There's a look that happens when someone completely gets thrown off their game. The face drops, especially the eyes, and the body goes into a tense lock-up (a lot in the legs or shoulders). Usually this comes right after a bizzaro-world offer or a complete and utter denial.
That's one thing. The Writer's Gaze is another, more subtle, and dangerous thing.
The Writer's Gaze isn't like a person getting lost and breaking character. Most times the character remains strong, or even gets stronger. Strong movements are made, although they often devolve into pacing or "look out into the audience" poses...and even though it presents differently, The Writer's Gaze is just as dangerous as completely losing your place.
The Writer's Gaze is that disconnected far-off look players get when they get scared and start inventing. The eyes go up! Or go down! Or go a thousand yards off the horizon. Where they never go is to their partners'.
I believe that physical connectiveness and position have profound effect on the dynamics of a scene, and that if you can tame that part of your game it will pay off elsewhere. When you make a break from your scene-mate and retreat into your own head you've waded into murky waters.
If you're a writer-y like person (I am myself), start to recognize The Gaze, and when you do it. Watch tape: it will really jump out there (Oh, hey! I keep moving downstage and basically address the audience. Coincidentally That's when I talk for a minute straight. hmm)
When you feel the gaze coming over you, stop. Take a breath, refocus on the scene. Limit your words. Look at your partner. What you see then is most likely what matters.
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