My take on Voice,where it comes from, and how to find it.
No guys *rolls eyes*, I'm not talking about that type of voice. I'm talking about a writer's voice--but you get the point, haha. :)
What is this funny little thing we call “Voice”?
n. Voice is the author's style, the quality that makes his or her writing unique, and which conveys the author's attitude, personality, and character.
n. Voice is the characteristic speech and thought patterns of a first-person narrator; a persona.
n. Voice is the characteristic speech and thought patterns of a first-person narrator; a persona.
So why do we keep on hearing so much about it?
Because voice has so much to do with the reader's experience of a work of literature, it is one of the most important elements of a piece of writing.
So here’s the good news folks:
Voice is something that emerges naturally as a writer develops. So, yes, eventually (if you are constantly developing your style and skill) you will find your voice.
As always voice is something you’re going to have to work at before you get it right. So don’t get discouraged just yet—give yourself some time to grow.
How to develop your voice:
-I think this is kind of obvious but the best way to develop your voice is to write—A LOT.
-Figure out what your voice is. Poetic, morbid, funny, informational, romantic. A mix of the aforementioned?
-Let your writing become a reflection of yourself on paper.
-Make it sound unique and original—your thoughts and emotions and opinions should be your own.
Want an example?
Pick up two books (written by two different authors of course). Compare their words, style, and tone.
*Waits while you go and grab a book from your bookshelf which is probably too full to fit the books you recently brought, but you’ll try to cram it in somehow anyways*
Now that you’ve gotten your two books and have skimmed through them a bit, ask yourself--Do they sound the same?
And the answer is—of course they’re not the same! They’re written by two different authors, with two very different experiences, feelings and emotions.
That right there is Voice.
**Note: If you have anything to share about your experience with finding voice please feel free to share. I’m a developing learner of voice myself.
