Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Finding Your Voice

Finding your voice in writing is not as easy as it sounds. The struggle to not force it can be overwhelming. I think the trick to finding your own voice is to remember that you are as unique when writing as you are when speaking. Most of us don't analyze everything we say as we are saying it but as writers we tend to do that very thing. Don't crush your own distinct voice by analyzing it in your writing. Don't try to force yourself to sound like someone else.

You have your own experiences that have colored the way you see the world and letting that flow into your writing will give it that distinct voice that only you can deliver. Don't over think it. Let your voice speak and the words will flow. Your writing will be honest and true, not stilted and forced. You might not have the voice of Hemingway or even Stephen King but your voice will be yours alone. Unique and special because no one else will have that particular quality.

And that's not a bad thing at all.

6 comments:

  1. So true. My voice has been complimented by agents and editors and I've always thought that was a plus. Voice is something you have...it's what your writing IS. It can't be learned. The other stuff comes with time.

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  2. I love the simplicity of this concept. Ironically, it is hard to grasp and remember at times. Thanks for this post, I feel it was very timely.

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  3. Stephanie: I completely agree that having a voice cannot be learned but what you can learn is to use YOUR voice and not try to imitate anothers. I would be in heaven if an agent or editor told me they loved my voice! Good for you!

    Regina: I have been thinking about this for a while now and your right, its much harder than it sounds.

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  4. Good point. I hadn't thought of it that way but it's true. Something I have always tried to be was true to myself. It think this is the biggest way you can do that. Thanks for the post!

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  5. My voice (or that of my MC) usually comes in clear for me. When it doesn't it's usually because I'm tired.

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It helps to know I'm not just talking to myself.