Anne Lamott's book, "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," emphasizes the importance of dialogue in storytelling. She highlights that effective dialogue goes beyond mere words; it also includes the underlying emotions and thoughts that remain unexpressed. This duality enriches conversations, making them more realistic and engaging.

Lamott's insight suggests that writers should pay attention to what characters choose to reveal and what they keep hidden. In doing so, they can create more nuanced interactions that reflect the complexities of human communication. Thus, understanding both spoken and unspoken elements is crucial for crafting authentic dialogue.