fyeahwriterleopard:

(Submitted by courtvents)

Definitely guilty of the first part.  I’ve caught myself getting too deeply into my characters’ heads at times, especially when I’m writing extremely emotional scenes.  It’s actually affected my moods in real life. It frustrates most of my family when this happens because they just don’t understand how it can affect me on such a visceral level.  Many times, I don’t even try to explain why my mood is so poor.  I’ve tried in the past, and they just don’t get it.

They aren’t writers.  They can’t see into my head.

When writing characters, especially dialogue and interaction, I often employ mental processes similar to actors who employ “method acting” techniques, specifically the Stanislavski System.

In order to make the dialogue and reactions of the characters more realistic, I attempt to put myself in their positions and figure out, given the circumstances, how I myself would react if I were them.

Though this technique works really well for me, I can honestly say that it’s not something for every writer.

Believe me… Employing this technique while writing certain chapters of “Confidence Lost” was extremely painful emotionally.  Those of you who have read that story will know exactly which chapters I’m talking about.

I’m actually facing a similar dilemma as I work on “Mockingbirds & Butterflies”.

Sometimes I worry about how deeply I get into my own head.

Sometimes I worry that if I go too deep, I might not be able to get out again….