I practice something that I pretentiously call "method writing".
If I know I'm going to write an action sequence, I'll excite myself (no sniggering at the back). If I'm writing something filled with pathos and poignancy, as I currently am, I get myself in that mood.
The way I do that is my iPod. If I'm going to be writing an action sequence, it's Rage Against The Machine or Nirvana through the day until I'm "in the zone". You get the idea.
So, I'm sat at work listening to "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" by Tom Waits and "Verdi Cries" by 10,000 Maniacs. This, unfortunately, also means that I'm reducing myself to a gibbering wreck, surrounded by blokes. I hope they don't notice.
But, personally, getting myself in this kind of state means that I produce thoughts and ideas that I wouldn't have if I was just sat at the laptop thinking "Right, I need to make this scene touching". I'm starting to feel the melancholy that my characters are feeling. And that's going to produce a more realistic scene, I think.
It also means that I'm going to be wistfully drifting around the house, full of ennui, all weekend and annoying the Better Half.
Does anyone else do this, or am I odd?
Friday 30 January 2009
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You are odd.
ReplyDeleteBut I do something similar. It generally involves a lot of studied mulling, occasionally with music. Late last night I was jumping about the dining room to Prince's 1984 classic Baby You're A Star, which seemed to do the job re the writing.
I'm just glad we've clarified my oddness!
ReplyDeleteAnd I've just discovered the album "Whiskey Tango Ghosts" by Tanya Donnelly that has been sat on my iPod for months unlisteneded. It's helping with the melancholy!