July – Dialogue & Voice Challenge

June 30, 2026

Scriptwriters Network

40th Anniversary Celebration

12 Months • 12 Ways We Give Back

As Scriptwriters Network celebrates 40 years of supporting writers, we’re giving back to the creative community with monthly opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen your craft.

Each month throughout 2026 highlights a different aspect of storytelling while encouraging writers to build skills they can apply to every screenplay, television script, or story they create.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

July 40th Anniversary Giveaway

Dialogue & Voice Challenge

Great dialogue does far more than move a story forward—it reveals character, creates conflict, and gives every character a voice that feels authentic and memorable.

After spending June developing compelling characters, July focuses on bringing those characters to life through dialogue.

As part of our 40th Anniversary – 12 Months • 12 Ways We Give Back initiative, this month’s challenge encourages writers to strengthen one of the most important—and often overlooked—elements of storytelling: character voice.

The Challenge

Participants are invited to submit one original dialogue scene or conversation (up to 1,000 words) that demonstrates strong character voice and meaningful interaction.

Submissions may be written in standard screenplay format (encouraged) or in a general narrative format.

Focus Areas

Writers are encouraged to concentrate on:

Distinct character voices
Subtext
Conflict
Character goals
Emotional impact

What Makes Great Dialogue?

Strong dialogue should:

Sound natural while remaining purposeful
Reveal character rather than explain information
Create tension or conflict
Allow each character to have a unique voice
Leave the reader wanting to know what happens next

Remember…

People rarely say exactly what they mean.

Great dialogue often comes from what characters avoid saying.

Optional Creative Approaches (Optional)

Writers looking for an additional creative challenge may choose one of the following:

Dialogue Only
- Write using only dialogue with no action lines or descriptions.
Two Voices, One Goal
- Create a conversation where two characters want the same outcome but pursue it in completely different ways.
The Unsaid
- Build a scene around what the characters refuse—or are unable—to say.
Opposing Objectives
- Write a conversation where each character wants something entirely different.
Character Reveal
- Use dialogue to reveal a secret, fear, flaw, or unexpected truth.

These approaches are optional and are intended to inspire creativity. Writers may choose any style that best fits their story.

Who Can Participate

This challenge is open to all writers, regardless of experience.

Whether you’re writing your first screenplay or your fiftieth, developing stronger dialogue will strengthen every story you tell.

How to Enter

Please submit your entry via email to:

info@scriptwritersnetwork.org

Subject Line:

July Dialogue Submission

Please include:

Your full name
Title of your submission
Paste your submission directly into the body of your email. Attachments will not be reviewed.

Submission Guidelines:

One submission per participant
Maximum 1,000 words
Original work only
Screenplay format encouraged but not required
Please proofread your submission for spelling and grammar before sending

Entry Deadline

All submissions must be received between:

July 1 – July 31, 2026

Prizes

Winners will receive:

🎁 One-Year Scriptwriters Network Membership

🎁 One-Hour Script Consultation with SWN President Melessa Y. Sargent

🎁 Featured Writer Spotlight in the Scriptwriters Network Newsletter

*In addition to the Grand Prize winner, selected Honorable Mentions may be featured on Scriptwriters Network social media and in the SWN newsletter.

Why This Matters

Every memorable screenplay contains memorable dialogue.

By focusing on character voice, writers learn how to create conversations that reveal emotion, deepen relationships, and move stories forward without relying on exposition.

Strong dialogue transforms good characters into unforgettable ones.

Winner(s) & Featured Spotlight

Submissions will be reviewed after the close of the challenge.

The winner will be contacted and announced during the first week of August 2026.

Celebrating 40 Years of Writers Supporting Writers

Throughout 2026, Scriptwriters Network continues celebrating its 40th Anniversary with monthly challenges, educational opportunities, giveaways, and special events designed to support writers at every stage of their creative journey.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate four decades of storytelling, mentorship, and community.

*Invite another writer to participate and celebrate 40 years of Scriptwriters Network together.