Getting in character

I'm moving soon and hope to have a small corner of my new world look a bit old world for writing and photos. Tea is a must. I have ordered a wax seal. Some of my correspondence might have to be typed and printed since I have some issues with my hands due to rheumatoid arthritis. I'm putting together some sort of costume and have asked @(Rachel) Hazel Wynnewood for some costuming tips since she's so awesome with it. I'll probably write in something vaguely era appropriate :) Hope to do character photos soon.

I've created a playlist (of both period instrumentals and modern pieces adapted by Vitamin String Quartet) to compose letters to: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vcyns139cdDwUwti0rgi2?si=2f83f6e240fb426e

I'm also sewing Regency garb, and when it's done I hope to write while dressed.

I also bought fancy paper (lokta), a (modern-style) feather pen, and a period-esque wax seal (though attempts to use it with a more period wax have been disastrous so far- gonna stick to modern plastic-inused sealing wax with it). Though I injured my writing arm, so I might be printing my first few letters rather than writing them, depending.

I got a pen and ink and then remembered I'm left handed. This might get messy....

I have a little lap desk with drawers for paper and quills and sealing wax and such. I need to break out my calligraphy pens and practice penmanship...

Here is some potentially helpful Spotify playlists—

Regency era: https://open.spotify.com/user/fangirlyqueen/playlist/51isV0Mlt38qhIJbdrqA8S?si=P_zrgUeET-KzE9bg0fcIFg

Songs to make romantic scenarios in your head: https://open.spotify.com/user/ne3cfbhh6zqjv9aim15c65yq8/playlist/6QfSw5fUoupcKRoUiV0Qpz?si=-QxPUtc5SZ25S3Jyxy_O7A

Royalty core: https://open.spotify.com/user/ne3cfbhh6zqjv9aim15c65yq8/playlist/3x7rzyNR3Yzze44Pg2svDC?si=wscsIcoFQFiWM83rq7Yeog

(Socially distaneed) Waltzing with your enemy: https://open.spotify.com/user/ne3cfbhh6zqjv9aim15c65yq8/playlist/5e67TJmdH91LdPeTeflvkm?si=uj9XWv89Rye4eyfGVN0CZA

Rainy Day library study session: https://open.spotify.com/user/ne3cfbhh6zqjv9aim15c65yq8/playlist/6dSVS9IqTmU05CAx5hGhf7?si=v7dQGAPqTYqtIAu_GGip4w

Light academia, classical: https://open.spotify.com/user/ne3cfbhh6zqjv9aim15c65yq8/playlist/5u9ZvSBYmG7hUVJzKNrnFv?si=9RVfgMXaTqWbQugTLtwhdg

No worries good sir, so did I. UPDATE: our paper arrived, but the wax seal won't be here into 3/9 at the earliest! :(

I caved and bought fancy paper and wax seals. I am weak

I tea stained paper, and I have a fountain pen i'll be writing with, and a wax seal to use. Most likely will set up a night for myself to light a candle and "get into character" by reading some regency era smut. ;) LOL

I splurged and bought a quill, fancy aged stationery, a custom wax seal, and sealing wax. I tend to need at least two things I'll use a splurge buy for in order to cave; I've got a different LARP character I was eyeing these pieces for so they're thematically geared towards her, but my desire for fun, fancy letters makes this the second thing that would make sure they'd see use..

I've also been watching a lot of Austen adaptations and just binge watched Bridgerton for the first time yesterday, to try to get myself solidly in the mind. In all likelihood I'll also be making myself stays and a gown (I have a few light cotton fabrics in mind from renaissancefabrics.net including a blue dot on white and a yellow stripe) so I can wear them and feel the character as I write.

It always takes me a little time sitting in the body of a character before I really know them, so I never really know who my characters are until I've already played them once or twice.

I'm typing everything, but at least I can do it sprawled on my chaise lounge!

I've got a great desk for writing at but..... I may have to settle for very basic pen and paper.

I'm contemplating making myself an era-appropriate bonnet. But mostly I'm gonna be jamming a Spotify playlist and sitting at my decked out desk. (That's my deceased fiance Nigel in the picture.)

Step 1: Read cheesy Regency romance novel

Step 2: Talk myself through common interests and issues funny accent and cadence

Step 3: PROFIT

for me, letter writing is a ritual. I clear off my desk, actually CLEAN the space. Put on music and light a candle. Sit with a glass of wine or a cup of tea and settle with a scratch pad, stationary, and relax.

I generally write a short ass outline on the scratch pad first. Like points I want to convey, and then order them into something that is cogent. sometimes I’ll write a draft on evernote or scratch paper. Then I’ll go do something and think about what I wrote. when I come back, I write the letter and correct evernote to reflect the changes so I have a record.

I've got a playlist set on Spotify for Aurora, and I've been listening to the corresponding radio Spotify made nonstop XD It's something I do for all my characters, it really helps me get in their heads. Also, once I finish moving, I will definitely be making some IC TikToks (@backstageninja91 for those who wanna give me a follow!)

Based on learning improv and our experience as Renaissance Faire cast, it is somewhat easy for my wife and I to get into character. To finish the transformation, I need to listen to music, usually Gaelic. Gets me in the feels. will try Regency as suggested by Hilary. My problem is getting out of character! Saying “The beer is in the pickup truck” in a weird accent doesn’t work anymore, LOL!

Ooo! Id live to follow you. I have a tiktok as well but its all D&D

I have a costume. I also like playing my Larp characters on Tiktok. I might read some letters on there and make comments. lol. xD

This is such a good idea! I might try lighting a candle and drinking some tea, but most likely I will end up listening to music while I write. I'll probably make a Pandora station or a Spotify playlist with something suitably Regency and instrumental to write along to.