Method acting is usually thought of as the technique of using your thoughts, feelings, and experiences tomake a character. In essence, you become the type of person you would be if you had gone through or done the things your character had.

But you should instead become the character, a person unto itself, seperatefrom your own identity. That is traditional acting, and I beleve that is how writing should be approached.

But that’s my opinion.

Excellent article! Really had me thinking, which is always useful. Have a great day!

I’m a huge fan of acting out your words. I tell my students to read their words aloud, especially if the writing is for a screenplay, because obviously the text has to scan when spoken rather than read.

In fact even if the dialogue is not for a spoken word piece I tend to act out the words. In fact I IMPROVISE the words, as if the characters are talking. I shut myself into my office where I won’t be disturbed (advisable to avoid encounters with men in white coats) and act out conversations with the characters.

You know what the creepy thing is? I know a little about them when I start but I know lots more about them when we finish chatting. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But you need to give your characters a life of their own.

Where do these voices come from? The subconscious, the source of all your creativity. Unlocking the subconscious is one of my favourite subjects! Swing by and join me on my blog some time.

Once again, thanks for the post, very thought provoking.