Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets A Novelist Can Learn From Actors
by Brandilyn Collins
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002, 208 pp., tradepaper.

Successful fiction author Brandilyn Collins shares some great ideas for developing characters in Getting Into Character. I received the book as a Christmas present from my kids after telling them it was on my "Amazon most-wanted list," and it's proven to be the kind of gift that keeps on giving.

I enjoyed Ms. Collins' Violet Dawn, so I assumed she would have some useful pointers for aspiring novelists such as myself. While it takes time and effort to apply her suggestions, I have no doubt that they will improve my development of varied characters.

Following the "Method acting" approach of the noted Russian actor/director Constantin Stanislavsky, Collins introduces us to acting secrets such as personalizing, coloring passions, inner rhythm and emotion memory. She illustrates how techniques for bringing characters to life on stage and screen can be adapted to the printed page.

If you're making a serious effort to write fiction, whether short stories or novels, you won't regret learning from Getting Into Character.

Visit Brandilyn Collins.

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