t recall.

Despite these challenges, dictation brought unexpected joys to the writing process. The physical act of pacing and speaking allowed me to embody my characters more fully. It became a performance, with each sentence carrying the emotional nuances and inflections I envisioned for my characters. This newfound connection added authenticity to the dialogue, enriching the overall story.

Dictation became a powerful tool for overcoming writer's block. The freedom to move around and articulate my ideas verbally seemed to unlock creative channels that were often stifled when confined to a desk. Whether pacing in my backyard, lying in my hammock or walking along the beach, dictation provided a dynamic way to brainstorm and develop plot points, injecting vitality into my writing process.

While dictating a story presents unique challenges, the freedom of movement and the connection with characters is exhilarating. As technology continues to develop, dictation is an interesting option in the ever-expanding toolkit of a thriller writer.