Many years ago my best friend, Wayne Wright, who was one of the best writers I know, urged me to “listen in” on other peoples’ conversation in order to hone my skills as a writer whenever I had to write dialogue.  Authentic dialogue, the way people actually spoke, not the way I imagined someone would say something.  He emphasized that this was especially true when travelling abroad.

I just came across an old writing notebook with lots of scribbled “dialogue”.

Here is one of my favorites:

I must admit that NOT being FROM Philadelphia I had never heard this particular kind of speech pattern before.  I became totally caught up in the rhythm and pace of the monologue.  I don’t think I’ve ever scribbled in my notebook so fast because the speaker talked a blue streak!