Friday, February 24, 2006
It’s a Writer’s World After All
I live inside my head. Oh, I know technically everyone lives inside their head. But I have a feeling I set up camp inside the confines of my brain more than the average person. I think it’s because I’m a writer. Or maybe I’m a writer because I live inside my head. I’m not sure which.
You non-writers might be wondering what I’m talking about, so I’ll explain. My imagination runs wild. I often have films running in my head of things that already happened or things that are about to happen. My films contain people and dialogue and colors and setting.
Usually the movies in my head are unintentional, but when I’m plotting a story, these films come in very handy. I play out scenes between my characters, and when my protagonist spits out a caustic comment, I can pause long enough to concoct a snappy comeback. If the scene isn’t developing right, I can rewind it and change the direction. Yeah, we’re a weird bunch, we writers.
Living in one’s own head can present challenges, though. Even my children know to wait about ten seconds after they ask a question. It takes time to pause that film and re-focus my attention on the here and now. I used to think I must be a freak, but now I know I’m normal. For a writer.
11 Comments:
I know what you mean. I have self directed movies in my head all the time!
I had always thought I just had a problem with daydreaming until I heard that most writers "live in their head" as you say.
As far as the kids waiting a minute before you answer, my son will ask me something and I'm trying to wrap up whatever I'm processing, meanwhile he's asked me over and over like 5 or 6 times. He doesn't get it yet. ;)
So, that's what's wrong with me. LOL! This also explains why I'm always thinking up worst case scenarios, I think that has more to do with me being a suspense writer than anything.
I do exactly as you said, play through, rewind if I don't like, or fast forward to a better scene. Makes for better movie watching than anything we see on TV, or the big screen sometimes.
I thought you were on a cruise...
She IS on a cruise, Julie. She's anal though, and left a blog. LOL
LOL-- I need my husband to read this blog! I hear quite a bit... "Hello, earth to Gracie... come in Gracie"
My teachers use to write "She is in La-la land often.. but has a wonderful imagination."
Ahh, but the stories that I see!
I'm afraid Kristin is right about me being anal. Yes, I'm on a cruise, and I'm having a fabulous time!
These movies- they're for writers only? I have them too and I only pretend to be a writer on my blog. oops! Well, maybe I was meant to be a writer. Darn, I should've paid more attention in English class. Just found this site and I am really enjoying it. ;D
I was at the store today and handed the clerk a $20 bill. She drew a line across it with a special marker. I asked why. To prove it isn't counterfeit. Oh. Then I return to the counter after my groceries are in the car to ask three questions. My brain is already in story mode. She probably took my license plate # for the police.
I wish there was a way to turn it off, the constantly plotting creative mind I mean.
I am constantly saying, huh? Because someone will be talking to me and something they say reminds me of something in my story and off my mind goes only to tune in as the person is squinting at me and I know that they know I haven't heard a word.
Okay, I know I'm not the only one without the billion story ideas in my head, because I distinctly remember Brandilyn Collins saying she doesn't either. But I am so jealous of all you writers with the movies and the worst case scenarios and the whole living in your head thing. Of course, I probably walk into a lot less doors than you people!
Camy
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