Comments on: Developing Style and Voice in Fiction Writing http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Mon, 21 May 2012 03:55:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Katie Hart http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13424 Katie Hart Sat, 09 Oct 2010 03:25:25 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13424 The reading ten million words made me laugh - I think I had that part done by 4th grade! :) The reading ten million words made me laugh - I think I had that part done by 4th grade! :)

]]> By: Tessa Quin http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13486 Tessa Quin Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:23:54 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13486 Great advice and idea of what the elusive "voice" means. It's basically what I thought, only I hadn't put it into words yet "attitude". Great advice and idea of what the elusive “voice” means. It’s basically what I thought, only I hadn’t put it into words yet “attitude”.

]]> By: Jonathan Cain http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13502 Jonathan Cain Sat, 09 Oct 2010 13:38:57 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13502 Oh man, you really struck a chord with me when you were talking about "taking off the hand cuffs: thats a major issue that I have, I am glad to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel! Oh man, you really struck a chord with me when you were talking about “taking off the hand cuffs: thats a major issue that I have, I am glad to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

]]> By: Charlotte http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13541 Charlotte Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:40:47 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13541 Is it possible to "hear" your own written voice, or does someone else need to identify it for you, like an accent? How can you tell if your voice is consistant, strained, whatever? I guess I'm afraid that overanalzing could kill my voice. <strong>Randy sez</strong>: Voice comes from the creative side of your brain. Don't overanalyze it or you'll kill it--or at least knock it unconscious for a while. Voice is like personality -- trying to "make it happen" is the surest way to make it not happen. Is it possible to “hear” your own written voice, or does someone else need to identify it for you, like an accent? How can you tell if your voice is consistant, strained, whatever? I guess I’m afraid that overanalzing could kill my voice.

Randy sez: Voice comes from the creative side of your brain. Don’t overanalyze it or you’ll kill it–or at least knock it unconscious for a while. Voice is like personality — trying to “make it happen” is the surest way to make it not happen.

]]> By: Davalynn Spencer http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13549 Davalynn Spencer Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:23:03 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13549 Ugh! Style and voice. Great question, inspiring answer. Personally, my style and voice change depending upon what I'm writing. I think. Since I write such varied nonfiction as inspirational columns, interviews, reviews, articles, etc., I must choose the appropriate style/voice for the assignment. Now here I am as the student of a fiction writer! - thanks to that writer's conference I attended in California. But creative writing is creative writing, whether fiction or non (and I'm writing a novel). They are parallel tracks of the same railroad line, and many aspects of one can be found in the other, like story arc. And voice. And style. A reader once told me, "I love your style." I wanted to stand up on my desk and scream, "Tell me, please tell me, what is my style?!" I'm still waiting for the answer. Ugh! Style and voice. Great question, inspiring answer. Personally, my style and voice change depending upon what I’m writing. I think. Since I write such varied nonfiction as inspirational columns, interviews, reviews, articles, etc., I must choose the appropriate style/voice for the assignment. Now here I am as the student of a fiction writer! - thanks to that writer’s conference I attended in California. But creative writing is creative writing, whether fiction or non (and I’m writing a novel). They are parallel tracks of the same railroad line, and many aspects of one can be found in the other, like story arc. And voice. And style. A reader once told me, “I love your style.” I wanted to stand up on my desk and scream, “Tell me, please tell me, what is my style?!” I’m still waiting for the answer.

]]> By: Camille http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13552 Camille Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:30:52 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13552 I know fear of exposing what is truly lurking in my own twisted mind is one of the 'handcuffs' to my voice. I've been told my blogging/correspondence voice is something people enjoy (the poor saps) but no matter how hard I try to be 'free' in my fiction writing, I am chained by rules, what certain people will think, things I've been taught you can't do or shouldn't do in CBA, etc. I am still reveling in a recent discovery: an author who writes in my genre in a 'style'--if you will--closer to mine than any others I've read by far. I not only like her books (it would take pages to detail why in particular) but I learned a couple of key things through her example that suddenly liberate me from my fears. She also pulls off some things (regarding emotional experience & reader reward) that I've tried to do but wasn't sure if I was doing. On reading her books, I can see that I sadly failed at these things in my first book. Luckily I'm still in the early stages of my 2nd and can incorporate what I learned from her now. It's taken me a couple years of writing fiction and other stuff (a literary term) to sift through my stuff (a spiritual term) and begin to recognize what elements of my own preferences in style and word choice and attitude and approach to communicating that I should focus on for fiction and which to leave for personal life chatter. I'm still working on it. I guess I have about 250k words or so under my belt so far, have lots of lab time to go. Hey - do the ones we throw away count? Then I probably have about 500k. :-) <strong>Randy sez</strong>: Yes, everything you type counts, whether you throw it away or burn it or blog it. Words written are words written. I know fear of exposing what is truly lurking in my own twisted mind is one of the ‘handcuffs’ to my voice. I’ve been told my blogging/correspondence voice is something people enjoy (the poor saps) but no matter how hard I try to be ‘free’ in my fiction writing, I am chained by rules, what certain people will think, things I’ve been taught you can’t do or shouldn’t do in CBA, etc.

I am still reveling in a recent discovery: an author who writes in my genre in a ’style’–if you will–closer to mine than any others I’ve read by far. I not only like her books (it would take pages to detail why in particular) but I learned a couple of key things through her example that suddenly liberate me from my fears. She also pulls off some things (regarding emotional experience & reader reward) that I’ve tried to do but wasn’t sure if I was doing. On reading her books, I can see that I sadly failed at these things in my first book. Luckily I’m still in the early stages of my 2nd and can incorporate what I learned from her now.

It’s taken me a couple years of writing fiction and other stuff (a literary term) to sift through my stuff (a spiritual term) and begin to recognize what elements of my own preferences in style and word choice and attitude and approach to communicating that I should focus on for fiction and which to leave for personal life chatter. I’m still working on it. I guess I have about 250k words or so under my belt so far, have lots of lab time to go.

Hey - do the ones we throw away count? Then I probably have about 500k. :-)

Randy sez: Yes, everything you type counts, whether you throw it away or burn it or blog it. Words written are words written.

]]> By: Judy http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13680 Judy Sun, 10 Oct 2010 05:28:34 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13680 I agree, style and voice are a bit mysterious but it is always great when you read someone whose style you like. I don't even think about my own style when I am writing. While I know it is lurking in the shadows I let it take care of itself. Randy's mad professor style for this blog keeps me reading and laughing. I agree, style and voice are a bit mysterious but it is always great when you read someone whose style you like. I don’t even think about my own style when I am writing. While I know it is lurking in the shadows I let it take care of itself. Randy’s mad professor style for this blog keeps me reading and laughing.

]]> By: Jordyn http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13894 Jordyn Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:25:27 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-13894 I think it's definitely important to read a wide range of authors and genres when developing your writing style so that you aren't too obviously influenced by a particular writer, especially if they write in the same genre as you. I think it’s definitely important to read a wide range of authors and genres when developing your writing style so that you aren’t too obviously influenced by a particular writer, especially if they write in the same genre as you.

]]> By: Melissa Stroh http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14104 Melissa Stroh Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:56:39 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14104 A few people have told me that they really like my voice, which I found very encouraging. To be honest, I can't say with certainty what I think of it (because I'm my own worst critic). But if it is good, then I'd credit it to mixing up my influences. Just like any writer, I have my favorite authors who have a specific voice and style that I enjoy. But every now and then, I like to read something different or out of the norm for my taste just to get a flavor for something else. It adds variety. And it's fun to discover new things along the way. Like Jordyn implied, you don't want to get stuck in a rut. A few people have told me that they really like my voice, which I found very encouraging. To be honest, I can’t say with certainty what I think of it (because I’m my own worst critic). But if it is good, then I’d credit it to mixing up my influences. Just like any writer, I have my favorite authors who have a specific voice and style that I enjoy. But every now and then, I like to read something different or out of the norm for my taste just to get a flavor for something else. It adds variety. And it’s fun to discover new things along the way. Like Jordyn implied, you don’t want to get stuck in a rut.

]]> By: rick crawford http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14132 rick crawford Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:08:37 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14132 I have been reading about this lately. It is hard to define voice. When writing in first person, voice comes through clearly. But when writing from a different point of view, voice is how the author sees the scene and the events. Tiger stalking its prey. Some writers would spend a several paragraphs on the setting around the tiger or what the tiger saw. Some would describe the why the tiger is stalking. Voice is delivery. And then its either slow or fast. Stalking to me is slow but suddenly fast. Voice is what the author lets me see with their word pairings. I have been reading about this lately. It is hard to define voice. When writing in first person, voice comes through clearly. But when writing from a different point of view, voice is how the author sees the scene and the events.
Tiger stalking its prey. Some writers would spend a several paragraphs on the setting around the tiger or what the tiger saw. Some would describe the why the tiger is stalking.
Voice is delivery. And then its either slow or fast. Stalking to me is slow but suddenly fast.
Voice is what the author lets me see with their word pairings.

]]> By: Sheila Crosby http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14138 Sheila Crosby Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:56:42 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14138 I like C. S. Lewis's advice. Forget about your voice / original style. Just write the story as best you can, and your voice will come naturally. You're bound to be original, just because you're you. I like C. S. Lewis’s advice. Forget about your voice / original style. Just write the story as best you can, and your voice will come naturally. You’re bound to be original, just because you’re you.

]]> By: Delving Into Creative Fiction Writing | Online Creative Writing http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14239 Delving Into Creative Fiction Writing | Online Creative Writing Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:06:42 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-14239 [...] Developing Style and Voice in Fiction Writing (advancedfictionwriting.com) [...] […] Developing Style and Voice in Fiction Writing (advancedfictionwriting.com) […]

]]> By: Shiv http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-15759 Shiv Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:43:17 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-15759 I had once read in a classical fiction writing book (I don't remember the name)that an author's "voice" or style is what distinguishes him from the others. But the moment you consciously become aware of them or try to analyze them, you run the risk of stagnating as a writer. If you become aware of the intricacies of your style (and specially if your style has been appreciated)you will try hard to stick to it and will not improvise as per the demands of the story. I personally consider both style and voice as a "spontaneous way of writing a story" - a way that appeals to me and me only, and I see a pattern in my writing but i don't go overboard trying to analyze it. I had once read in a classical fiction writing book (I don’t remember the name)that an author’s “voice” or style is what distinguishes him from the others. But the moment you consciously become aware of them or try to analyze them, you run the risk of stagnating as a writer. If you become aware of the intricacies of your style (and specially if your style has been appreciated)you will try hard to stick to it and will not improvise as per the demands of the story.

I personally consider both style and voice as a “spontaneous way of writing a story” - a way that appeals to me and me only, and I see a pattern in my writing but i don’t go overboard trying to analyze it.

]]> By: Developing Your Voice as a Professional Writer http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-18559 Developing Your Voice as a Professional Writer Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:12:44 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/10/08/developing-style-and-voice-in-fiction-writing/#comment-18559 [...] A writer’s voice is like a personality on paper. Personal beliefs, outlooks and attitudes all influence the way a writer “sounds” when telling a story or presenting information. Every writer out there, published or unpublished, has a one-of-a-kind voice that gives life and character to his or her work. Readers seek out writers whose voices engage them and make them want to read more. So not only is voice part of a writer’s identity, it’s also part of what makes the writing enjoyable to audiences young and old. [...] […] A writer’s voice is like a personality on paper. Personal beliefs, outlooks and attitudes all influence the way a writer “sounds” when telling a story or presenting information. Every writer out there, published or unpublished, has a one-of-a-kind voice that gives life and character to his or her work. Readers seek out writers whose voices engage them and make them want to read more. So not only is voice part of a writer’s identity, it’s also part of what makes the writing enjoyable to audiences young and old. […]

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