There is a great deal of discussion in writing circles about Voice. In terms of craft, voice can mean two different things. There is your voice, and there is the voice of a character you have created. A character’s voice may or may not be very similar to or the very same as your own voice, especially if the character or narrator is I. All of us have more than one voice, even when we are in the world and having conversations. We don’t use the same voice when leading a staff meeting as we do when telling an anecdote to a friend. We are flexible and creative every day in the voices we choose. The same is true when we write. We decide the stance we adopt as we begin to put words on the page. All of these are true voices. What most writers mean when they refer to authentic voice is the voice that comes most naturally, even subconsciously, especially when writing something that has emotional content. When we dive deep and draw on a rich mix of memory and imagination, the voice that emerges is one that readers can believe in. Often the response to such writing from listeners is, “That character’s voice or that dialogue is exactly right.” If you aren’t sure of your voice, start with memory, and write a description of the sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of a specific place and time. Be the person you were in that moment. Let go of what you think you are supposed to sound like. Say what comes, in any order, with as much detail as you can recall. Does it feel right to you? Have you said not only what you wanted to say, but how you wanted to say it? Have you gotten close? Too often we borrow someone else’s voice, thinking it has more authority than the way we express ourselves. Our stories and poems depend on our authentic voices. Let them have their say.
Upcoming Events
Hawley Retreat August 11-14, 2019 Write in the western hills of Massachusetts; allow yourself to find your voice and share your work with other respectful, inspired writers. All writers welcome. https://www.writingfulltilt.com/retreats/
Online Weekly Workshop March 18 – April 29, 2019 6:30 – 9:00 EST. Need a workshop to come to you? This is it! https://www.writingfulltilt.com/online-workshop/
Weekly Workshops in Amherst: Thursdays 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.; Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join other writers for adventurous writing and profound listening. https://www.writingfulltilt.com/workshops/
Malibu Retreat February 3 – 6, 2020 All writers welcome, no matter the genre or experience level. This is your time to celebrate your writing! https://www.writingfulltilt.com/retreats/
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