We breathe every moment of the day, and often times, we speak with that same breath. As human beings, we never notice the sound of our voice or how it carries into another persons' ear. It just does. However, when we are sitting at our desks, laptops are open, eyes glued to the screen with our eyebrows furrowed because nothing is coming out. No words are written and no inspiration is flowing, and why is that? On a normal day-to-day basis we can communicate so profusely, but when it comes to putting your pen to paper, it's almost like you forgot how to write. It's not that you don't know what to say, it's because you don't know how to say it. You haven't discovered your voice.
To begin knowing your voice, you have to know yourself. Begin by taking a few minutes to describe yourself in three to five words. Are you funny, smart and outgoing? Or maybe you're sassy, independent, and beautiful. There is no wrong answer in this game unless you aren't being honest with yourself. Once you are done with this, ask your friends and family to describe you in a few words. Take this data and apply it to your writing.
What is that book series that you couldn't put down, or that one writer that has stolen your heart? Whoever it is, look to them for their support and guidance. All of them started out exactly where you are now and they're great mentors. Figure out what their voice is and you'll find yours, too. It wouldn't hurt to turn to your favorite musicians and things you watch such as movies and TV shows. All of it is a beautiful inspiration.
The most important part is to not force it. Write because it's fun and you love doing it. A lot of new writers think that finding their voice is the hardest part about writing, and this can cause them to become discouraged. Sometimes they'll even throw out a masterpiece because it just isn't right to them. Think of a writer's voice as being like the cheese in a grilled cheese. You wouldn't eat the sandwich if it was just bread, would you? So why would you read the book if it doesn't have any personality? Your voice is what tells people, "No one else could have written this."
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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3 comments:
Thanks for the post, Lauren! Narrative voice is definitely what makes writing special. I agree that you have to be honest with yourself and write from the heart. And sometimes all it takes is just putting enough words on the page--before you know it, you've discovered your voice, or someone else has.
Great reminder that we are all unique and can bring something fresh to an old topic!
Good job, nothing like true support is there? But when supported, you return the favor and true understanding reveals itself, along with another layer of support. Support is the most important factor in success, keeping it is returning it. Good luck my sweet
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