Dialogue vs. Paragraphs - Which one do you prefer?

[Bridgette C 2]

I prefer both but dialogue seems better

[hayisa]

It mostly depends on the style of the author and the genre. There are some authors that could portray action better in dialogue while some vice versa. However, personally speaking, I'd like paragraphs because I've always been into describing and it gives the type of serenity I want in a book.

[Brittany Tatman]

For me, dialogue is always better than long paragraphs. The risk with long paragraphs comes from some writers' tendencies to be wordy. Dialogue provides the opportunity to do 2 things at once: to provide meaningful information in the context of the characters who are living out this situation, and to provide an opportunity for character development. Long paragraphs are easy, and oftentimes (though not all) a sign of laziness on the writer's part.