Writers, actors, directors and so much more
November 24th, 2009 by Edie Ramer
One of my favorite writers, Leanna Renee Hieber, author of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, spoke at our chapter on Saturday on using theatrical techniques for a blockbuster book. The workshop was fabulous, and so is Leanna. As she spoke, I got a few breakthrough moments, and scribbled them down. Now I’m wondering what I meant by this note:
You’re in character. Grow a pair.
I’m guessing this means I’m deep in the mind and emotions of my character during their scene, whether they’re male or female. Emotionally and mentally, I’m acting out their stories.
This was what Leanna was telling us. When we’re writing, if we’re doing the job right, we’re Actors. But we’re not just one actor. We’re the entire cast. 
As we write, we hop into other characters’ minds in order to know their actions and reactions. Though the scene unfolds through the POV character’s eyes, we still have to stay true to the other characters. (No wonder writers have reputations for being eccentric.)
We’re also the Director, the editor in our minds that tells us this is the time for introspection, action, dialogue. That the character wouldn’t do that clever scene we’d plotted. And step up the pace, will you? Or maybe you’re going too fast and need to throw in emotion. Even guys have feelings. Sometimes.
Cinematographer. The photographer who shoots the movie. What are you going to show the reader? The sorrow or joy crossing the characters’ faces? Icicles hanging from gutters? Vultures or robins? Trees or concrete? That’s all your decision.
And then you’re done with the book. You send out queries. Enter contests. You think of a one-line pitch. Or you’ve already sold the book, and you have a brand. You do all this because you’re a Marketing Director.
If you’ve been feeling tired, now you know why. Too many jobs!
Leanna also mentioned that our main characters should change during the book. I knew how my hero will change, but wondered about my heroine. She’s a strong woman. Confident. Why does a strong woman need to change?
Then I got it. She’s strong because she’s had to be strong. She doesn’t trust anyone — certainly not a man. But by the end of the book, she learns to trust the hero.
Think of your main characters. Do you know how they’ll change?
26 Responses to “Writers, actors, directors and so much more”
Love this one, Edie. Wish I could have attended with you.
There’s an author I know personally who writes/wrote historical fiction, and she uses the technique described in your blog. Before becoming published, she worked in theatre and that eked into her writing technique. She now directs Shakespearean plays – I think her publisher downsized her genre.
Anyway, I’m going to keep this particular blog as a study guide. It’s SO COOL!
Good morning Edie,
I took a lot from that meeting on Saturday. Yesterday I wrote 7 pages using these techniques and I’m really pleased with how they turned out. Today I’m going to read back through them, add some more details and then move along. Thankfully, I know how both my hero and heroine will change. It’s getting them there that’s become a bit of a challenge.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Elle
Kath, I suggested to Leanna that she consider an online class. If she does, I’ll let you know. I’m the 4th group member who blogged about Saturday’s meeting, so you can see she made a big impression.
Elle, good morning! I’m jealous of your 7 pages. I looked at my notes yesterday, and that’s all I did. Today I’m grocery shopping, with a stop at the library and Target, and I’m not sure how much writing I’ll get done.
Hey Edie, fabulous blog, girl!
Yep, this method is familiar to me, but I didn’t have a clue till I read your blog! My characters are as real to me as I am, and from there we work together to make story happen. A team.
I’m with you on the grocery shopping, etc. Busy, busy week! I’ll be mulling my story around as I clean and bake for the big day.
LaD, I forgot to add “dog walking” to the list of things to do. I’d better do it this morning before I shop. It’s supposed to rain later on.
Have fun baking! (I won’t add “cleaning,” because that’s never fun for me.)
Edie,
What is marvelous about Saturday’s presentation is each of us came away with something special and a bit different from Leanna’s presentation.
As for characters changing? My books not matter what genre they might be is all about the characters metamorphosis. They might be fine to begin with but something pushes them forward into new and better realms of understanding and wisdom.
They might be fine to begin with but something pushes them forward into new and better realms of understanding and wisdom.
Mary Jo, that’s perfect! I knew how my heroine’s life will change externally, but not internally. Except that she would be happier.
I love this list! I wish I could have heard Leanna’s talk–I’m jealous!
I hope you and all the ladies at Magical have a great Thanksgiving!
Edie, I’m dragging after reading that.
I guess I never knew just how much I had on my plate. But you are so right–we do all of that. (and more!)
I do know how my characters will change in this book. The interesting thing, for this WIP, is how they will change in the next. I’m planning on this being an ongoing series with the same hero/hero, and ideally each step would bring about a step in a new direction.
The characters not changing/growing has been a major complaint of several on-going series. I want to avoid that pitfall.
Edie, this sounds like it was a fabulous presentation! I’ve heard of Leanna’s first book and was intrigued by the title. I’m even more curious about it now and will add it to my TBR pile.
Re: characters changing — I’m not sure where I first read or heard this, but I remember being told that the protagonist(s) must go through one 180-degree change on something by the end of the book. That one belief she’d clung to tenaciously at the start of the story, she had to let go of by the end of it. I’ve found that really helpful for me to keep in mind as I’m plotting…
Cindy, there was much more that she told us. It was a great presentation. You have a wonderful holiday, too!
Theresa, I’m hoping mine will be a series, too. But I can’t think that far ahead to the next book. Good for you for already planning that.
Marilyn, this is the first time I heard of the “180 degree change,” and I like it. That specific number does hone our minds into what the characters need to change.
I think you’ll love Leanna’s book. On Barbara Vey’s PW blog, readers chose it as one of the top ten books of 2009.
Edie, YES! Let me know if she conducts a class (online).
Kath, I’ll remember that. I hope. lol
One thing about being in the WF group is that Margaret Marr is posting all the classes on the loop.
Yep — Leanna’s presentation was terrific and you outlined her steps beautifully, Edie. When likened to a theater/movie presentation, writing does make a lot of sense. Authors wear so many hats its little wonder we’re exhausted all the time.
I did take a couple of photos of Leanna and Mary Jo’s book signing at Waldens after the meeting and will download them if I get a chance tonight.
Liz, that’s great! I’m looking forward to the pics.
What a cool way of looking at a book! I often find myself saying lines out loud, without realizing i’m doing it, or making faces in reaction to what my characters say. lol. It’s fine if i’m alone, a bit crazy looking when others are around.
Hey Edie!!! Just wanted to drop by and say hi!
This is a very cool post. And it does make complete sense. You are basically everyone all rolled into one person. Great post!!! I am book marking this post!! Hope you are having a great night and a wonderful tomorrow!
great post as usual, edie! i discover my characters mostly as they discover themselves. i mean i know before i begin a story who they are and what they want, but their layers unravel as i write them, so, no, i don’t know how they change until i write it.
Lori, it’s almost play, isn’t it? No wonder we keep writing, despite all the bad stuff about the profession. It’s fun making stuff up and wearing all the hats.
Cecile, thanks for stopping in. We already knew we have multiple people inside us. Now we know we have multiple personalities, too.
Karin, I’m the same way to an extent. Right now I’m about a third of the way through, and I kind of know where I’m going, enough so I can see the characters’ changes.
Edie, I am jealous, too! I know how my heroine in my current WIP will change, still working on my hero
.
Michelle, you always get it right. I’m not worried about you. lol
I only got mine recently. When I started the book, I was a bit worried that I only had the beginning of the plot and the character arc. But I have confidence now that I’ll find out those things as I write. And I did! Sometimes I think my subconscious gives this information to me on a need-to-know basis.