Writing and Method Acting
I was recently reading an excellent post on POV over at
Harry Potter for Writers and Susan mentioned the importance of diving into a character
as deep as possible which brought me to ask myself: is writing comparable to
acting?
Harry Potter for Writers and Susan mentioned the importance of diving into a character
as deep as possible which brought me to ask myself: is writing comparable to
acting?
This topic crosses my mind frequently during the writing
process. As I am writing a story, I am emerging myself into another world and becoming
a new person for each project. This journey of becoming someone new is not that
unlike the process of acting, correct? As a writer, it is key not only to
understand my character’s thoughts and motivations, but to feel them. In any
given situation, my decisions need to be based on what the character’s
perspectives are and what is true to their nature. I have to be living inside
their head. So, maybe the act of writing is like method acting in some sense.
process. As I am writing a story, I am emerging myself into another world and becoming
a new person for each project. This journey of becoming someone new is not that
unlike the process of acting, correct? As a writer, it is key not only to
understand my character’s thoughts and motivations, but to feel them. In any
given situation, my decisions need to be based on what the character’s
perspectives are and what is true to their nature. I have to be living inside
their head. So, maybe the act of writing is like method acting in some sense.
Not very familiar with method acting? Here is a definition
from wikipedia: “Method actors are
often characterized as immersing themselves in their characters to the extent
that they continue to portray them even offstage or off-camera for the duration
of a project” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting).
from wikipedia: “Method actors are
often characterized as immersing themselves in their characters to the extent
that they continue to portray them even offstage or off-camera for the duration
of a project” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting).
I recently was conveying this to someone who asked me about
my writing method. I explained that this carries over into my daily life. I’m
constantly immersed in my book world, wondering what I (as my character) will
encounter next and what will by my (the character’s) reaction. In many ways, it
is probably not healthy to be that… immersed? At the same
time, does this method of development aid in the realism or authenticity of a
project?
my writing method. I explained that this carries over into my daily life. I’m
constantly immersed in my book world, wondering what I (as my character) will
encounter next and what will by my (the character’s) reaction. In many ways, it
is probably not healthy to be that… immersed? At the same
time, does this method of development aid in the realism or authenticity of a
project?
I’m posing a lot of questions today, but that’s okay. I’m
very curious about how other writers view this comparison. Do you find that you
tend to apply a method acting type of approach to your writing? Is this a
universal writing trait, or do you or people you know avoid this approach? I
would love to know about your experiences with the process and if you consider
the comparison viable.
very curious about how other writers view this comparison. Do you find that you
tend to apply a method acting type of approach to your writing? Is this a
universal writing trait, or do you or people you know avoid this approach? I
would love to know about your experiences with the process and if you consider
the comparison viable.
On a side note, I am now writing articles for Examiner.com.
I will be focusing on health food, vegetarianism and writing reviews on those topics in the Orlando area. You will also see my original recipes frequently. If there are topics you would like me to report on, e-mail me at orlandovegetarianexaminer(at)gmail(dot)com.
Thanks guys and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
