Movie Star!
A couple of years ago, my husband and I took a trip to the elephant park in Koh Samui, Thailand. When our tour guide showed up, she exclaimed, “Oh! You a movie star!”
I’m not sure who she mistook me for, but she was determined I was some famous celebrity. Hardly! I tried to explain to her that she was mistaken, but my husband wasn’t helping AT ALL. He only nodded to the lady, saying, “Yes, but don’t tell anyone.”
Oh the stinker!
No matter what I said, my tour guide would just winked and give me her ‘it’s our little secret’ smile. She spread the news to the rest of the staff there. I was succumbed to numerous pictures and stares. A guy even took my picture from a bush! Embarrassing! My husband had a good laugh, but I’m afraid all that guy got was a frowning picture.
This story makes me think of myself as a writer. Am I a movie star in my writing? Are my manuscripts sparkling with stardom?
The thing is, to be a movie star, you need confidence. And confidence in who I am as a writer has a big part in creating my Voice and Tone in my stories. So how can I become a Movie Star in my writing?
Here’s a list I came up with:
1. Put my characters on the stage and get them acting. (Show, don’t tell.)
2. Make those characters lines shine. (Every character’s speech should be distinctive)
3. Play up my character’s mannerisms. (What actions, sayings or details make my character special?)
4. Stage make-up (Pay attention to grammar and format)
5. Stage props (Set the tone by my setting)
6. Spotlight (Focus my chapters so they move the plot forward)
7. Get over stage fright (Be myself as I write. Don’t think about anything other than my characters and my story)
So maybe we’re not Hollywood celebrities. But by using these tips, I know we can make our manuscripts into MOVIE STAR! material.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are great tips, thanks!
*clapping* What a fun story and great tips. Can I get your autograph? I’ll be our little secret.
LOL, that’s exactly what my husband would’ve done too. Meanwhile, I’d better get focused on your tip #7!
So love the cartoon Debbie.
Carmella- you are halarious
Kate- you are a star girl!
Excellent post! I might add the stage make-up could also have to do with description and mannerisms of ones characters.
Funny story! I love how your husband just played it up!
You (and your manuscript) are stars! Fun post!
Nice post! Fun way of looking at it.
Thanks for the great tips!
I especially like tip #7. Abandoning self-consciousness is essential to writing with true voice.