Voice-Yikes! This seems to be one of those nebulous terms found  in writing. When agents and publishers evaluate a piece of writing, they are  looking for story, characters and a voice that resonates with them. If you have ever received a rejection saying: The voice doesn't speak to me, then perhaps you need to strengthen your voice—or find someone who resonates with your voice. You have one, and you have to trust it.

It is your unique signature, just like every singer has a voice.  Janis Joplin to K.D. Lang, Rod Stewart to Frank Sinatra, and from Kelly Clarkson  to Rihanna, each singer sounds unique. You recognize the voice, but also the  music they choose for their particular style. Most of the time singers stick to  a certain type of sound. Sure, there are crossovers, but generally they make their way in one particular genre. Remember, not all singers appeal to all listeners. The same is true of writer's voices. Not all writers appeal to all readers.

Though voice is not genre, you may find your voice suits a particular genre well. If you have an erudite, poetic voice, you may find your   voice works well for more literary work. If your voice is light contemporary,   you may find yourself writing more welcome in a young adult or chick lit. The  most important thing is to find what works for you. 

The key is to write to connect with readers. Some of the best advice I received from my editor (that's right an editor needs an editor) is to  "write like you're telling the story to your best friend." Another way of saying this is, picture your ideal reader. Who is she or he? How old are they? What experience are they looking for inside your story? By writing for that person, you will strengthen your voice as you try to connect with that person.

If you're like me, you have certain favorite writers who you gravitate toward when you want a good read. You've probably heard the phrase: a good book is a good friend. That's because by reading a good book you connect with the author. You're hearing her voice through her
storytelling.

Take risks with your writing, by writing what you want to write, not what you think others want to hear. Your daring risks will resonate.

How did you find your writing voice? Comments or questions? Email
me at authorsassistant@hotmail.comor comment
below.

 Happy Writing!


 

This post comes after some reflection on advice from indie filmmakers at the recent Dam Short Film Festival 2012 in Boulder City, NV.

Story is Universal. For the whole of civilization humans have told stories and most conform to a certain structure. That isn't to say you can't deviate from the structure, but if you do, you may find yourself alone. Writing is enough of a lone pastime without being isolated because you've chosen to thumb your nose at structure. Even if you decide to deviate, you must know the basics before you try something new. There is a reason the tried and true works. People long for the balance and harmony achieved in a well-told story.

When you attend to your story structure, you will find yourself seeing the
universal story in books you read, movies you see, and your life in general. The
UNIVERSAL story is within all of us. We live our lives as a (hopefully) long
story--we are born, we live and strive, and we die. Because it is our common lot
as human beings, the universal story can connect us all. Writers who tap into
the universal will see their own stories reflect this.

What is the Universal Structure?
You need a beginning, middle and an end in every story. Even a cliffhanger ending is an ending.

A proper beginning is vital and I have commented about that in a previous post.
Often writers polish the start of their story to perfection while the middle sinks, or the end flounders. Attention must be paid to all parts of the story in order for the reader to remain engaged in your story.

As an editor I often hear from clients who struggle with structure. One may say,
she has trouble with her beginning, while another complains he doesn't know how
to end the story.

One exercise I have suggested to clients is to mark where the beginning of their story ends and where the end of the story begins. If they have trouble finding either one, the story may need some help with structure. 

Comments or Questions? I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Writing!