I have fallen in love with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (specifically Phryne and Jack) and I love seeing a picture of a country and a time that is very unfamiliar to this American--it is truly a study in sociology and anthropology. For instance, I had no clue communism and socialism were so popular in Australia after the First World War.
But of course, the writer in me is drawn first and foremost to the dialogue. Sparkling and dynamic--a success attributed to the writers and the actors delivering the lines--it is a true tour de force! I'm sad I hadn't heard about this show earlier.
To celebrate such delicious dialogue and striking ripostes, I've created a top ten list of my favorites!
But my number one favorite riposte from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries? "If a tree falls in the forest...." "You are very likely somewhere close by wielding the axe!" 😂 Its delivery is so delicious, but the words in the exchange are what truly delight my writer soul.
Why? It links back to a presentation by Karen Witemeyer to my ACFW chapter on writing deep point of view. She encouraged us to circumvent clichés by personalizing them for the character rather than writing them as they're known. EX: "It was hot enough to melt butter." became for my latest character (an Army CID officer) something like "... to melt an MRE in a Humvee on the streets of Basra".
This tweaking of the forest-falling tree adage follows exactly that directive. Twisting the old saying into something new, snappy, and completely reflecting each character's personality (both the speaker's and the hearer's).
Bravo to the writers for the masterclass example! And yes, I geek out on writing craft. 😂🤓
