Finding and Knowing Writer's Voice
Finding a true writing voice is a lot like falling in love--you know it when it happens or so they say. Until then, the author bumbles along, trying this style and that, wondering if this is it or if a better voice is out there just waiting. So the question, "What is “Writer’s Voice? becomes a familar refrain.
Writer's voice is a particular way of writing–it shows up in whatever the author writes, although it may come through better in some genres than others. There are a few tricks to help the author know and find writing voice but it is important to realize that the knowledge won't just drop into his/her lap--it takes listening and exploration as a writer. Here are a few ways to help spot that ever elusive trait that so many writers seek.
A. Learn to Recognize and Find it in Other Writers
Read widely from different genre, pick and choose authors who have a distinctive style. (Note: Style is the way something is done, from the way an individual decorates their house, to the clothing that is worn or to how a piece is written.) Some authors have a 'small' voice, but try reading a Stephen King book and then comparing it to a book by Ray Bradbury. Definitive differences in style, pattern and combination of word useage will show up immediately.
All these things, (style, pattern, combination of words, and presentation of story) combined with an echoing premise (theme) create voice. What takes a bit more skill is telling similarly voiced authors apart. How is Patricia Cornwell’s voice different from Jonathon Kellerman or John Grishom from Joseph Wambaugh. All cover crime or mystery novels, but each has a unique voice, one that is all theirs. How can the reader determine the voice of authors of the same genre?
B. Dig to the Specifics
Some aspects that set one author's voice apart from others are: the literary level of language, the structure of the sentences and the type of verbiage chosen. Obviously, an historical story's author has a much different tone from a contemporary author. Some authors modify voice to fit the period of their story. However, underneath the change in dialogue, the setting and/or the characterizations, the reader will find that the basic sound and the way the words fit the story is similar. This is what makes the voice of the author stand out. As a reader, think of one book that could be picked up and, with a couple of chapters read, without looking at the name, know whom the author is---That’s Voice.
C. DETERMINE YOUR STRENGTHS
All authors who have developed a voice make the most of it by capitalizing on their strengths. For some it is dialogue, for others emotional descriptions. In every author's work, some aspects of their writing is better than another. If it's humor, then comedy is part of the voice. If it's drama, then that is a part of the voice. Remember, most authors have found and use many strengths as part of their writing voice. Setting down and writing out the strengths of one's own work and then consciously using those strengths when writing is a good way to work on developing voice.
D. FIND YOUR THEME (this is premise)
All good authors have a common theme that runs through their work. It may be the strength of love, the theme of redemption, the saving power of truth, the connections between human beings, the 'gotchas' in mysteries, the realm of fantasy, etc. Theme is part of the fingerprint on an author's work and is part of what makes the writing sound uniquely theirs. Stephen King, again, is a good example. Through all of his works, including the most horrifying one, IT, there is an underlying theme of redemption.
E. READ ALOUD
One excellent way to find and understand individual voice is to listen, not just by reading silently, but to the sounds of the flow as it is read aloud. Does it have a lot of witty repartee or a number of pauses or shortened sentences? As the author, how does the work leave you feeling ? All the differing varieties heard when read aloud are elements of voice and for each author it is different. Don’t read to hear the story–read to hear the voice.
Suddenly or slowly it doesn't matter, at some point, the author feels as if he or she has stepped into an old but comfortable pair of shoes. The rhythm and pacing of words feels right, comfortable. It’s a gut instinct; something says “This sounds like me, like something I would say, think, feel.”
Once the author's voice is found writing does not become easier, just more natural. Those words still come out kicking and screaming some days, but they will finally be the ones that only could have been written in that particular way by that particular author.
Copyrighted©dorry c. pease
Just thoughts from my desk:
I find that as a dedicated writer, I tend to become isolated from the world in general. Between looking for markets, writing rough drafts, editing new material and revising old material, preparing manuscripts to go out, suffering through a rejection and hyping myself to resubmit, I don't seem to have a lot of energy for the little thing called Me.
Through experience, I have learned to set aside time for myself, no matter how busy my day may be. During this time, I take a walk, drive to Wal-Marts and wander the aisles, play with my dogs, read a book, have a cup of coffee, sit on my front porch, write a poem, watch the ducks waddle-you get the idea. Anything to get me away from anything to do with writing. A nice hot, suds-filled tub with a couple of candles and a tall glass of cran-grape juice works well and physical activity is great too, even cleaning my house helps me to clear out my head. It helps me to reconnect with reality, sometimes a cup of coffee with a friend, I don't do phones or show up at someone else's house unannounced well, but that's just me.
So you say, I have a job outside of my home as well as writing inside my home, that's my break. Sorry, I don't buy it. I don't think going out and working for someone else is doing something for you. Extend your work day and go out with friends after to socialize and chat, that's for you.
The point I'm trying to make here and taking way too long to do it, is Take care of yourself. Be nice to yourself, not once in a while or when you have time, but every day.
I can almost guarantee you'll write better and feel better about yourself and your world.
Just my thoughts. Dorry
dcatherine@sbcglobal.net
