Today is Wednesday and time for another story. This one tells of a writer and actor going through some of the story line. Of course this is fiction, but actually served a purpose in saving $250.00 of couch time at the feelings doctor. The video is the Hump Day Camel in a public service announcement. Still funny.
Hope you enjoy.
The Character by John W. Howell ©2014
“So who’s the character supposed to be?”
“He is a lying no good son-of-a-bitch. That’s who he is supposed to be.”
“I know, but I am trying to get a real feeling for the person here. I can’t play the character unless I feel the person. You know what I mean?”
“Yeah I know all you actors have some kind of method. Is that what you are talking about?”
“No, not really. Method is an overused term. I’m just trying to get the motivation for the part.”
“Oh like you aren’t making a ton of money? Something else?”
“Now don’t be mean. You writers think our art is so easy since we make it look easy. We take some half backed character you dream up and put real life into your cardboard cutout. We round the character with our own interpretation of behaviors.”
“Yeah I can see that. You take the limp outline which I put on paper then you add some action, scenery and color and voila, a perfect performance.”
“I think you are getting a little carried away. You sound like I am saying acting is more important than writing.”
“Aren’t you?”
“No. I’m just saying without actors the written characterizations mean nothing.”
“Okay how’s this? Your character sometimes gets into a deep depression from having to work with real idiots. He tries to work through his depression by engaging in acts of violence targeted to those who cause him to become depressed in the first place.”
“Oh I like it. A dark character. Does he wear black?”
“Yes he does and in addition, when he is stalking his prey, he puts on black skin-tight gloves.”
“Much like the ones you are putting on?”
“Yes very much like. Then he lays in wait for the fool to make an appearance.”
“Does he have a gun?”
“No, no, no, he uses a long stiletto like this one right here. He grabs the victim from behind and with one quick draw of the knife he severs the jugular and laughs as the sucker dies. Wanna see?”
“Um . . . you are making me feel uncomfortable. Maybe we should call it a day.”
“Oh yeah. Let’s call it a day. In fact, let’s just say you call it . . . and make my day.”
Fiction Favorites 
That’s one grumpy writer!
LikeLike
Well as I said saved $250 of couch time.
LikeLike
Seems somebody’s book series got a bad adaptation. I’ve had that writer vs actor argument before. With musicians too.
LikeLike
Weird. I always feel as if I have to be both. Maybe I do need couch time. A bit suicidal? I might have a case of MPD going on.
LikeLike
Well . . . for me the writing works. I spent a bunch of money only to have an effete person ask, “so how does that make you feel?” My response was always the same, “like shit.” Until one day I said, “I think we are done,” and walked out.
On Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 1:51 PM, Fiction Favorites wrote:
>
LikeLike
LOL…that’s just a sucky amateurish question. I am pretty sure that my characters enter my mind as actors on a stage and I have to describe them and their behaviors to an audience.
As to therapy. I had the same one from age 19 to age 36. Grandfatherly figure who spoke in parables and rarely asked me any questions. He studied Tibetan Buddhism. He never asked me how I felt, or gave advice. Without his help, I don’t know if I would have managed raising the three kids and completing my education at the same time. The one question he did ask when I told him that I was getting a divorce, “What in the hell took you so long?” Ha!
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
Never trust a man who wears black skin tight gloves John. A little tip I have learned over the years….
LikeLike
Thank you. Werewolf of London type.
LikeLike
Oooooooowwwww!
LikeLike