I have depressing scenes to write and I just can’t get in that mind frame for expressing it well.
Which got me thinking—do you have to be in the appropriate mood to truly feel and describe the depth of experience of your characters?
I don’t mean that you have to be experiencing depression to write a melancholy scene, but I don’t think you can go take your kids to the playground, have a picnic, put them to bed with hugs and kisses and then sit down to write a tear-jerker. I will at least need a rainy, grey day to even attempt to feel these scenes.
Is the same true of romantic scenes or joyful scenes? Is it possible to write these moods well when you are feeling quite the opposite in life? Or is it a sign of a talented writer who can flip a switch to their brain and immediately commiserate with their imagined character?
I can only think of method actors who are famous for staying in character the entire duration of a film. Or actors that have to pull something up within themselves, an empathetic cord from their past, that can bring them into the character’s mind. Sometimes, I have to pretend to be one with my character. I have to become a physical medium for my invisible character to communicate through—allowing them to use my mind, my hands, and most importantly, my voice.
I do rely on music to help me transition from a beautiful day to grey one. This is my tool for reaching any feelings I need to muster for my writing. I set a sad song on repeat and hope that it permeates and brings me to a depressing place to write.
Lately this one has been working:
Mad World by Gary Jules
So, do you wait for a certain mood to write with your character? If not, what method works for you? Does it always work?
laurenwaters 
The music makes a big difference but when I had to write a death scene I had to think that person in my life died in order to get it right. Morbid, I know but it worked. As for romantic scenes. I have heard of many authors writing while falling in love and when it went sour they changed the endings of their books instead of a happy ending. Just imagine Scarlett and Rhett living happily ever after!? What a different story that would have been. Would it still be such a big book if Rhett never left?
I think everyone wished Rhett would turn around and come back, but it did make a much more dramatic ending. I think writing is a lot like acting where you really have to try to be that character as you write or it won’t come off as authentic. You have to dive in completely.
Interesting post. I’m not sure of the answer, to be honest. It’s hard enough actually sitting down to write anything, let alone getting in the mood for the specifics of the scene I might be writing.
I like Tom Waites’ answer to that kind of question: To write about a murderer, you don’t have to out and committ murder first.
Great quote, Ken!
I actually love this song! 🙂 I sometimes play music or watch a movie to inspire me about a character or a scene. Good luck –I hope inspiration finds you!
Music certainly makes a difference with writing. I find hot, sunny afternoons almost always hinder me from writing alltogether since I usually write darker stuff. If I am writing on such a day, a darker song always sets the mood straight if I just can’t get into a certain frame of mind. Mad World is definitely a good song to get one into a more melancholic mood.
I like your comparison to an actor. It truly helps when a writer can get right into character with the people in their stories. I can do this easier when my life isn’t going in all kinds of directions. If it is, music is the drug. 🙂
I think writing is a lot like acting. To get into the minds of character and write down what they would say and do, you have to be. I think what works for me is acting like I’m that character. What are they thinking? What would they never do? I also like conjuring up painful memories or really happy ones to help me express the character’s feelings. I think this helps give the story authenticity.
Most of all, I think it just takes time to get into the right mood. You’re right. You can’t just put the kids to bed and write a tear jerker. Maybe sitting there for a few minutes, on your own, imagining the scene, and connecting it to the feelings you already know? Thought-provoking post.
Great post! I agree with yeseniavargas. I usually will read over the last chapter I was working to refresh what I was about to write in the next. I also add music, especially if I’m writing something new. I just dig deep and try to find the feelings that would be similar to something I experience…I’ve not noticed having a difficult time changing from a happy moment to writing a tear-jerking scene…Sometimes I get the nuts and bolts of the scene down and then add the emotion…it kind of varies. also, I noticed if I’m consistent in my writing and in the story on a regular basis, it flows better when it comes to the scenes I’m writing. Hope you find what works for you!
Hey love Mad World. Ever hear the Tears for Fears original? Kinda dancy. remake is much better. I totally don’t go for music when I’m writing, only when I’m thinking about ideas. On the theme of Mad World, check out the movie Donnie Darko. If the scene where this song plays in the movie doesn’t movie you to want to write great things, I dunno what will. It’s awesome.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Trent. I had no idea that wasn’t the original. I like Gary Jules version so much better. Where was I when Donnie Darko came out? I don’t even remember it! Sounds like a great movie and I’ll have to search for it at once. Thanks for letting me know about it.
No problem, it’s one of my favorites.
Have you ever seen Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind? From reading about the vibe of Donnie Darko I thought you’d probably like it. That’s one of my favorites.
Seen it, and loved it. Donnie Darko is a bit more mysterious, less about yearning. It is sort of a perfect movie for me. Hang a bit, I will do a quick review about it.
Great! I look forward to it.