When I start to edit, I have a process. One thing I like to do is take each scene, or for some of you, each chapter, and act out the characters in turn.
1) I highlight each character's actions and their lines in a different color
2) I visualize the scene in my head (what the room or area looks like)
3) I visualize what my character is wearing and holding or doing
4) Then, I direct myself as each character-- moving around and saying each line.
Why? Why is this sometimes a good idea?
When reading through your work, sometimes it's easy to miss errors. Perhaps a minor character was standing in a doorway and then he's in the attic. Perhaps he's wearing a red jumper and then he pulls a mobile from his jacket pocket. Was he wearing a jacket?
I'm not saying this works every time but you can catch many inconsistencies. When in doubt, act it out!
5 comments:
Oh, wow - that's a great idea, for the very reason you stated. I've been caught so many times for poor choreography. I'm going to implement this one for sure.
Great post!
Corra
I'm glad you liked it... I don't get up and do it on all the scenes, but I should.
ann
Interesting concept. I'd be too shy to act out. I read through - whispering to myself. Amazing though, that I sometimes catch inconsistencies only on the nth round of editing. As always, it's interesting to see how other writers 'do their thing'.
Hi Jayda. I don't act out my scenes around people. My family already think I'm nuts. But, it's a suggestion for those who want to try new editing techniques.
ann
You made me laugh out loud with that comment.
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