In her book "I Give You My Body . . .": How I Write Sex Scenes, author Diana Gabaldon emphasizes the importance of purposeful dialogue in storytelling. She advises writers to ensure that characters engage in conversation only when there is meaningful content to convey. This approach helps maintain the story's rhythm and keeps the audience engaged by avoiding unnecessary chatter that does not advance the plot or character development.
By focusing on significant dialogue, Gabaldon encourages writers to think critically about what characters say and why. This technique not only enriches the narrative but also deepens the readers' connection to the characters, making their interactions more impactful and relevant to the overall story arc. As such, meaningful dialogue can serve as a tool for character exploration and plot progression, enhancing the overall reading experience.