Getting Comfortable in My Own Voice
Last week I talked about being deliberate with our writing.
The words we choose, the length of our sentences, even the pacing of our scenes can all be traced back to voice. It's important to get comfortable in our voice, to know it, because if we write how other writers tell us to write and don't know our voice yet, we can lose it.
It's important to learn from other writers, to gain knowledge and new writing skills, but in the end, we're responsible for using these things to strengthen our own voice, and not to carbon copy another's voice.
Have you ever felt like you'd lost your voice, or are you still finding it? Are you comfortable in your voice?
The words we choose, the length of our sentences, even the pacing of our scenes can all be traced back to voice. It's important to get comfortable in our voice, to know it, because if we write how other writers tell us to write and don't know our voice yet, we can lose it.
It's important to learn from other writers, to gain knowledge and new writing skills, but in the end, we're responsible for using these things to strengthen our own voice, and not to carbon copy another's voice.
Have you ever felt like you'd lost your voice, or are you still finding it? Are you comfortable in your voice?
Comments
But I was blessed because I'd written two books before I ever started looking for a crit group. For me, that worked best, because my voice was very strong by that point so their criticisms didn't damage anything but my faith in them as partners.
Now I have critters (like YOU) who GET my voice and won't touch it, but help me dissect and perfect my stories with an editor's eye. :)
Good for you for having the wisdom to see the difference between a good critique and voice slashing. It's hard sometimes to tell, you know? (not that they were doing it on purpose. didn't mean to imply that)
Jessica, yep, that's the truth!
Patti, good point. Crits can be a huge help in refining your voice.
I know my voice and have no trouble using it in a manuscript, but my greatest challenge is making it appear noticable in a query. I've read tons of letters where writers make it seem so easy. Any advice?
Thanks
If you need an extra set of eyes, I'd be happy to take a look (I'm not an expert though, so it would just be opinion)
Anyway, if you learn anything new about voice in queries, pass the info on to me. :-) I could use the help too!
It seems to waver the most after I've just read a great book by another author. Without thinking, my voice starts to sound like them. That's the beauty of edits, though, because then I can go back and catch it. :)
Exactly! (Hey, the dog likes it.)
~ Wendy
Sarah, that same thing happens to me. :-)
Wendy, haahahaaa, that is so true. Love the image!
I don't even think about it. I just write.
The tough part is capturing someone else's voice (as on the church blog - my pastor). It's too easy to slip into my own voice.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I guess that proves just how valuable a good critique partner is (and how difficult it can be to be one).
Great point, Stephanie!
Diane, I think mine is still being fine-tuned too.
Hi Mary, yeah, you make a good point. It's easy to tell if my voice might be getting squished, but am I squishing anyone else's? I'm sure I have, but I try not to.
Hey Linda, yeah, I think it's a fine line too.
Oooh, Angie, I get that totally. *hugs*
Rachna, what a great attitude! You're right; this should be a lovely journey and it's important we enjoy it. :-)
I hate it when I'm on a roll with a certain voice going on and then have to stop writing abruptly. When I come back, that special little muse for that specific voice is all gone. Grr.
Good for you Heather, and I def. agree with that supposition.
Linda, yeah, I don't like getting interrupted either. Blech.
I'm still finding my voice. It's a bit challenging to catch on to some of these seemingly vague literary concepts.
Have a great weekend. :)
Interesting post, thanks Jessica.
Nancy, that's awesome you know yours though. :-)
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for stopping by, and yes, it is challenging. Voice is vague and yet...it's not. I guess it just can't be summed up, you know? Not like math which is very concrete and explainable. Best wishes with your writing!
Thanks for popping by, Jenrozz.