"What comes easiest for me is dialogue. Sometimes when my characters are speaking to me, I have to slow them down so that I'm not simply taking dictation"

In this quote by Richard Russo, the author sheds light on his creative procedure, especially emphasizing the ease with which he crafts dialogue. Russo suggests that for him, the act of writing discussion is practically instinctual or natural. He describes a vivid scenario where his characters interact with him so with complete confidence and rapidly that he likens his role to that of a scribe, merely taking down their words as if he were transcribing a genuine conversation.

This ease with discussion might stem from Russo's deep understanding and connection with his characters. It's as if the characters live independently in his creativity, each with an unique voice and character that urgently demands expression. The suggestion that he requires to "slow them down" suggests that these characters and their discussions are so well-realized that they might potentially overwhelm the story or exceed the other aspects of storytelling, such as plot or description.

Russo's process shows a typical experience among writers, where specific elements of storytelling come more naturally than others. For Russo, dialogue functions as a gateway to character development and a tool for advancing the plot and exposing social dynamics. This ability might likewise show his severe observation abilities and deep empathy, enabling him to simulate genuine human interactions.

The metaphor of "taking dictation" elevates his dialogue-writing process from simple craft to something almost mystical, recommending a symbiotic relationship between the author and his fictional creations. It implies that these characters are not simply inventions of creativity however possess a semblance of autonomy and life, speaking through Russo with seriousness and clarity.

Overall, this quote exposes both the gift and challenge inherent in composing: while discussion flows naturally for Russo, the task then becomes harnessing this flow to serve the wider narrative purpose, ensuring that character interactions complement and improve the story's development.