“Do you have a unique voice?”
It’s one question agents and editors often ask writers during one-on-one interviews at conferences.
A “deer caught in the headlights” look passes over newbie’s faces while their tongues cling to the roof of their mouths. “Voice, what do you mean by voice?”
It’s been said that finding and developing one’s writer voice is at the top of the list of things aspiring writers find most intimidating.
There are many definitions of what constitutes a writer’s voice. I believe it’s a combination of syntax, style, dialogue, diction and tone. It is the very essence of you that springs forth from the pages.
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My writer’s voice came quickly, which was not the case for the bane of my existence—the matter of show versus tell. We all have issues!
Each post I’ll share a tip on developing your writer’s voice along with advice I’ve gleaned over the years from seasoned wordsmiths. Hopefully, tackling this issue in small bites will make it easier to digest.
Today’s tip: Read. Read a lot. When you find new authors or revisit old favorites, try to determine what drew you into their story world. Listen for their voice. Read other books written by them to determine if you would know it was their writing, their voice, without seeing the writer’s names. This lesson might seem elementary but trust me; it will be a helpful exercise.
Consider this post for a moment. What is the voice of this post? What is its personality? Is it cozy, formal, or aloof?
Please leave comments concerning your struggles with voice with suggestions of how this blog can best serve you in the comment section.
I hope you come back to visit often.
9 replies on “One Way to Discover Your Writer’s Voice”
Dee Dee, Great post. It seems like my voice is acrostics. I love them, they help me remember, and others like them too (most people anyway)
I also enjoy acrostics, Cherrilyn. I really like the ones at both the beginning and ending of lines. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thank you for sharing, Dee Dee. I’m working to discover my voice now. I love your suggestion of searching for the author’s voice as we read.
Diana,hope you will join me each month as we tackle this issue together. I always listen for the author’s voice as I read…hope this tip helps.
Great post, Dee Dee. Discovering our voice is quite the journey. Glad you’re leading the way!
Thank you, Cathy…so happy to have you join me on the journey!
Dee, Dee, this is a great help for anyone who is trying to discover their voice. Can’t wait to continue following you and receiving tips. They are helpful to me also! 🙂 Thanks!!!!!
HA! Type fast, and you’ll make mistakes. Beth not Berh 😉 (where is the edit button??? HA!)
LOL…BETH! So happy you will join me as we discover the writer’s voice. Thanks for your comment.