What Is Voice in Writing?
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
What is voice in writing? That’s a great question that one of our Good Story Learning members asked the other day. Oh, the question of voice. Voice is one of the more difficult writing skills or principles to define … and to acquire for your writing toolbox.
Having a great writing voice is crucial to being a strong writer, but many people still wonder what is voice in writing, because the most they usually hear from agents and publishers is: “I know it when I see it.” This is helpful. We attempt to provide a more cogent answer to the what is voice in writing question here.
What Is Voice In Writing?
Voice is a combination of syntax, word choice, style, pacing, and the overall tone or emotion of the manuscript. Voice can change from project to project, but some writers also tend to maintain their own style—called authorial voice—across projects.
Writers know they need to figure out what is voice in writing, and they know it’s important, but it’s also one of the last things to fall into place when writers assemble their tool kits. Writing a million bad words might sound like an impossible task, especially when a writer starts out, but the more you write, the more you’ll figure out what is voice in writing, and what it means for your specific style in how to create a story.
There are two essential elements to consider when aiming for an amazing writing voice. First, read. Read, read, read! And read like a writer, too. Explore the works of your favorite authors, as well as those in other genres. Don’t just stick to what you know or like–explore what other writers are doing on various shelves. You'll find that reading is a critical component of honing your craft and absorbing a true understanding of what is voice in writing. Ultimately, there's so much brilliant writing out there, and immersing yourself in it is a great way to build your own style.
I firmly and roundly reject the idea that writers will pollute their own voices and projects by reading the work of others. Not at all. Everyone has to learn their craft somehow, and shelves are swimming with amazing examples of voice.
I resolutely deny the suggestion that authors can contaminate their writing or dilute their unique voices by reading the work of other writers. It's like asking a surgeon to never observe other surgeons and dive in with only their own knowledge base. Luckily, with writing, there's no need to endure years of medical school. Reading is a writer’s version of a residency program.
Speak Out to Explore What Is Voice in Writing
Reading aloud is my second big tip for writers who want to figure out what is voice in writing. Actually taking the time to speak your work aloud is one of the most underrated tools available. It's easy to do, it just involves you, your voice, and your manuscript. (For those writers who do not have speech available to them, or are hearing impaired, it’s perfectly fine to use accommodations, such as dictation software that can read to you.)
Reading aloud is something few people ever think to do—probably because it feels vulnerable. But try it. There’s no better way to explore what is voice in writing. The rewards of hearing your words come to life in your own voice (or body, if you’re signing) are tremendous. Make sure you have understanding partners (or pets!) at home and a private place to read at work, and don't hesitate to give reading your work aloud a go.
When I’m working on voice, I print off a draft and proceed to read aloud as I walk around my house—much to my dogs’ chagrin. I find myself hoarse after a few days of reading, but it’s worth it to figure out what is voice in writing. This technique helps me identify confusing phrasing and judge whether something flows well.
Take Risks To Learn What Is Voice In Writing
Take a chance! Read your writing out loud. Even better, have somebody else read it to you—especially if you've written a poem or a short story (children’s picture book writers, this one's for you!). I'm certain that, at least once, you'll be utterly amazed. Giving voice to your work adds a totally different dimension to something you thought you knew inside out.
Very few people actually do it, though. And how many are willing to do it multiple times? Even fewer. It's easy to forget that, before the invention of writing, all stories were shared through the spoken word. So why not take a chance and experience the thrill of hearing your own words spoken aloud on your quest to discover what is voice in writing?
When we jot down ideas on paper or type them out on a screen, we can easily get lost in our own thoughts. Reading aloud can provide new perspective, infusing our creative endeavors with a different energy. Give it a try, and answer the question of what is voice in writing—in your writing—for yourself.
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