How to Write a Phone Call in a Book

Writing a phone call scene in a book can add depth and realism to your story. However, capturing the nuances of a conversation without losing your reader's attention can be tricky. In this article, we'll dive into techniques that can help you create phone call scenes that feel authentic and engaging, packed with practical tips and examples to guide you along the way.

Setting the Scene: Why Phone Calls Matter

Phone calls in literature can serve many purposes, from advancing the plot to revealing character traits. They're more than just filler. They can be the heartbeat of a scene, driving the story forward or offering insight into a character's emotions. But why do they matter so much?

First, phone calls are a common part of everyday life, so they add a layer of realism to your narrative. They can also provide a unique opportunity to showcase a character's inner thoughts and feelings in a way that face-to-face interactions might not. For instance, a character might express vulnerability over the phone that they wouldn't in person.

Moreover, phone calls can create tension and drama. Think about those scenes in thrillers where a character receives an ominous call. The voice on the other end can be used to build suspense or introduce conflict, making the reader eager to turn the page. In essence, phone calls are a versatile tool in your storytelling arsenal.

Crafting Realistic Dialogue

Dialogue is crucial in any conversation, but it takes on extra significance in phone calls since there's no body language or visual cues to rely on. Here's how you can nail it:

• Keep it Natural: People don‚Äôt speak in full sentences or perfect grammar all the time. Use contractions and throw in the occasional interruption or pause.
• Reflect the Relationship: The way characters talk to each other should reflect their relationship. Are they friends, strangers, or adversaries? This will affect their tone and word choice.
• Use Subtext: People often say one thing but mean another. Use subtext to convey hidden emotions or intentions.
• Read it Aloud: Once you‚Äôve written your dialogue, read it aloud. Does it sound like a real conversation? If not, tweak it until it does.

Here's an example of a phone call between two friends:

"Hey, it's me. Did you get my message?"
"Yeah, I did. Sorry I couldn't call back sooner."
"No worries. I just wanted to know if you're still up for the trip this weekend?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Notice how the dialogue feels natural and flows like a real conversation. The use of contractions and casual language helps achieve this.

Balancing Dialogue and Narrative

While dialogue is essential in phone calls, balancing it with narrative elements is crucial. Too much dialogue can overwhelm your reader, while too little can make the scene feel flat. Here's how you can strike the right balance:

• Include Descriptions: Describe what the character is doing while on the call. Are they pacing the room, fiddling with a pen, or staring out the window?
• Show Reactions: Let readers see how the character reacts to what's being said. Do they clench their jaw, smile, or roll their eyes?
• Use Internal Monologue: Give readers insight into the character‚Äôs thoughts. What are they thinking but not saying aloud?

Here's how you might balance dialogue and narrative:

Sarah picked up the phone, her fingers tapping nervously against the table. "Hey, it's me. Did you get my message?"
There was a pause on the other end, and Sarah could hear the faint sound of typing. "Yeah, I did. Sorry I couldn't call back sooner."
She let out a small sigh, relieved. "No worries. I just wanted to know if you're still up for the trip this weekend?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Sarah smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.

The narrative descriptions help paint a complete picture, allowing readers to visualize the scene and understand Sarah's emotional state.

Managing the Flow of Conversation

Phone conversations can sometimes feel disjointed, especially when characters are interrupted or distracted. Managing the flow of conversation is key to maintaining clarity and coherence. Here's how to keep things smooth:

• Use Transitions: Transition words and phrases can help guide the reader through the conversation. Words like "anyway," "so," and "by the way" can signal shifts in topic.
• Handle Interruptions: If a character is interrupted, make it clear who's speaking. Use tags like "she cut him off" or "he interrupted" to maintain clarity.
• Keep Track of Speakers: In lengthy conversations, it's easy for readers to lose track of who's speaking. Use dialogue tags or character actions to remind them.

Consider this example where the flow is managed effectively:

"Did you hear about the new project?" Mark asked, his voice crackling over the line.
"No, I haven't," Lisa replied, glancing at the clock. "What's it about?"
"Well, it's—"
Her phone beeped, indicating another call. "Hold on, Mark," she interrupted, switching lines.
"Hey, Lisa, it's Tom. Do you have a minute?"
"Tom, I'm in the middle of something. Can I call you back?"
"Sure, no problem."
Lisa returned to the other call. "Sorry about that, Mark. What were you saying?"

The dialogue tags and transitions help guide the reader through the conversation, making it easy to follow despite the interruption.

Creating Tension and Suspense

Phone calls are a great tool for building tension, especially when characters are receiving critical or unexpected information. Here's how you can use them to create suspense:

• Use Short Sentences: Short, punchy sentences can convey urgency and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• Include Pauses: Pauses or hesitations can heighten tension, making readers wonder what will happen next.
• Introduce New Information: Use phone calls to reveal plot twists or introduce new conflicts.

Here's an example of a suspenseful phone call:

"Hello?" Jane's voice was barely a whisper.
"Jane, it's me. You need to listen carefully," the voice on the other end said, urgency evident.
"What is it?"
"There's no time to explain. You have to get out of there. Now."
Jane’s heart raced. "What do you mean? Why?"
"Just trust me. I'll explain everything later."

The short sentences and lack of detailed explanations create a sense of urgency, pulling the reader into the scene.

Using Technology as a Plot Device

Incorporating technology into phone calls can add layers to your narrative. Whether it's a dropped call, a poor connection, or a voicemail, these elements can influence the conversation and the story. Here's how you can use technology to your advantage:

• Dropped Calls: A dropped call can create suspense or cause misunderstandings. It can also serve as a plot device to delay important information.
• Voicemail: A voicemail can reveal a character's true feelings or intentions, especially if they didn't intend for anyone to hear it.
• Caller ID: Seeing a caller's name or number can elicit immediate emotional responses, setting the tone for the conversation.

Consider this scene where technology plays a role:

The phone buzzed on the table, "Unknown Caller" flashing on the screen. Anna hesitated before picking it up.
"Hello?"
"Anna, we need to talk," said a familiar voice.
The line crackled, and suddenly, the call dropped. Anna stared at the phone, her mind racing with possibilities.

The dropped call adds an element of mystery, leaving both Anna and the reader wondering what the caller wanted to say.

Choosing the Right Format

When writing a phone call scene, choosing the right format is essential for readability. Here are some common approaches:

• Dialogue Format: This is the most straightforward approach, using dialogue tags to indicate speakers.
• Script Format: This format resembles a script, with character names in all caps followed by their lines. It's useful for scenes with rapid back-and-forth dialogue.
• Mixed Format: Combine dialogue with narrative descriptions to provide context and emotional depth.

Here's an example of a script format:

MARK: Did you hear about the new project?
LISA: No, I haven't. What's it about?
MARK: Well, it's—
LISA: Hold on, Mark. I'm getting another call.

This format is clean and easy to follow, especially for fast-paced conversations.

Editing and Polishing Your Scene

Once you've written your phone call scene, it's time to polish it. Here are some tips for editing:

• Cut Unnecessary Dialogue: Trim any dialogue that doesn't move the story forward or reveal something about the characters.
• Smooth Transitions: Ensure your transitions between dialogue and narrative are seamless and natural.
• Check for Clarity: Make sure it's clear who's speaking at all times. Use dialogue tags or character actions to clarify.

If you're looking to streamline this process, you might find Spell helpful. Our AI editor can assist you in editing and refining your scenes, making the process faster and easier.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any writing skill, crafting phone call scenes takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't feel quite right. Keep experimenting with different techniques and formats until you find what works for you.

One way to practice is by taking notes on real-life conversations. Pay attention to how people speak, the pauses they take, and the words they choose. This can help you develop an ear for natural dialogue, which will improve your writing over time.

Additionally, consider using Spell to generate first drafts quickly. This AI-powered tool can help you get your ideas down on paper, allowing you to focus on refining and perfecting your scenes.

Final Thoughts

Writing phone calls in a book can be a dynamic way to enrich your story and reveal character depth. By balancing dialogue with narrative, managing the flow, and incorporating elements like tension and technology, you can create scenes that captivate your readers. For those looking to speed up the writing process, Spell offers a seamless way to draft and polish your work with AI assistance.