It's not easy to read someone else's words (unless you're a proper actor, of course); nor is it easy to hear someone else read yours. In the introduction to Nine Lives, my book of monologues, I invite people to perform them wherever they like and say: 'You will see I have included a note with each to describe the person I had in mind as I wrote the story; but if you hear a different voice, that's fine with me.' As it turns out, I find it quite hard to sit and watch someone perform as one of 'my' characters in the 'wrong' voice!
What do you think? Have you ever had your words performed by someone else? If so, how did it feel? Do you guard your characters jealously?
*... or be silent (Dionysius of Halicarnassus)
Interesting question. I've never had the opportunity for someone else to perform my fictional prose, so I can't adequately answer. I have had people perform my poetry. It was actually BETTER than I had imagined with the different voices coming out of a singular person. Ah, those who can act!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Priscilla. It pays to play to one's strengths.
DeleteIt's a real shame, isn't it, Julia, when winners of a writing competition can't be there to read their work? Obviously, if they live hundreds of miles away (or in another country!), that's fair enough, I suppose. I remember, many years ago, I won a local poetry competition and they had the prize-giving ceremony during the week and during the day (why???), so I'd have had to take time of work to go. I sent my apologies but I've always regretted it. It wouldn't have been too difficult to get the afternoon off work and I'm sure the competition organisers would have been really pleased that I'd made the effort (plus I could have read my poem out!). I don't enter - or indeed, win - many competitions these days but I've vowed to try to be there, if there's ever any award ceremony!
ReplyDeleteThe authors were simply invited to come along and read out their stories, without actually saying they'd won. However, those of us 'in the know' would take this to mean it was worth the trip!
DeleteVery interesting, Julia. I haven't had someone else read mine but I can tell you that some writers don't do their own work justice when reading it aloud. At our SAW weekend conference, the winner of each comp is invited to read the story, article or poem to everyone - some are excellent and some we have cringed at. Some realise they won't do it justice and appoint someone else to read!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Rosemary. I think this even of some professional authors. It's a different skill isn't it?
DeleteIt makes such a difference to our perception of how good a piece of writing is, too, by how well it's read (or not!). Something that's only pretty mediocre can sound LOADS better if it's read well! (and vice versa).
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