Snoop Dogg and Me
The other day I read a post by a fellow blogger and in it she mentioned Tupac and put up a video. I had never heard his songs but knew my husband used to listen to him all the time, so together we looked up some old videos.
As we sat and watched old videos, it became apparent to me that each of these big-time, famous rappers have a very unique voice. After watching only a few videos, I'm sure if I heard these rappers on the radio, I'd recognize their style.
Funny thing is that over ten years later, Hubby still knows the lyrics to Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Dr. Dre songs (and I was a little horrified his parents let him listen to them, lol.)
I'm still trying to sort through what this means for our writing.
What does it mean to have a unique voice? Will it get us published faster? Do you think the more you write the more your voice will shine through? Or do some people have it, and some people don't?
As we sat and watched old videos, it became apparent to me that each of these big-time, famous rappers have a very unique voice. After watching only a few videos, I'm sure if I heard these rappers on the radio, I'd recognize their style.
Funny thing is that over ten years later, Hubby still knows the lyrics to Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Dr. Dre songs (and I was a little horrified his parents let him listen to them, lol.)
I'm still trying to sort through what this means for our writing.
What does it mean to have a unique voice? Will it get us published faster? Do you think the more you write the more your voice will shine through? Or do some people have it, and some people don't?
Comments
Great point Tabitha! I like how you said some voices shout and some whisper. :-)
I think I agree, strong voice doesn't guarantee a contract.
I think voice evolves with the writer. And I do think a really unique, fresh voice can appeal to editors/agents. It's nice to read something different for a change, I'm sure.
I mean, you have those who are completely tone death and can't carry any kinda tune. That would be the people who have zero home of writing any kind of book, because their voice is flat, they have no story creativity, and really, just aren't made for it. THOSE kind of people can't be taught, IMHO.
Then, you have those who sing okay, on tune, but their voice is non-descript, nothing to write home about, and wouldn't win any grammy's. These people MIGHT get a publishing contract, just like Jessica pointed out, there are some "singers" who don't have a great voice but are still singing. Who knows why, but suffice to say, it isn't the norm. (I think we can all think of a few books we read that fall into this catagory)
Oh, and then you have those who don't sing well, but you can tell underneath that their voice is unique, and with some work could blow crowds away. Those are the people who, when they write, may not have the craft down, but wow, with a little work, they'll soar.
THen, of course, you have the people who have natural talent who make us all slightly sick. Those are the people who get their book published on the first try. *gag*
Okay, so long comment, but my ramblings for the morning!
Thanks for the link Sherrinda!
Katie, I'm sure you're right about a change. Just reading query contests can make my eyes cross because so many sound the same.
And I've always been told my voice is very unique and strong, but it hasn't gotten me published yet. Although it did get me an agent, so I'm one step closer.
As to actually getting a publisher, there's a balance where everything comes together: voice, story, and craft ... but most of all, timing. THAT'S what makes you sell. The meshing of those elements. And all of us are writing and writing to reach that balance.
I do think that voice gets stronger with each book, just as your craft does. It's just some people have a distinctively different feel to their prose, and can get picked out in a lineup of excerpts for that reason alone.
Those are my thoughts on the matter... ;-) Great post, Jessie!
Definitely a unique voice. I do hope mine stands out that much :)
~ Wendy
LOL Donna! Love that bit about the solo. I hope that too. :)
Kara, me too!
Wendy, good point about tenacity and confidence. I think it probably has a lot to do with success.
Hahaaa! MaryBeth, though I'd never heard the song, I can't tell you how many times my hubby breaks into that chorus. LOL
So of course, havng a unique voice will make you shine through.
About publishing faster, hmmm, I can go both ways on this. Yes it could if the industry is ready for change and the voice you are offering.
Then again, no, because of its uniqueness, there are risks involved such as, "Well we've never done something like this before...What's your platform...How great is the need for this type of thing?"
I feel that it just boils down to being confident in what you are writing and JUST-BE-REAL!!!
smooches,
Larie
There's a country singer (I won't say her name) that I LOVE now. I mean, love. I buy all of the albums--that sort of thing. But the first time I heard her sing, I turned off the radio. The same for a year after that. She had a voice that I hated. Then one day, something just clicked and I loved her. She had to grow on me, ya know?
Great points Larie! So you would say being real is what will allow our voice to be stronger?
Snoop Dogg? LOL!
Confidence is a big part of developing and keeping your voice.
Debra, that's a good point. I worry about mine being watered down, but now with my crit group. It's def. important to respect someone's voice, esp. when it comes to wording, metaphors, etc.
I feel like I'm still trying to learn what's my voice and what's not.
T. Anne, You're so sweet too! I totally agree that we can hear people's voices in their posts. Popping by your place now...
Erica, you love Snoop, dontcha??? *grin*
I've also read a number of non-fiction books by famous people. Whether or not they wrote the book themselves, their voice comes through.
As long as the writer's voice doesn't submerge the character's voice, it works. I recently read a book by someone famous. It came across as the person telling the character's story rather than showing the action. Author intrusion - now there's a subject for a post!
Blessings,
Susan :)
That being said, I do think that it can help if you really take the time to develop your voice and find out who you are when it comes to your writing. I think that if you really know what you write and how you write it, it shows. People respect that.
Great post. :)
I believe that voice can be "found" or developed. Fo sho, dawg.
Susan, lol, I think I have an old post on that and have also read others'. It's so tempting, right? :-)
Mom, it's true publishers sometimes stick with the tried and true. So did you ever listen to Snoop Dogg? *grin*
I think you're right, Karen. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. :-)
Haaahaaaa! Very funny, Elana.
Warren, you're right about the farmers. I know I'd love to read anything my grandparents wrote.
I don't think I've really "found" mine yet. At least I don't feel like I have--but I could be wrong.
I don't think the more unique your voice is the more likely you are to get published, but I believe you need a voice that's easy to read and understand. A voice that average people can relate well to.
The more you write, the more comfortable you become with your voice. The more it becomes part of you, like your handprint or your gait.
Great post!
Jen
Audience of ONE
I've heard that it comes through writing, writing, writing. I sure hope that is correct.
Dara, I know. I don't know if I've found mine yet. Still writing and writing. :-)
Deb, great comment. You mentioned truth. Several others mentioned being real. I think that's a big part of strong voice. Or maybe that's what makes up the passion in our writing? Not sure...
Jeanette, how genius to compare voice to a gait. Everyone has a way they walk. They may or may not be aware of it, but right now I can think of several people who walk and stand in certain ways. It's a part of who they are. I also liked your point about being relatable. It's no good to have a strong voice if no one understands it. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for stopping by! :-)
I heard her speak at a women's conference many years ago and bought one of her books. It was so fun for me. Since I had just heard her actually speaking, I could really hear her voice in my head as I was reading.
I don't know about having a unique voice and whether that will result in faster publishing, but I do love it when a writer has a clear voice!
As a Humanities instructor, I tuaght Tupac to demonstrate values in music. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby," and you will be changed.
To me, that nails voice in writing. Am I changed by reading a certain writer's work because of the unique combination of words, power, insight, music, rhythm?
Meet Monet, VanGogh, Pendergrast, Vermeer and hundreds of other painters and fall in love. You see them again and know their brush strokes. Their hues. Their tones. Their subjects. Their angst, poured onto the canvas like water for you to drink.
Their fingerprint.
Voice.
Patti
www.pattilacy.com/blog