Writing can be a tough hobby. Sometimes a writer can try for days or weeks to find that perfect scene that the story needs. Sometimes that writer will spiral into distractions in the vain hope of finding their spark. Sometimes their muse will run off with a younger, sexier version. All of that leaves the story unloved.
In those times, the writer can choose to try something different. Something basic.
Short, unplanned practice sessions that are entirely dialogue between characters. Absolutely no other detail or narrative is given. This is an experiment in dialogue, through dialogue, because dialogue is my weakness.
Inspired by the always-amazing Table for Two by KitsuneRisu. Prompted after five hours of laying awake in bed.
Featured: no. 10 (4/10/17, 4/17/17)
When I have a dialogue-heavy story or chapter to write, I start by doing exactly what you did.
I write JUST the dialogue, NOTHING else.
Then, I polish it until I think it is good enough (and, of course, delete the stuff that makes no sense).
After that I start adding small indicators of what happens between the dialogue lines before finally proceeding to write the whole damn thing.
Good advice you gave here
7090787 I do the opposite (most of the time), and it really drags me down. I try to figure out what the characters do and where they go before I worry about what they say, regardless of whether or not it's a speaking scene. And, as a result, I struggle with it for days at a time.
Thanks for dropping a line! And yes, this is good advice. I wish I had listened to it six years ago!
Maybe I should try the dialogue only approach to writing a scene. Maybe that'll help me finish writing the scenes I've been working on for some time.
Very nice. I actually want these chapters to become further stories xD
7095778 Thanks! I've been having to deal with a lot of passive-aggressive bullknockery in my life recently, so both of these argument chapters are pretty close to home. Not that I've actually injured someone or wrecked their kiosk, mind. They just came easier to me than other situations.
This is some good stuff. I never even considered just writing the dialogue before. I've actually started to try this approach myself, with your inspiration. I'd love to see more of these - the short snippets are quite fun, and it's a testament to your skill that I can perceive the setting and actions of the characters with just the dialogue. Keep it up!
7098720 That's good to hear! If you submit any of your own, let me know. I'd like to see more of dialogue-only scenes to help me get a better grasp on it.
7099576
I will, but don't get your hopes up - I doubt my writing will be anywhere near good enough for you to be gaining any insight from.
7605750 I didn't mention this in the Notes section, but there was a third thing that inspired this one: the whole situation with Blizzard and Overwatch's Tracer. I found the whole thing to be amusing, and I applaud Blizzard on how they resolved it. Also, I tend to play Tracer a lot.
8057310 Oh? Was there anything in particular that made this one stand out more? Or was it just the hats?
8063891 Awesome, I'm glad I was able to accomplish that! Since you mention it, I think that you might enjoy a story called Sunset Shimmer's Ordinary Afternoon by MythrilMoth. It has a lot more of the same vibe - a way to make 'nothing' interesting - that I was going for in this chapter. It's just a regular part of the day that I find very good. In fact, I think it's been received so well because it's relatable in the most basic way, yet it's still entertaining.
This is in no way a sponsored advert or anything; I just think you'll enjoy it, since you enjoyed this entry.
Yeah, this was probably the most entertaining one yet.
8085743 I know I just wrote it, but I like it almost as much as I like Conduct. There's something special about a serious debate where both sides don't budge! Also I've wanted to toss in Trixie for a while and this was the perfect fit.
Pretty good, I'm all for authors trying new stuff.
That last line is the best part of this one.
8113550 Ya know what? I'm gonna try and expand on this one. No promises! I still gotta fight my way through all of these other silly projects at the same time.
Okay, one's obviously Rainbow Dash...
The only idea I have for the other pony is Applejack
8169448 Fluttershy, actually. I tried to give clues involving her constant "um"-ing and her mention of feeding critters.
No, *ahem* no I'm not crying.
Seriously though, nice dialogue. I can just feel the emotions and imagine the scenery throughout the conversation. 
Who made the picture?
8388156
I did. I took a screencap from the show, cut out the unnecessary bits, made some edits and color, then put it up.
I made a sped-up video of the process, which just so happens to show an alternate cover:
You're the only one I've seen describe Spike At Your Service as "awesome".
8458519
I relate to that episode on a spiritual level. I, too, try hard to help out only to make mistakes, and I, too, am too anxious to just say 'no' so instead I'll form some over-the-top plan to get out of my obligations.
I still think the whole choking superwolf thing was dumb, but on the whole I like that episode too much. I'm the 1% there.
8741421
You know, I didn't think anyone would sound so let-down at the prospect of booze...
But then again, actual spirits from the beyond would be pretty cool. Maybe Zecora can teach Cheerilee a thing or two.