Suddenly Seven/Stolen Pictures

[j_cheney]

OK, when a scene runs through my head, I generally type it up and file it, even if it's not what I'm currently working on. I have quite a few folders on my desktop, each of which represent a different novel set-ups. There may be a few random scenes, or over 300 pages (in one case). Anyhow, whenever I get around to seriously writing something, I can pull out those pre-recorded scenes, plunk them into place, and then smooth out the edges with a planer.

Therefore, I am suddenly now 65 pages into Devil in the Details, or just past Chapter 7. Nice to have it flow so quickly, but I'm not having any illusions about the big terrible scene that awaits me in chapter 13/14. That's going to be horrible to write. ::shivers in dread::

lisamantchev commented about thinking of characters in terms of what Hollywood actor would play them (as I know melissajm does sometimes, as well.) I really don't do that....I have a bizarre system of my own. I cut pictures out of magazines and use them. I've always done this. I have picture, articles, etc. cut out of magazines all the way back to my college days. Filed. Neatly. In portable file boxes.

This isn't just pictures of the people, BTW, I have pictures of buildings, parks, gardens, animals, clothing, rooms, furniture....anything that catches my eye. What can I say? It's a weird approach.

Comments

[theladywolf.livejournal.com]

Mm, I visualize every scene too, but I do it all in my head. Your approach seems like hard work to me. :) I also have a tendency to play out scenes in my head as if I'm watching it in a cinema or if I'm actually in it. (though I swear I don't Mary Sue)

Same happens when I read a book. I often think back and can't remember if I've seen the film or read the book.

But I do have a tendency to walk by things in shops and know I'm going to write about them some day. When that happens I bring them home and put them on the shelves in my study. It's like Ye Olde Curiosity Shope now. :)

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

I don't 'see' books like movies....and because I don't visualize, I tend to skip over physical description in things I read. The pictures really do help, because otherwise, I wouldn't ever bother to describe anything. ;o)

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Me neither-but I try to make myself do it when I'm writing, so my readers can "see."

[jjschwabach.livejournal.com]

THat's Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, not Nathan Lee :-P. He's an actor who's also Lakota, which, if you refer back to my earlier response, which, er, included his first role, should narrow it down. The character I have is 35, Dances With Wolves was about 20 years ago, which is why I went looking for current pictures last night...

but I've never done the picture thing really.

It can be carried to the extreme. I recently picked up a copy of The Princess Bride (the movie) and it had, in the extras, an interview with William Goldman, in which he admitted that when he was writing the book, he was picturing Fezik as Andre the Giant.

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think I remember him. Big grumpy guy, didn't get the girl?

[jjschwabach.livejournal.com]

Nope. He played the kid who almost gets offed by the Pawnee raiders, but survives. That's why I had him in mind -- he was about 14-15 then, and that was 20 years ago...

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Ok