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!
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!
RSS Feed
