Mar 28, 2010

These Our Actors

Alright. So, it's a Sunday night, and I decided to throw up a post. A sort of break from writing, I suppose. Anyway, it's short...Something I just thought of.

Be an actor.




No, really. 

A few hours ago I realized exactly how necessary it is to get inside the skin of my characters while I'm writing them. I can't stop thinking in their heads, or hearing their voices in my ears--even for one second. Why? I can't make a character real if they aren't real to me. I think the most important thing earlier was to quit writing for a little while, close my eyes, and picture my character doing something. I closed my eyes for a whole fifteen minutes. I studied everything bout my MC and how she interacted with the possible love interest. I re-briefed myself in her shape, movement, and mannerisms. Then, I opened my eyes and started writing.

Man, was I on fire.

And, you know what else? I had to re-write an entire argument because I realized she caved way too easily. Totally out of character for a stubborn con artist.

2 comments:

Kara said...

I love the new layout!

Theresa Milstein said...

I get the exact same way about my characters. I have to see them - how they interact - their mannerisms - movement, think their thoughts, and know their motivations. They (almost) become real to me.