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

[rcloenen-ruiz.livejournal.com]

I don't think this is a weird approach. I think it's quite a good approach. I probably should do something like that. Most of my visualization tends to take place inside my head...probably because I'm too lazy to do the cutting out stuff.

Hmmm...I think I shall post further about this on my lj, as I seem to be writing a longer post than I intended to. But, just for the record. I don't think it's weird.

[stinabat.livejournal.com]

not odd at all. i do both. some characters i can't help but see as certain actors -- right down to the voice. however, there is one particular character that is specifically patterned after an image i saw on a photographer's portfolio. i think the portrait is of her brother. as for setting, i collect images online all the time. sometimes they're out of period films. sometimes antique store catalogs. anything that helps. and that's the answer. don't fuss over it. it works for you and that's all that counts.

[keesa-renee.livejournal.com]

Mmmm...I, on the other hand, have never been one to think visually, at least not to that extent. I tend to think (and write) more in emotions and minds/inner lives and the-way-I-feel-when-I'm-around-this-kind-of-person...I probably couldn't physically describe any of my characters, as far as hair color, eye color, nose shape, etc., goes, let alone base them on a specific actor. I think I'm the one who's weird in that way, though, not you, because a lot of people tell me that they do build their characters around images or actors.

[jtglover.livejournal.com]

The American collage/assemblage artist Joseph Cornell kept a whole house full of miscellaneous stuff, from baby doll limbs to little wooden containers. It all went together into the stew, and it resulted in some amazing art. Why not with writing? :)

I have Teh Oodles of Written Bits floating around too, though I'm rarely able to plunk a scene down in a story. Often times I'll come back to something later and find I already have reused it in some way, or that I'm finally (two years later) ready to start it.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Not that weird! Somewhere in my house is a manila envelope full of clippings of people who look like Cantrips. ;)

(Actually, the Malak/David Tennant thing is the first time that I've seen one actor fit a character so perfectly. That's why it's neat. ;))

[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. :)