The correct reason is to avoid becoming repetitive to the eye and ear. When a writer varies the length of dialogue, it creates a more dynamic and engaging reading experience. Long dialogues can convey deep emotions or complex ideas, while short exchanges can create a sense of urgency or tension. If every line of dialogue were the same length, it could feel monotonous or predictable.
For example:
Long Dialogue: "Listen, I know things have been tough lately. We've had our disagreements, and it's been hard trying to find common ground. But I truly believe that if we sit down and talk this out, we can come to an understanding. It's important to me that we don't let this situation fester. I value our friendship too much to let it dissolve over misunderstandings."
Short Dialogue: "Can we talk?" "About what?" "Us."
In this example, the longer passage offers depth and emotion, while the shorter exchange creates a sense of immediate urgency and tension. By varying dialogue length, Gia ensures that her writing captures the nuance of conversations more effectively and keeps readers engaged.