Writing 101, Day Seven: Give and Take
Focus today’s post on the contrast between two things. The twist? Write the post in the form of a dialogue.
Over the nighttime clamor of the city, wisdom achingly cries out, “Seek wisdom! Though it cost all you have!”
Folly’s reply is brief and thoughtless, “It’s too hard! It’s too costly!”
“Which is more costly, to pay now or later?”, queried wisdom.
“I don’t ever have to pay”, retorted folly.
Then wisdom cried out, even louder, “Open your eyes, fool! All that is around you is temporary! What you feel is too difficult to do now, the pain of folly will make you pay in time…”
The fool did not understand and went on his way.
Over the countryside, calm and serene, wisdom called out, “Seek wisdom! Walk with God!”
“We are fine just livin’ our peaceful life. Don’t need no religion,” said the fools.
“But wisdom is the greatest peace and joy you will ever have, a treasure for those who find it!”, wisdom begged.
“Go share your message somewhere else, we don’t need it here”, the fools sarcastically whined.
Over the thorn-infested desert, wisdom persisted aloud, “Seek wisdom! Leave your sinful ways!”.
The fool retorted, “you calling me a sinner?”
Wisdom replied, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Savior.”
The fool spoke thoughtfully, “Will walking with God mean I don’t have any more difficulties? What good will wisdom do me now in this suffering?”
Wisdom gently said, “It is walking in wisdom that gives you understanding in those difficult times, and relationship with God that will sustain you. The world does not have this help in their sorrows and God longs to give it; but we must ask.”
The fool answered, “So I must ask for it? Why?”
Wisdom gently answered, “God is a Father who longs to give good gifts to his children. If anyone of you lacks wisdom, He promises to give it to him.”
The fool deliberated, pacing back and forth, chewing a piece of straw between his lips. “This makes sense. What do I have to lose?” he chided.
Wisdom reflected, “Thank you, God, there are still those who hear your still, silent voice and hear wisdom’s cry.”
While I like the dialogue here, breaking it up will give it more “Ooomph!!”
While you do have your work broken up, it should be broken up further. Each time you change speakers, give them a new paragraph. This way, it keeps things from running into each other and makes it easier for your reader to discern who is speaking (granted, you have made the distinction, but you may be able to make it more concise by giving each instance of speech a separate paragraph).
Overall, it IS an interesting back and forth between the speakers. I do believe it can be stronger, though.
Solid foundation.
Thank you – I had not thought of breaking it up that much – good idea!