Jessie: Enjoying watching birds recently returned from the
This month as we discuss prose and cons the question of voice in prose occurred to me. Do you think that voice can be taught or is it innate, like a sort of writerly DNA? Can it be strengthened and developed or does tinkering with it alter it in ways that are not
Julie: Such an interesting question! I’m part of a collaborative effort for Sisters in Crime–we’re creating a course called Better Your Worlds, Better Your Writing. (There’s a workshop this Saturday on the topic, more information here.) My section was on narrative voice, and I also wrote a thesis on Agatha Christie’s use of POV. Jessie, you’ve experimented with voice from the beginning. I do think that we may have a strength in one voice, first person for me, but part of being a writer is pushing past comfort zones. The current novel I’m shopping is in multiple POVs. I couldn’t have done that ten years ago. I’m also considering a new novel in first person, but in a different genre. One thing about voice that can’t be taught is humor. I may have spurts of funny, but I am not a funny writer. As you can tell, I love this topic!
Barb: The question of voice is a difficult one, mainly because no one can tell you exactly what it is. It’s not prose style, though that’s part of it, or the point-of-view character’s thinking and communication styles, though that may help to transmit it. For me, voice is the storyteller, always present in the background. It is seductive, saying, “Come with me.” It is confident, saying, “I will tell you a great story, a story I believe in.” It is authentic, saying “This is a story that is important to me, from my heart.” It is trustworthy, even in the case of an unreliable narrator. It says, “This story will become important to you, too.” The best way to develop strong voice is to read, read, read, and let it sink into your DNA, like those environmental factors that affect our genes. I don’t know if it can be taught, but it can be learned. While in some manuscripts the voice blasts onto the page from the first sentence, a voice that starts out wavering and thin can become stronger, draft after draft, as the writer becomes more confident in the story and its value to the reader. As the writer is seduced by the story and falls in love with it, the voice can grow truer and more confident, too.
Sherry: Very interesting, Julie and Barb. I think beyond reading it’s write, write, write. I’m not sure voice can be taught, but something Barb said a long time ago helped me with voice. While she was talking about writing a synopsis, it’s also true for finding voice. The first part of the advice is: Pretend you’re in a bar with an old friend you haven’t seen for a while. You can read the rest of it here.
Edith: Wow, my friends. Even after all the words (of fiction) I’ve written, all the stories I’ve told, I wasn’t quite sure what voice was. I don’t think about it and didn’t know how I could contribute to this post. I only know that I let my protagonist guide my writing. The voice in my Country Store Mysteries, for example, is far different than when 1880s midwife Rose Carroll is telling the story. And some of my short stories emerge in a darker voice. I’ve written two novels in more than one point of view. One didn’t sell (I think I hadn’t quite figured it out yet) and the other is out on submission.
Liz: I love this conversation too. While I also could never pinpoint a textbook definition, for me it was more of a feeling as I was writing. Was I being authentic? Did the voice sound more real in first or third person? How can I make sure that my character is doing the talking and not me? When none of those questions were coming up as I was writing, I felt more confident that the voice was right. I also love thinking about how different POVs help me tell the story. I’m also experimenting with a novel written in multiple POVs and it’s been a fascinating process.
Jessie: I love reading all of your thoughts on voice! For me, I think it is less learned perhaps than unlearned. When writers are starting out they tend to look outside of themselves for guidance and that can lead to unconsciously imitating their mentors and role models. A writer’s unique lens on the world and her particular way of expressing it
Readers, what sorts of storytelling voices are you attracted to?
Fascinating conversation. Voice is so hard to explain. As for the question of can it be taught? I think Jessie has a point about “unlearning.” Thinking back to when I first started this journey, I remember a critique partner excitedly telling me, “You’ve found your voice!” I had to quit trying to write like my favorite authors and simply write like ME. That can take a while.
Also, the characters’ voices are different than the author’s voice, but both are important to crafting a good story.
What a great feeling that must have been, Annette!
It was, Jessie, although at the time, I still wasn’t even sure what that meant!
For me, it depends on the primary genre. For example, a romance novel feels authentic in first person, but a thriller often comes across as more genuine in third person. However, there are always many exceptions. Excellent discussion!
Your point makes me wonder if the author’s voice leads her to the genre that matches it best. Intriguing!
Like most, I’m drawn to certain genres, writing styles, and voices. I appreciate the diversity of novels, but return to authors whose stories entertain, inform, and inspire. Without a doubt, the “voice” a writer chooses absolutely influences my reading enjoyment.
What a fascinating topic! I don’t think I could say it any better than Annette! In my view, it’s not a learned skill, but a developed one and one we share with our characters.
I agree about it being developed rather than purely learned. There is a quality of recognition to it, as Annette pointed out, that seems at the heart of it.
I think a writer’s voice is something unique to that person. It may be found on the surface or it may take a lot of digging to find it, but it’s there. How do we know when we find it? I wish I knew, but I do believe practice and learning the craft of writing help us track it down.
If any of us knew we could write a successful book on that, I think!
I enjoy reading a story where it’s obvious the writer believes in her story. This goes beyond POV or the sound of the narrator’s voice (a middle-aged man sounds different than a young girl, etc.).
I’m not sure it can be taught, but it certaininly can be refined and encouraged.
But I’m with Julie – except for writing funny. That you can either do or you can’t – and I can’t! LOL
The funny bone does seem to be inherent, or not!
What a great topic to discuss and learn about. I love Barb’s explanation. Voice may not be able to be taught, but what it means can be! Thanks, Barb. I like first person most of the time. It makes me feel much more a part of the story, and makes it seem more authentic.
It is so interesting to hear that you prefer 1st person! I am always curious about POV and reader experience! Thanks for sharing!
I much prefer the relaxed voice that feels like a friend telling you the story. It’s very easy to slip into those books and worlds. I can do it with others, but they take a little more patience from me to fully get lost in those worlds.
I love that intimate, friendly voice too, Mark. It does make it easy to go along with the storyteller!