Do any other writers out there have this problem?

Question

I have difficulty making my characters stay quiet while I'm writing. It's like another track of dialogue that runs in my head. Is there anyone out there with the same problem, and what is the best way to stop it?

Any roleplayers who want to answer are welcome to as well. It's akin to getting stuck 'in character' after a roleplay.

It usually happens while I'm not writing...and it's characters from different stories that are talking to one another.. Sometimes it's very distracting.

This actually...isn't my muse. >_>; My muse sounds different. It's more like a large group of voices.

Answer 1

Yep. It's a problem I have too, and discovered the easiest way is to give up on what you thought you were going to write and listen to your characters. They're the ones in the story and they know what they're going to do, much better than you do. Just write down what they're saying and doing, and you'll find their dialogue is much better than anything you could contrive.
This is a serious answer, because once you bring your characters to life, you have to step back and let them live a little.
Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Try tape recording the ideas you're getting or writing them on a white board so you don't loose the interplay. The fact that your characters have a strong voice is an asset (albeit a tad distracting). It will make for much more believable and enjoyable writing.

Another alternative might be to have a buddy that you can role play with - using these conversations to flesh out the characters even further.

Answer 3

Your subconscious is still writing. It's an asset. Do your best to capture whatever you can of it. And whatever you do, don't let it stop. Naturally you've got to be able to keep your mind on your work, but don't quell it. You need all the muse you can muster.

Answer 4

You don't want to stop it.

Let them talk. Write down anything and everything that comes to you as you think of it. There is plenty of time later to sort it out and make sense of it. That's what rewriting is all about.

Mike

Answer 5

that's usually a great asset and adrenaline rush, when characters become real and voice their opinions! that's one of my favorite parts of writing, when i can feel the story clicking, life of its own.

Answer 6

I usually tell them to ZIP it, like I would a noisy child. They actually stop when I do.