Into the Fire

An author's voice is often what separates one from another. Our expressions might resemble those of other authors, and our plots often do, but our voices are uniquely ours. Readers choose those authors they enjoy largely based on an author's creative voice. Some authors are capable of writing in different genres able to sustain the right amount of tension and the "required" distinctions in whatever genre they've invested their efforts. If they're an established author, they usually have a particular following who's willing to read whatever they have a mind to create.

Robert Liparulo went from bona fide thrillers with a speculative element in them to outright speculative novels with a thriller element. I love Robert's voice and style. Travis Thrasher wrote romantic novels, speculative novels, teen-focused literature, supernatural novels, and a few darker speculative novels. He's versatile without a drop off in whatever genre he chooses. Travis has a great voice. And of course there are many others who've chosen to explore their creative energies in different genres even though it's considered a "no-no" in some publishing circles. 

When I began my latest novel Race, I figured it had to have that "police procedural" feel to it in order for me to attempt it. Calling it a murder mystery (which essentially it is) contributed to that stymied feeling which had me setting it aside so many times before finally finishing it. It's not surprising to note it's the shortest of my published novels (approximately 92+K words). I've only written one that's shorter which was a genuine struggle to do. Needless to say for my comfort zone to not be totally infringed upon, there is a romantic element in Race. For this love story author to switch genres took a considerable and elongated effort, and it remains to be seen how it will be received – especially by those who love good mysteries.

I don't think an author can completely abandon or discard his/her creative voice (nor should they want to do so), but, depending on the genre and the characters, that voice has to maneuver through the subtleties and nuances of the required tensions of a story and might need to undergo or attempt some changes in order to do it. Generally, the conversations in a romance don't translate well to a murder investigation. The male and female characters always must be distinct, but sometimes in certain investigative circumstances they might not be easily differentiated until that character is established. 

Finding the right voice for my protagonist wasn't difficult, but it felt different for me. Whether or not it will actually "sound" different to those who've read my other work . . . we shall see. 

Father, thank you for every word, every story, every bit of inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.