WRITING TIPS: Want to break up boring dialogue, show and not tell, stop info-dumping your setting, and sneak in character description? Check out K.M. Allen’s blog post! ~Bette A. Stevens 4writersandreaders
If you’re wondering what an action beat is, you’re not alone. Not too long ago, I didn’t know what it was either.
I’ve since learned it’s an action your character is doing while they’re talking.
Yeah, it’s not exactly an earth-shattering revelation and is something you’ve probably been writing naturally anyway, it’s just now you know there’s an actual name for it.
Not only does this writing trick have a name, it also has four good reasons why you should be working actions beats into your dialogue.
4 Reasons To Use Action Beats When Writing
1. Action Beats Break Up The Boring
When an action beat pairs with your dialogue, it breaks up the usual he said/she said monotony of dialogue tags.
Dialogue tag:
“Hi,” Jenny said.
Action beat:
“Hi.” Jenny lifted her hand, waving her fingers in Carla’s face.
Action beats will also break up long passages of dialogue, puts…
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Comments on: "4 Reasons To Use Action Beats When Writing" (40)
[…] via 4 Reasons To Use Action Beats When Writing — Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author […]
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I’ve never heard about the term before. But yeah, I do the ‘he said / she said thing a lot. Then, while I’m doing the torturous revisions and edits, I start either plucking them off or adding those ‘action beats’ whenever possible.
Great share!
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I’m with you, Jina! ❤ Have a fantastic day and happy writing, my friend…
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Thanks and likewise! and sorry for the late.
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[…] https://4writersandreaders.com/2019/05/18/4-reasons-to-use-action-beats-when-writing/ “If you’re wondering what an action beat is, you’re not alone. Not too long ago, I didn’t […]
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This is such wonderful information! Thank you for sharing this.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for your note, Kymber. A great article for writers… Happy Writing! ❤
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❤❤
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Great post to share. No, I hadn’t hear this called this ‘action beats’ before but it makes sense. Will share with my writing classes!
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First I’ve heard the term too, Pam. Love the term and the wonderful post and am delighted that you’ll be sharing too… ❤ Have an amazing week and holiday weekend! xo
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A wonderful post, Bette. Thanks for sharing it. 💕🤗💕
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Thanks, Michelle. Great tips and resources–had to share them… ❤ Hugs!
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Great article, Betty. Thanks for sharing. 😀 xo
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Thanks so much for stopping by to check out Matilda’s latest, Vashti. ❤ Have a beautiful week!
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Thank you. Enjoy the rest of the week! ❤ xo
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Great share, Bette. I prefer action beats to dialog tags. They’re versatile and can do double duty in serving a story. 🙂
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Action Beats Rock! ❤ Happy writing, Diana… xo
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Great writing tip, Bette. I didn’t know the technique had a name.
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I hadn’t heard the “action beats” before either, Rosaliene. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to join the conversations. Have a great week!
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Thanks for this share Bette. Well written.
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Thank you, Balroop. ❤ Happy Writing!
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Excellent! Thanks, Bette!
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Thanks for the visit and note, Jan! ❤ One of those #mustshare articles. Have a great week and happy writing, my friend.
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Wonderful share, Bette! Thank you.
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Thanks, Eugenia. One of those gems I had to share… ❤ Have a beautiful week!
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You’re welcome and you do the same. 😉
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Interesting, thanks for sharing , he finally posts after dealing with several typo’s .. 🙂
“If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.” Isaac Asimov
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Delightful note and quote, Larry! 🙂 Have a beautiful week and keep typing… xo
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Thanks for sharing, Bette. I hadn’t heard the term action beats before. It’s interesting though and something most writers do.
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Thanks for stopping by, Norah. ❤ Have a great week & Happy Writing! xo
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Thanks, Bette. You too! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this post & info. How interesting 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thank you, Jennifer. ❤ Sending lots of love your way…
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What a great way to introduce the article and increase our knowledge on “action beats.” Nice piece by K.M. Allan. Thank you, Bette, for sharing with us.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for you lovely note, Mary! ❤ Sending lots of love your way…
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That’s what always ruined by books — the total lack action. My characters talked, thought, but they never DID anything. If I were writing something, I’d give this a try.
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I’m with you, Marilyn–Kudos to K.M. Allan an outstanding article on writing. 🙂 Had to share and so glad you found it valuable too. ❤ Happy Writing, Reading & Blogging! xo
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Wonderful examples! Thanks for sharing, Bette. xo
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I thought so too, Jill… Had to share and so glad to stopped by to check them out. Have an awesome day & Happy Writing! ❤
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❤
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