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That thing called “voice” . . .

   Find-your-voice

Writers discuss voice frequently. Definitions can be found on most writing blogs. Complex or simple conversations about voice often occupy conference classes.

Here's the thing about voice. If you're a novelist, you've got one. Not everyone will like it. Some will love it. It's not particularly predictable because there's the element of story that weighs heavily upon judgment. Is it possible to have a great voice but not be able to write a good story? Possible? Yes. Probable? Who knows?

How do you describe – not define – a favorite writer's voice? If you write, how do you describe your own?

 

Father, you've given us the desire to write stories. We do it because our soul longs to tell stories. May what we write bring you pleasure. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

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10 responses to “That thing called “voice” . . .”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    Even after reading countless posts, books, etc about voice, I still find it confusing. So to me I just simplify it by saying voice to me is when an author knocks my socks off with his/her combination of plot, character, and dialogue. 😎
    I read a lot of fiction that doesn’t have voice so it’s obviously not easy to attain.

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  2. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    That fiction you read, Brenda, where you don’t think it has a voice: you don’t like the voice. Yes, you might not like the other elements also, but the voice tells the story. You can differentiate them. Your favorite author(s) tells a good story, but his voice is what makes it sing for you.

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  3. Kristen Torres-Toro Avatar
    Kristen Torres-Toro

    My favorite writer’s (Charles Martin) voice is lyrical. He breaks rules by having sentences be 1 word sometimes. He has a very specific rhythm. The stories he writes are beautiful, but how he writes them- the craftmanship that comes through his voice- is what pulls me in.
    I’m still working on the description of what my voice is… 🙂

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  4. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    A description of my voice? Oh boy, I’d like to say it has a lyrical quality, but that’s more wishful thinking than fact. I agree with Kristen about Charles Martin. LOVE his voice. Laura Frantz also has a beautiful voice, one that sounds like music to me.
    Now voice is also something that can be drowned out with excessive critiquing & rule-following. Maybe that’s why so many authors sound alike, and the Christian reader tends to go to what’s familiar & safe.

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  5. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    When I think of Charles Martin’s voice, I think of melancholy, sensitive, often painful with a sad-song melody.
    Kristen, you’re still developing your voice. From what I’ve read, it’s harboring excitement, enthusiasm, and emotion.
    Bren, your voice is orderly, determined, succinct, but when it gets emotional, it stings and draws tears.
    And I totally agree with you, Bren. Christian fiction has driven some writers to churn out robotic literature with their strict adherence to opinionated “rules”.

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  6. Brenda Jackson Avatar
    Brenda Jackson

    Sounding alike is exactly right. I really can’t detect voice in most fiction I read because they really all sound the same. There is rarely distinction.
    Honestly, I find more distinction in non-fiction than fiction.

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  7. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    Thank you for this post, Nicole. It forced me to look up what you writers are talking about when you use the term “voice”. I’m still not sure that I can describe it, but I now understand it. And it explains what happened to me when I read The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello. I loved the way she wrote all of her previous books. She made Raleigh Harmon seem real, I could picture everything, etc. Now I know that it was her voice that I enjoyed.
    As I began the very first page of The Stars Shine Bright, I thought someone else had written it. I felt like I didn’t know what was going on in the opening scene, and basically everything seemed different in that story.
    Other authors whose voice I enjoy are you Nicole, J. Mark Bertrand, and Charles Martin. The best way I can describe what I like about their writing is first of all it seems real. I feel like I’m there. Second, not “trying too hard” and overly descriptive. I guess that’s kind of related to writing “real”. Also, with you and Sibella Giorello I see lots of creativity and originality in descriptions, while still keeping it “real”. When I’m reading, I often think “What a great way to say that.”

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  8. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    You’ve got it, Deb. And I agree with you about Sibella’s voice – it’s unique and drives a reaction to Raleigh, one of the best series characters created. Sibella’s original and real. Love her voice and stories (except for one. ;)).
    I’m honored to be included in your voice preferences – and I mean that from my heart. Loved J. Mark Bertrand’s voice.
    (Your favorite will release any day now.)

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  9. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    Yes, Raleigh Harmon is my favorite series character.
    Thanks for sharing the good news! I’ve been wondering!

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  10. Kristen Torres-Toro Avatar
    Kristen Torres-Toro

    Ooh- I like that! Gotta write that down! Thanks!

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