Some hints on characterisation and dialogue Getting the people in your writing to seem alive can sometimes be a tricky task. Think of people you know and adapt them. For physical descriptions also think of friends, family, acquaintances or even photographs you have seen and remembered. That way you don't lose track. Make fullest use of dialogue in quotes.
Folks often skip text but never quotes or letters.
When you've written a piece of dialogue, read it out loud to yourself. You'll be amazed how much you might have to change to bring it to life. Can I suggest you read everything you write a couple of times and throw out every unnecessary word or descriptive passage which might be considered padding. This should be tattooed on every writer's pen hand. Remember the importance of open-ended hints and subplots as you go along.