This is the last in a triad of vintage Tumblemoose posts. I chose this one because I really like what it has to say.
Some writers are lucky. That’s what I’ve decided. From the very first keystrokes that they ever put to paper the words just flow and make sense. Others struggle and it seems like the words never take on a natural flow for them. Sometimes the difficulty in making words flow is so severe, it causes a terminal case of writer’s block.
If you spend any time researching this whole business of writing, you will see a great deal of folks advising you to find a writing voice. If you can make it unique then all the better. I would argue that you don’t need to find your voice, you already have one! Your writer’s voice is there in your head. It’s what you hear as a constant word track throughout your day. Your challenge is not to find your voice, it’s to put that voice to paper.
So you’re struggling with finding your writer’s voice? You’re considering going back to your electric dog polishing business? Before you throw in the writing towel consider these tips:
- Here is your first key, and it’s an important one: Relax. If you get all jacked up when you sit at the keyboard because you’re worried about your tone or your voice then things are never going to flow.
- Pay attention to the authors you like. What is their style? Can you put a finger on what it is that resonates with you? It’s possible that these folks resonate with you because their voice is actually very similar to your natural writing voice. This is not a call to mimic. If you try and copy what someone else is doing in terms of style or voice then you will fail. You will fail because it won’t be natural for you.
- Ask for dead-honest, straightforward critiques of your work from folks that you trust. If your voice is a concern for you then let your reviewers know that you’d like them to focus on flow and tone. Let them know you don’t give a rip about grammar or spelling in this instance. Try and get enough reviewers to make the sampling statistically significant. In other words get enough people to balance out your mom’s glowing praise. If a majority of your reviewers come back with suggestions for taking an “English as a Second Language” course, there are probably some issues that need to be addressed.
- This tip will blow your mind because it’s really out there: Write. How’s that for cutting edge? you heard me, write. A writer writes, right? Discipline yourself to put 2000 words to paper each and every day. Yes, every day. It can be work on your novel, an article you’ve been thinking of for a magazine, blog entries – whatever. It doesn’t matter what it is. It’s all about the writing. Try this for six months and you’re writing voice will gradually emerge.
- Don’t pay a lot of money and sign up for another writer’s workshop. Really. You don’t need that. What you need is to relax and write. Your voice is already there, let it come out through practice if it’s not already coming out.
- Finally (and I think this is crucial), write like you speak. Typically the voice in your head has the same tone and cadence that makes it past your lips. Use a different body part, that’s all. Flow that cadence and tone and word structure through your fingertips instead of your lips. When you write something, read it aloud and see if it sounds like something you would say. Does it sound like you? Perfect! You’re there! When you hear the words aloud does it sound forced or unnatural? Ok, it’s no big deal. Back to the drawing board.
You have a wonderful and unique writing voice. Truly you do. It’s all in your head. Pay attention to how your writing sounds in your head. Move that to paper and you will have found your writing voice.
Hey George,
I agree with all your tips for writing in your voice. My daughter reads most of my posts and she says she can hear me all the way through so I must be writing from my head! I also ask people to critique my work but they all come back with “perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing”, sweet but not real helpful. I wonder if a small peer group of writers that critique each others work would be successful? great post, stumbled of course!
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..The Elusive Comment
Great post. Make people hear you voice from your writing, that will be really good.
100kjob´s last blog post..Is it Still Profitable in Buying and Selling Domain Names
Great article George! One of my favorites.
I wrote about this topic a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think I write like I speak on my blog. Not at all. But it wouldn’t be entirely appropriate for the subject matter – I’m kind of a sarcastic, wise-ass who curses a lot. I also have a bit of the Philly urban attitude. And I think I’m a lot funnier than I come across online. I’ve started writing some articles in my own voice that I might use on a different blog. Kind of random comical things that happen in my life and my frequently inappropriate reaction to them.
I’m with Dee – whenever I ask a friend to look at what I’ve written they say “awesome!” when I really need more of a critique than that.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..Thankful for My Friend Jim
Excellent advice, George. Finding people who will give you honest feedback is sometimes difficult, but they help so much.
Brad Shorr´s last blog post..Focus on Production, Not Consumption or Wealth Transfer
@ BloggerNewbie: Thanks for the comment. It’s “perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing” Hehe.
@100k job: Thanks a lot. I’m always glad to have you drop by for a visit.
@KW: “Are you talking to ME? You gotta be talkin’ to me. I’m the only one here. You talkin’ to ME?” Hehe. Yeah, I think you’re right. Although thinking about it, wouldn’t it be great (and a little frustrating) to read a blog by Snoop Doggy Dog, or 50cents or Eminem? YO!
Also, you be sure and let me know when you remove your cape and start the REAL KW blog.
@Brad: Tough to ask, even tougher to receive, but crucial. Thanks for stopping by
Cheers
George
How are youse doin’?
Oh awesome. You’ve got me laughing so hard. I’m not *that* bad though.
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..Thankful for My Friend Jim
These are all really great tips.
For me, its just about finding the TIME to write.
When I am ‘in the zone’ and the muse is “ON’ it is easy for me to pump out words and sentences. But when the muse leaves (sometimes for days) its impossible to scrape together much of anything.
But thanks for reminding me sometimes I just need to relax.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..The Mayan Ruins
Hi Meleah Rebeccah,
That is a good point. I know for a lot of us, it can be all about finding the time. And I know that when I have the time, sometimes the muse isn’t there. Even more frustrating is when I get completely inspired by something and won’t have the time or access to start writing it down for a while.
Thanks for dropping by.
Cheers!
George
Nice post, George, thanks
Only thing I’d say is that I don’t think ‘write like you speak’ works for everyone. I’m quite a quiet person, and if I wrote like a spoke you wouldn’t hear much from me!
I think I write like the person in my head speaks
Joanna
PS Blogging is also a great way to find your voice – it’s both regular writing and instant feedback.
Joanna Young´s last blog post..Asking Questions For a Change: Free E-Book
Interesting post George, some good stuff to consider. I do try to write everyday, even if it is a scrawl in one of my Moleskine notebooks.
@joannayoung: That’s perfect. An excellent clarification point – Write like the voice in your head speaks. Thank you! The blogging advice is also spot-on. A very good way to practice your chops and get a bit of feedback.
@Mik: hey thanks for coming by. I spent a little time over at Slightly Mordant yesterday. Great writing style and interesting topics – I’m gonna make it a regular stop.
George
Hi George,
This “Even more frustrating is when I get completely inspired by something and won’t have the time or access to start writing it down for a while.” Is my biggest frustration right now. It seems I only ever have five minutes for anything these days and it takes me ten minutes to get warmed up. What’s a girl to do?
Oops, hit submit too soon. I wanted to say that once I realized that I’d only ever write well if I wrote like myself, it was as if a great burden was lifted. It’s fine that I don’t write the way that others I admire do; after all, they don’t write like I do.
One of the best things I ever read about writing was in the back of a Scholastic Scope magazine, back in 7th grade. It was Kurt Vonnegut – I hadn’t heard of him before, so I didn’t know who this old guy with the crazy hair was – and he talked about how his voice was a clanking, gravelly Indiana honk of a voice and that’s how he wrote. And although it took me ages, I’ve finally taken those words to heart.
Tracy´s last blog post..The Paranoid Mom Reviews New Products: Stove Top Quick Cups
Hi Tracy,
Wow. Awesome comment. That’s a great story about Vonnegut. One of the best contributions to Tumblemoose I’ve ever had. Thanks for coming by.
Cheers
George
Don’t pay a lot of money and sign up for another writer’s workshop. Really. You don’t need that. What you need is to relax and write.
I love that you said this. It’s so true! I do my best writing when everything is quiet and I’m relaxed and focused. Excellent advice – I am giving this a stumble!
*smiles*
Michele
Hi Michele,
I’m smilin’ right back, dontcha know. Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad the post spoke to you.
And of course the stumble is always appreciated!
Cheers
George
I’m smilin’ right back, dontcha know. LOL Thanks!
You’re most welcome for the kind words. I really do love this post. And, thank you for your kind words on my 5 tips post on my blog!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog post..5 Tips for Writing a Quality Article That Will Leave Editors and Clients Salivating for More!
George; good advice here. I like that last one; I found it’s actually the key to my own particular writing style. Once I realized it, my writing really started taking off.
Oh, and shoot! I thought my dog polishing business idea was an original…
Hey Robert,
After perusing MiddleZoneMusings this am I can tell you have found your voice and make liberal use of your unique-ness. If search engines were able to pick up “drawl” you’d be the #1 site in Texas
George
Thanks, George, and for that you get a tip o’ the hat!
Robert Hruzek´s last blog post..What I Learned From… the Generosity of Others
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Hi, George! Great post and excellent advice! Especially the part about just writing. I was reflecting on that idea last week in my blog, finding my voice the more I write. http://tinyurl.com/66rtlu Hope you’ll stop by!
Linda704´s last blog post..A Powerful Experience
Hi Linda. Thanks and it’s good to see you here. I went and read your last blog post. Great description! I could see you all in your jammies, juggling phones and laptops, dogs barkin’ doorbells ringin’. What a hoot!. And your point about technology is well taken. I used to own a paramedic school. I remember getting our first PowerPoint projector – It was the size of a small suitcase!
Anyway, hope to see you back soon.
George
“Write like you speak”
Good idea! Though it is hard to go for that since we…um…don’t actually talk while we write. But it is worth striving for.
I saw you at BWAB and enjoyed your post. I headed over to see your “writing” blog.
Jewel/Pink Ink´s last blog post..To-Do List
Well, Hello Jewel/Pink Ink. Thanks for the comments and coming by. I hope to see you again. I’m headed over to pink Ink right now and have a look!
Cheers!
George
Wonderfully written post that I can definitely relate to. The tips are great to keep in mind for those times when I feel unable to write about any one thing. Another great post!
Mikia´s last blog post..The End of My Foul Mood
Hi Mikia,
Thanks so much. As always it’s great to see you here.
George
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George,
I just came over from Joanna Young’s list of “Simply the Best 2008″. I enjoyed reading your article, but I’ve got one question: what about finding one’s voice when you are writing in your second language? I am writing in English although German is my first language, and of course I do a lot of reading. But it is still difficult for me to find “my voice”, and I don’t know whether I’ve already got one.
Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..Five Things you might want to Know about Me
Ulla,
I think you may have already found your voice. One would never guess that English was your second language. I do believe your voice is already present. The important thing is to not try and be someone/something you’re not. Just be the natural you and it will be perfect!
Cheers!
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..The art of the interview
George,
you really cheered me up! Thanks for this encouraging answer!
Greetings,
Ulla
Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..Five Things you might want to Know about Me
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My favorite author in terms of voice is Charles Dickens. I hope that I won’t be quite so long-winded as him, though!
Ronnica´s last blog post..Fruit Cocktail
Ronnica,
It would be tough to top that one. He could really bloviate!
George
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I enjoyed reading this post. This was something I’ve been struggling with for the past year, and I thought I’d never work through it. I think your point on writing like you speak is the best. Your “voice” is your own unique way of speaking on any given subject or genre.
Have a wonderful day
Carrie
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It really is one of my favorites, and it is so important for a writer to have their very own unique voice.
Cheers
George
Hello George!
Finding one’s writing voice is so basic, so foundational to one’s success as a professional writer, that if one doesn’t get perfectly quiet and start to drill down to where all writer’s voices reside, one may as well trade in one’s computer.
Your first point about relaxing is so key, George. It turns me off to hear folks go on and on about how they can’t seem to relax. Of course, what is relaxing to one person is a jangling cacophony to others. Personally, I sit with eyes closed in my LaZBoy recliner and turn on classical piano music and let it waft over my ears. No one else is in my space. No TV. No laptop in my lap (yet). I am the music and the music is me. Get it?
Right on about paying attention to authors you like. On my Web site, I credit my favorite authors. I write short fiction. My favorite short fiction writers are Benjamin Percy, Annie Proulx, and Sherman Alexie, just to name a few. I like their unique voices. They write as if they were creating their own unique genre. They are fearless.
I was raised in a very strict middle-class household where making a good public impression was very important. It was always about being politically corect.
Now that I am an adult with a writing voice that is uniquely mine, I write like my characters speak. My urban tough guys say “Fuck” and my soldiers live like there may be no tomorrow for them. My parents would be horrified, because their only son uses such reality when he tells stories. What would the bridge club think? Ha!
Regarding asking for critiques from other writers, writer beware!
Be very selective about choosing a reviewer or critiquer of your precious baby.
I learned early on not to ask writers who only write non-fiction to critique my short stories. They can’t relate. I never ask Christian genre writers to review my work. Not because of their religion but because of their politically-correct stance on certain social issues. I do seek out other short fiction writers for critiques, but I first make sure that that writer has the spelling and grammar skillset that I hold to . Unfortunately, there are way too many would-be writers who have never bothered to master the language or the rules of grammar. I say to them. STOP WRITING until you can craft a sentence correctly and spell all your chosen words without relying on your spell-checker.
Yes, writers write. But churning out 2000 pages of crap every day does not a writer make. See the above paragraph for an explanation.
At LongShortStories, I host two short story contests each year. My sincere hope is that I will discover a short story writer of such top caliber that I can award them one of my three great prizes. But alas. So many of my entrants, God bless them, shoot themselves in the proverbial foot by not knowing how to punctuate dialogue properly. Or they write like this: Subject Verb Predicate. Subject Verb Predicate.
BORING! These folks haven’t found their voice yet or they would realize that they wouldn’t dare speak this way in real life! Mix it up. Break the old-school rules if it makes sense to the story! Occasionally start a sentence with a preposition. Craft a powerful one-word sentence-paragraph to grab me as a reader. Be brave!
Ah yes, writers’ workshops. Sounds kind of warm and fuzzy, right? But beware. There are a TON of folks out there ready to take your dead presidents in exchange for so-called writing advice. I’ve never been one for anything that saps of “group think” and I’m afraid that I feel that most of these workshops aren’t worth the investment . I’d much rather see an emerging writer invest in a copy of “30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary” and “The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage” or something similar. NOW HEAR THIS: If you don’t have your writing founded upon such bedrock, then you are a poser. Sorry, but you are.
Regarding your last point, write like you speak, I think I have hammered home my point about this in the above paragraphs. But, as a short story writer, I strive to write like my protagonist speaks to me in my head as i roll my little mind movie about him before hitting one key on my keyboard.
I can honestly say, that as a professional short fiction writer, I have literally thousands of voices inside my head at any one time, each one locked and loaded for the next time I need that unique character to speak.
How would I characterize MY writer’s voice?
In a nutshell, I strive for honesty and succintness. I employ poetic devices to make my writing flow off the tongue like warm butter. I wear my cinematographer’s hat and use evry visual trick in my lexicon to bring my story to life for my appreciative readers. I strive to resonate with each of the senses with my writer’s tuning fork, so that my readers smell the roses, taste the gourmet cooking, see the battlefield, hear the cry of the abandoned baby, touch the love of my characters’ life like he or she would behind closed doors.
If I am successful in achieving all of the above, then, yes, that is my writer’s voice. Not yours, but mine alone. Unique and easily recognizable over time.
You too can develop a unique writer’s voice. But don’t expect to achieve it overnight without a modicum of hard work and years of practicing this special craft we call … writing.
Good luck to you all!
Wayne,
I would love to make a post of just your comments. Insightful, thoughtful and a great help to me as the blog owner as well as my readership. For those things, I thank you. It’s also very interesting to hear how a real writer develops his very own voice.
The fact that you are able (and willing) to elaborate on my posts tells me that you are a gift – one that I will always appreciate. Thanks for coming by, Wayne.
George
@Wayne – lots of great points mixed in there.
I have one observation.
At LongShortStories, I host two short story contests each year. My sincere hope is that I will discover a short story writer of such top caliber that I can award them one of my three great prizes. But alas.
This is likely a marketing issue. If not one gifted writer enters your contest, this says more about the marketing of the contest than it does about any of the contestants.
Hi George,
I’m ticked to find this post about this topic — BY YOU! I adore your writing voice, George, and respect anything you have to say about it.
(BTW: Mr. Long — I quite enjoyed your comment, too. Thanks for your thoughtful comment here.)
More power to you, George, and thanks for reviving some of your goodies from the candy jar. Them’s some tasty treats!
*Smooch*
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Your Anchors =-.
Dang — I meant “tickled”. I am certainly not upset by your post.
Ha! When I first read it I was like, “Aw, Hell. I done pissed of Lori.”
Then I realized the typo and laughed. Amazing what a difference one little letter makes, eh?
Hi Lori,
It’s been fun pulling out some of these oldies but goodies. And yes, Wayne is one of the most rockin’ commentors out there.
Cheers to you, dah-link!
George
Hi,
This is a great post… I have a great natural conversant voice … when I’m talking but when i get pen to paper, literally, it gets ‘off’. Good advice which I will read again and again!
.-= Walker´s last blog ..Blood Pressure and Chocolate =-.
Hey Walker,
Great to have you stop by and comment. I’m happy the post is workin’ for ya. Best of luck with the writing, I’m off to check out your page now.
George
This is a great post and certainly worthy of recycling. I’ve never understood the hoopla about “voice.” My voice just is. I am who I am. The characters in my head speak differently to me, in their own voices. I write in a style that is comfortable to me…to do otherwise would be stilted. It also would not be my own voice.
Laura Eno´s last [type] ..Happy Birthday #FridayFlash
Great tips. I think the key is not to overanalyze and think too much, just start writing and don’t care so much about what other people will think. The content, first and foremost is what they’re looking for, and tone/style is secondary to that. Focus on writing great content and the rest will follow. And don’t worry if it’s not professional enough.. I know some great bloggers who write like gangsters, and I still follow them.
Henway´s last [type] ..My Colonix Experience
Hi Henway.
Thanks for commenting on this vintage post. I think we do have a tendency to overanalyze things and the problem comes when we let that affect our natural voice. I agree that the importance of good content cannot be overstated.
george
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