From Screen to Page: Actors Embrace Novel Writing as a Creative Outlet
The allure of Hollywood often conjures images of red carpets, dazzling premieres, and the captivating performances of actors on screen. But behind the glamorous facade, many actors are discovering a new avenue for creative expression: writing novels. This burgeoning trend sees established performers stepping away from the spotlight to delve into the world of storytelling through the written word. For some, it’s a way to breathe life into ideas that struggled to find a place in the film industry. For others, it’s a chance to explore their creativity on a more personal and profound level, free from the constraints of scripts and production schedules.
Krysten Ritter, known for her compelling portrayal of Jessica Jones, experienced firsthand the challenges of bringing a complex narrative to the small screen. Her initial concept, a gripping tale of a lawyer returning to her small town to unravel a cold case, faced resistance as a TV series pitch. Undeterred, Ritter reimagined her idea as a novel. The result was "Bonfire," a 2017 thriller that garnered critical acclaim, even earning a blurb from the renowned author Gillian Flynn of "Gone Girl" fame.
Ritter’s journey underscores the growing trend of actors turning to novel writing as a means of expanding their artistic horizons. While many actors venture into entrepreneurial endeavors like haircare lines, liquor brands, or wellness campaigns, the act of writing a novel offers a unique and deeply personal form of creative fulfillment.
Traditionally, when actors put pen to paper, they often gravitate towards memoirs, sharing their life experiences and reflections on their careers. However, a growing number of actors, including Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, and Ed Burns, are choosing to explore the realm of fiction. This shift suggests a desire to delve into imagined worlds, create compelling characters, and craft intricate narratives that resonate with readers.
Sonya Walger, best known for her role as Penny on the hit TV series "Lost," admits that the prospect of writing a book initially intimidated her. As a lifelong avid reader, she held high standards for literature and feared producing subpar work. Despite years of writing screenplays, short stories, and journaling, she hesitated to embark on the ambitious task of writing a novel. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause in her acting career that she finally decided to take the plunge.
Walger’s debut novel, "Lion," explores a daughter’s reflections on her relationship with her larger-than-life addict father and her unconventional childhood. The process of writing a novel proved to be a different experience than screenwriting. With novels, Walger found the space to indulge in "symphonic" prose, meticulously describing settings and delving into the unspoken nuances of human interaction.
The transition from bustling sets to the solitude of her writing shed in the garden brought about a significant shift in her daily life. Walger realized she was more of an introvert than she had previously believed. While acting demands collaboration and constant interaction, writing a novel is a solitary pursuit, requiring self-discipline and the ability to work independently.
In contrast to Walger’s solitary writing experience, Krysten Ritter found the process of co-writing her novel "Retreat" to be a collaborative and enriching experience. The collaborative nature of writing allowed her to spend more time with her son, balancing motherhood with her creative ambitions.
Ritter emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s creative vision, regardless of the medium. Her journey from television to novel writing serves as an example of embracing unconventional approaches to bring stories to life.
Actor Diego Boneta, known for his roles in "Luis Miguel: The Series" and "Rock of Ages," is taking a unique approach by simultaneously releasing his debut novel, "The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco," and adapting it into an Amazon MGM Studios series in which he will also star. Boneta’s initial idea was to write a screenplay, but his sister encouraged him to turn it into a book.
Boneta emphasizes the differences between writing a novel and creating a TV show, highlighting the importance of patience and meticulous attention to detail in the novel-writing process. He drew inspiration from his love for Mexico, setting his novel in San Miguel de Allende, a city he describes as "the Florence of Mexico."
For Ritter, novel writing provides an opportunity to explore complex female characters, similar to her roles in "Jessica Jones" and "Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23." Walger, on the other hand, appreciates the unique connection she has formed with readers through "Lion," a connection that transcends her on-screen persona.
Walger believes that vulnerability begets vulnerability, and she has been deeply moved by the open-hearted responses she has received from readers who have shared their own personal stories.
In conclusion, the growing number of actors embracing novel writing signifies a broader trend of artists seeking diverse outlets for creative expression. Whether it’s a way to bring unfulfilled ideas to life, explore new narrative forms, or connect with audiences on a more personal level, novel writing offers actors a unique and fulfilling avenue for artistic growth. Their journeys inspire aspiring writers and artists to pursue their creative passions relentlessly, regardless of the medium.
