The concept of author Voice is so elusive, it’s can feel like a loose football, bouncing around the field (she says as she watches the Giants and 49er’s chase the ball). Just when we think we have a grip on it, it wiggles out of our hands.

Voice, easily expressed, is your storytelling style. Words and plot and character – and how you weave these together. Much like an actor dons a role, bringing their own style to a script.

Although we can work to recognize Voice and even analyze it by finding great style in other works, we don’t really discover our Voice until we put the pen to page. Until we write words that make our own hearts sing.

Here’s a trick I’ve used to develop my voice: Try writing the story in first person – but as if you were the character. Lock yourself inside the constraints of your character’s knowledge and personality – only allowing yourself to see, think feel and know what your character would know. And only allow dialogue that your character would say. Donned with that persona, write the story in your character’s pov but in first person – the way you might speak. And here’s the key:  for this exercise…write without the rules, even grammar.  You’re just setting them aside for this exercise – not forever. But the writing “rules” only serve to choke out your voice.  Fear not, it’s just an exercise…you’ll rewrite it with all the fundamental grammar rules later.  For now, just enjoy the freedom of writing without turning on the internal editor.

I’ve done this exercise with a number of clients – and they’re always surprised at how intimate and empowered their writing becomes.

When you’re finished, look for the words, the sentence rhythms and constructions, characterization elements that you love. This is your voice — your style — expressed through your character and story, onto the page.

Of course the key to weaving that into a novel is to make sure that, although you are writing it in your voice, you’re staying within the persona of each particular character.

Once you try it in first person, rewrite it in third and you may be surprised at how your voice is retained.

Note:  Sometimes when I’m working on a new genre, or even am stuck in a story where I feel my writing is tired, I try this exercise and my voice seems to gain a new breath, come alive in the story as we rewrite.

Fear not, Voice can be caught…you just have to scramble after it, land on it, and hold on. (okay, sorry, but you’ll have to put up with football analogies for a least two more weeks).

Quick Skill:  Find your voice by writing with your internal editor turned off, in first person, in the persona of your character. 

Happy Writing!
Susie May

P.S.  As you might already know, MBT is now offering an advanced membership!  And, the month of January is preview month.  Go to:  http://teammemberpreview.mybooktherapy.com to find out more and sign up for your free trial membership.  No obligation, you get to join in the fun, and you’ll get an invite at the end of the month to join at our reduced rate! Hope to see you on the team!