Is it possible for a dinosaur of technology to help define your writer’s voice? I say yes and say it with gusto!
First, I admit I’m old-fashioned in many areas of my life but there is one dinosaur in my writer’s toolbox that I use often on my writing journey—a tape recorder. While writing my first novella I recorded every chapter. Oh, the mistakes I discovered listening to those tapes. I would hate to see the total times I used my weasel word just per page. I also heard far too many sentences beginning with I.
The main reason I taped the chapters was to check if my writer’s voice was consistent. My books are set in Appalachia and a slip from my character’s voice and my writer’s voice are very evident. I plan to continue to use this device with each of my writing endeavors. I feel new writers in search of their voice will benefit greatly from this practice.
A lot of writers use digital voice recorders. These recorders are small enough for them to carry anywhere, allowing them to quickly record a thought, character name and profile, a plot point or location for a story. Now with smart phone apps, the digital recorder, I’ve been told, is threatened with extinction.
I have a digital voice recorder, and was recently given a smart phone, but my dinosaur-like recorder will continue to sit on my desk, ready for, if only in my mind, my next masterpiece.
“Technology presumes there’s just one right way to do things and there never is.” Robert Pirzig
Do you have a favorite form of technology that you use to record your work? If so, please share in the comment section.
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10 Comments
This is a great idea. I will have to try it, thanks!
Tim
Tim, hope this helps. Thanks so much for commenting.
This is great advice, Dee Dee! Thanks. I read everything I write out loud but haven’t recorded it. I will now!
Bren, hope this tip helps. Thanks so much for commenting.
Dee Dee, this is a wonderful suggestion. I have a digital recorder that I take every where with me. It is a great way to catch new ideas when I’m unable to write them down.
Lee,thanks for commenting and I am happy the suggestion is helpful.
Love this, Dee Dee.
Cynthia,thanks so much.
This is a great idea Dee Dee. I was also told that when you speak or even just teach a Sunday school class or Bible Study you should use a recorder. God always gives you something to say “in the moment” and it is definitely in your own voice!!!
Thanks for the reminder!!!!!
Beth, I agree with using a recorder when teaching Sunday school and Bible studies. Yes, God does let our voice shine through when speaking truth for Him and His kingdom. Thanks so much for commenting.