How did you discover your writer's voice?

[VWeathers]

I read and see a lot about finding your voice...

What "Person" do you write in?
How did you recognize your "Voice?"
How did you know which genre worked best for you?

[pajarita_deDios]

Wow, that's a good question. Honestly, I was so young when I began to doodle little stories out that I don't remember. Third person came naturally to me, maybe because it reflected most of the books I was reading at that time in my life. Unfortunately, for too many years I was restrained by the desire for "perfect" writing. Everything had to be absolutely beautiful and poetic, or I would chunk it out as trash. Thankfully, as I got older, I began to understand that working that way will get you nowhere.

I think I've said this a lot, but screenwriting is what really taught me structure and discipline in my writing that I was able to carry over to my manuscript writing as well. I'm so thankful to screenwriting because without it's straight forwardness I wouldn't have learned how to hone the skills that God has given me, into a process. So I suppose that's where I really found me "voice", sitting at the screenwriters table in my university being hounded by my professor, ;)

Genre, hmmm, when I was younger I always wrote romance, and that's what I thought I would always do. It's not that now I have an aversion to romance, but as I grew up the desire to expose and to explore the more tragic side of life, really steered my writing into another direction. Some people say it's depressing or sad, but it's true. Just because something is hard to swallow, or horrible, does that mean I should turn away from it and avoid the subject for the sake of keeping it "hush hush"? I never thought so. I think I will write a romance one day, but right now, I'm young, and I have a lot to say that needs to be said other than "I love you, darling". :) As of now, I'm not sure what the genre is, it really depends on the story more often than not.

[Gravity]

My three published novels are thrillers, written in first person. My current WIP is another thriller, again written in first, and another WIP is a spec/fic novel I've been noodling around with--off and on for the past few months--written in multiple-POV third.

[righter1]

I discovered my voice as my writing style was shifting in my late teens. By this point, I'd discovered writing in 1st person, as opposed to 3rd as I had been up to that point.

Right now, I write a blend of romance/mystery (heavy on the mystery, lighter on the romance). I'm making plans to write a political thriller after my current project is done, polished, and out to find an agent/publisher. I'm also considering starting to do some freelance writing to establish my name and make some $ on the side to pay off some medical bills and to develop something that would allow me to stay home once my husband and I have kids.

As to the main point of your genre question, I've always read mysteries. It's what I love. If I'm going to write something, I figure it ought to be something where when I go to conventions, I get to meet the people I look up to and respect so much... :)

[Rocky Top]

I discovered my writer's voice in my larynx. I had gone down there looking for "tone"...and there it was...it was just kind of hanging out...doing nothing....up to no good...and I was like, "Hey you...mister! Get busy."

I know....not a very exciting story on how I discovered my writer's voice. But it's 38% true.
!thumbsup!

[Hides]

I read and see a lot about finding your voice...

What "Person" do you write in?
How did you recognize your "Voice?"
How did you know which genre worked best for you?

I write my stories in either first person or third person depending how I am writing the story. IF the main character is narrating the story I am narrating in the first person, if not I am writing in the third.

The best way to recognize your voice is to write like you speak. I think this also has to do with your tone. Take a look at your writing. Does it sound light hearted or does it sound angry. For me, I write better when I sound angry or just plain old amazed. A friend of mine once told me that when I write, I write best when I sound like Lacroix, a charachter from the TV show Forever Knight.

As far as genre is concerened I would say action, fantasy, or a contemporary sports story.

[paulchernoch]

I'm still looking, but I think I'm close.

When I was a teen, I loved reading sci-fi and fantasy. They are the only genres I know well, so they are what I write.

I always loved writers who sprinkled neat philosophical quotes into their stories, typically at the start of chapters, so that's what I do. When I was a teen I loved reading through quote books. I love my Bartlett's.

I love a variety of styles in the same work, so I will have part of my story taken from the villain's diary, part from newspaper articles, part as straight narrative, poems, songs, etc.

I was big on flowery language as a kid, but that turns people off, so I chose a plain style for the most part. I read somewhere that if your world is exotic, make your hero plain, so I did. The secondary characters get to be weird and quirky, though. So I restrain my floweryness and only turn it on sparingly, for transitions, in formal dialogue, or spoken by pompous characters.

The whole POV thing is giving me endless problems. I started out third person, then slapped on a first person frame story. Because of my indecision, I seldom delve deeper into my characters thoughts than is strictly necessary, unless they are one of the journaling POV's I am citing. Most interior monologue is stuff anyone watching them could guess, or would later reveal to the character who is writing the account of the events.

Because of these strange choices, I also avoid melodrama and consciously aim for emotional impact very little. I try to be subtle, and let the setting, situation, and events carry the bulk of the load when it comes to feelings.

- Paul

[Elondra]

Hmm, great questions . . .

I love to get inside people's head and see how they tick so I love 3rd person. This way, I don't feel confined to one character and you can see how the react differently. In real life, everyone is their own main character, so I try to have at least 2 main characters per book.

I discovered my Voice by trying out all the different POV through a 5 book series. The ones that I liked the most and I felt flowed the best were the ones written in 3rd.

For my sanity, I write in slight Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre. It drives me crazy if I feel like I'm writing about a real place and all that comes out is totally false (or worse, just cliche!). I just imagine people writing me from the location saying "My town is nothing like what you wrote."
I like to have the freedom to be able to write anything and, instead of getting letters of correction, having the readers join me in discovering new, exciting place.

[VWeathers]

Ok. First person is like the responses. "I love to get inside people's head..."
Third person would say, she loved to get inside people's heads.
How would 2nd person say it? That's the one I get confused about.
Would it be "You like to get inside people's heads..."?

[Elondra]

Ok. First person is like the responses. "I love to get inside people's head..."
Third person would say, she loved to get inside people's heads.
How would 2nd person say it? That's the one I get confused about.
Would it be "You like to get inside people's heads..."?

Yep, 2nd person is like a dictative tense.
Have you ever read a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book? They're all in 2nd person and it takes you on this journey. You start on page 1 and at the bottom it will give you a few choices. Depending on what you choose, you go to, like, page 14 or page 26, and carry on the story. All the while you really do feel like the story is about yourself. It's a really intense way to write - lol, I'd always get so frustrated when the adventure led me to death. :( (woah, I just realized I practically wrote this whole post in 2nd person, lol)

[VWeathers]

I think I am more of a conversational writer, at least so far. I write like I'm talking you. Would that be first person?

[VWeathers]

:confused: Are person and POV the same thing? Somehow I am having difficulty getting my head wrapped around this topic.

[Tarin]

What "Person" do you write in?

For the most part I write in third person, so that I can more easily utilize the POV of more than one character. However, the story and the characters always dictate that choice. For example, in the novel that is tentatively next in line, I plan to utilize one first-person narrator and several third-persons. I'm really looking forward to that one!!thumbsup!

How did you recognize your "Voice?"

I don't know that "voice" is something you recognize, so much as it is something you just sort of fall into. Your voice is you, it is who you are, and hopefully it is always growing and developing. I think "finding" your voice is mostly just a matter of becoming confident enough to write without inhibition.

How did you know which genre worked best for you?

Although I'm currently working on a fantasy novel, I generally write historical fiction. I have no problems genre-hopping:D , but I stick to history for the most part because that is what interests me.

[righter1]

:confused: Are person and POV the same thing? Somehow I am having difficulty getting my head wrapped around this topic.

Basically they are... Some of us just use the acronym POV to indicate Point of View. It's just a little quicker than saying person or point of view.

[writergirl]

I agree with those who have said that voice isn't something you really recognize....well, at least it isn't for me. I just write, and the voice is just me on paper.

I am most comfortable writing in first person. (Or from a first person POV, it's the same thing. :) ) I can write in third, but it doesn't come as naturally....and omniscient just scares me. :D

As far as genre....when I wrote my first novel, I didn't worry about that. I just wrote it, and tried to place it afterwards. I find that it best fits into the Christian Romance category...although it's a bit outside the lines there as well.

My best advice is to write what you love. Write in the way that is most comfortable for you....and don't worry too much about the rest. ;) :D

[VWeathers]

That is advice I can follow.

[paulchernoch]

:confused: Are person and POV the same thing? Somehow I am having difficulty getting my head wrapped around this topic.


I have the same problem with the two. You can write in first person, but have that narrator explain a scene from another person's POV. The POV is who the action is focusing on, whose thoughts are being read, whose emotional viewpoint is coloring the scene. The POV can shift about, but that should be avoided. One POV per chapter is usually a good rule, unless you want to omnisciently capture a crowd's multifaceted view. In the book of Acts account of Pentecost, when the speaker talks about how people from all around the world could understand Peter in their own tongue, the use of "We" accomplished the same thing.

- Paul

[VWeathers]

I have the same problem with the two. You can write in first person, but have that narrator explain a scene from another person's POV. The POV is who the action is focusing on, whose thoughts are being read, whose emotional viewpoint is coloring the scene. The POV can shift about, but that should be avoided. One POV per chapter is usually a good rule, unless you want to omnisciently capture a crowd's multifaceted view. In the book of Acts account of Pentecost, when the speaker talks about how people from all around the world could understand Peter in their own tongue, the use of "We" accomplished the same thing.

- Paul

You have given me something I can grasp. Thanks for the life ring in this sea of terminology.:D Now that was a bit cheezy!>.<~ (My attempt at a mouse...and bad humor:o) Sorry to all of you that have to read that!

[Lookin^Up]

Let's see, when I was younger, I recognized I had a high voice, but that deepened later on.

Oh, wait ...

Seriously, I agree with Tarin that your voice is what naturally develops as you continue to write; it's the way you word things, the way you describe things, the kinds of detail you focus on. A different author writing exactly the same story is not going to use the exact same words; he's going to use his own voice. It's just like, five people can write down exactly the same sentence, but the handwriting of each will be different from all the others.

I write mostly in third person because it's easier. Some of my short stories have been in first person, but I'm always uncomfortable with second person. It sounds accusatory to me, possibly because I've heard and read too many messages heavy in "you". Also, if you need to change POV in first person, even from chapter to chapter, it becomes a very difficult transition, and it can get very confusing for the reader.

2¢ >clink, clink<

[VWeathers]

Your analogy makes a lot of sense and helps me to understand voice.

First person is me narrating my own story from my perspective to whom ever is reading it. Example: I was so hot, I could have fried an egg on my forehead.

Second person is me turning my focus from my perspective to your perspective. Example: You was so hot, you could have fried an egg on your forehead.

Third person is a narrator (kind of like God) watching all the events and just reporting...Example: Sylvia was so hot, she could have fried an egg on her forehead.

And in third person you can know what ever one is thinking and feeling all the time. But in first person you only know what you see or have been told. In second person am I telling you what I think you feel or ought to feel?:confused:

Do I seem to grasp it now?;)

[VWeathers]

:confused: Ok...here is a daily devotion, from David Jeremiah, I received in my email...What person is it written in? Because it is like he's talking to me...This kind of thing is where I get confused.

Self-control is not a popular virtue in our culture. We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if-it-feels-good-do-it society. In stark contrast, a popular parenting book encourages new parents to teach the lost skill of self-control to their children very early. They emphasize the importance of self-control by stating that "Self-control is a base virtue. That is, other virtues in an individual can't exist without it. Self-control influences kindness, gentleness . . . the ability to control negative emotions . . . and many other behaviors." God must also view self-control to be of extreme importance, for it is listed in His Word as a fruit of the Spirit.

By himself, a child cannot understand the need to be self-controlled; thus God allocates parents to teach this virtue. As Christian adults, we can fully grasp why it is so important to have control over our bodies, energies, motives, and purposes; it is the only way we can truly be useful servants to God. And yet, it is still such a difficult skill to master.

Today, if you see the need for self-control in your life, ask God to teach you this vital skill. As your heavenly parent, He will be delighted to do so.



When you start off in a particular person (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) you should stay that way throughout the entire story?

[Tarin]

Third person is a narrator (kind of like God) watching all the events and just reporting...Example: Sylvia was so hot, she could have fried an egg on her forehead.

And in third person you can know what ever one is thinking and feeling all the time. But in first person you only know what you see or have been told. In second person am I telling you what I think you feel or ought to feel?:confused:

Actually, there are several "kinds" of third-person narration. Omniscient is certainly one of those; but the most commonly utilized method is what I believe is called "limited 3rd-person." In limited 3rd, the character is the narrator, and the reader gets to hear his thoughts and his perspective just as she would if the character were telling his story in 1st person.

An omniscient viewpoint allows the author to jump around and describe the thoughts of more than one character, whereas limited 3rd-person restricts him to just one character at time. The vast majority of contempory fiction is written in either 1st-person or 3rd-person limited, so you should be able to look at a couple of your favorite books and get an idea of what I'm trying to explain.

As for the David Jeremiah quote, that would be 1st person. Look at the first line where he says "We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if-it-feels-good-do-it society." If he'd been writing in 3rd-person he would have said "they," and if he'd been writing in 2nd-person he would have said "you."

[VWeathers]

That helps. Thank you.

[VWeathers]

My name is Ashley Nichole. One of five Ashley Nicholes in our school’s senior class alone. I am the unattractive and disappointing progeny of my star athlete father, Rick, who was the captain of the 1983 State Champion Millerville Panthers football team and my, you guessed it, head cheerleader mom, Jennifer.

This is an excerpt short story that I wrote for a contest I entered recently. Would this be considered to be written in first person?

Even when you break from narration to dialogue?

Daniel is a wrestler. He never noticed me in school, in spite of my “gorgeous eyes.” One day our appointments were scheduled at the same time. Our wait time had been longer because of some emergency that had to be worked in. My mom, always trying to propel me to the front lines socially struck up a conversation with his mom.

“Amanda Dixon! How are you? I haven’t seen you since the Fall Festival last year.”
“I’m doing great. Daniel is keeping me busy with his wrestling and all. I am sort of the team Mom…but you know how it is, any thing for Daniel.”
“Yes. We’ve tried to get Ashley to get involved in some extra curricular activities but you know how kids are…she won’t even consider it because her parents suggested it.”

Did she just say “suggested it?” Daniel looked at me and smiled as I rolled my eyes.


Did I maintain the first person voice? I don't mean to be seeking a critique in this thread. I am just trying to make sure I understand.

[Tarin]

Did I maintain the first person voice? I don't mean to be seeking a critique in this thread. I am just trying to make sure I understand.

Yep, looks like you've got it! Good job!

[ProfessorAlan]

That is first person. The thing to keep in mind is that in first person, you can not "hop into" anyone else's mind. You've done it well here.

[VWeathers]

:rolleyes: Thanks for the help. I think I am getting my brain wrapped around it now.

[ProfessorAlan]

but "voice" is different from the "person" you write in.

"voice" is hard to define, but includes style, syntax, rhythm, flow, etc...

[VWeathers]

So I think I predominatly write in first person. My voice I think is somewhat conversational, leaning toward southen and sometimes humorous...

[Samwise]

I never thought about it before but my writing is preferably third person because I write what I'd like to read & I tend to dislike reading in first person. First person is too... invasive for me. I like to be in someone else's head - not have their personality implanted over mine. (Does that make any sense?)

As for "voice", it's not conscious & probably heavily influenced by the mounds of books I've read mostly written between 1850 & 1950.

[ProfessorAlan]

Part of it is the genre, too. Mysteries are often first-person, while fantasy and sf epics pretty much have to be third-person.

[VWeathers]

So much to consider. However, you've got to know what you are talking about when pitching your story right?

[Lookin^Up]

By himself, a child cannot understand the need to be self-controlled; thus God allocates parents to teach this virtue. As Christian adults, we can fully grasp why it is so important to have control over our bodies, energies, motives, and purposes; it is the only way we can truly be useful servants to God. And yet, it is still such a difficult skill to master.

Today, if you see the need for self-control in your life, ask God to teach you this vital skill. As your heavenly parent, He will be delighted to do so.

As for the David Jeremiah quote, that would be 1st person. Look at the first line where he says "We are an instant-gratification, act-on-impulse, if-it-feels-good-do-it society." If he'd been writing in 3rd-person he would have said "they," and if he'd been writing in 2nd-person he would have said "you."
It appears to me that in the last paragraph, Jeremiah switched to second person to encourage action from his readers. In this case, the switch is understandable and appropriate, I think. Just an observation.

[Tarin]

It appears to me that in the last paragraph, Jeremiah switched to second person to encourage action from his readers. In this case, the switch is understandable and appropriate, I think. Just an observation.

Actually I didn't read that far into the quote...:o However, it's worth noting that when writing in 1st person, it is sometimes acceptable (such as in the David Jeremiah example) to switch to 2nd person, when the 1st-person narrator is directly addressing his audience.

[Alice]

I'm not certain how I 'found' my voice or even if I completely have yet. I don't always write in the same tone, but I've noticed a distinct preference, from childhood, for writing first-person POV fantasy stories.

[mbeachbum]

I'm still finding my voice. **a-hem!**

This POV thing has had me rattled for a few months now. A while back, I placed the beginning of a story in a workshop here for critique. One of the comments was that I should stay with just one point of view. I was trying to write from an omniscient POV at the time, so that the reader COULD know what the different characters were thinking, but apparently, I didn't do it well enough.

Since then, I've been overly conscious of POV and have been striving to keep it from the viewpoint of one character. I find this constraining and, honestly, rather disappointing and frustrating. I haven't figured out where my current story is going, so I'm not sure that there will be future opportunities to share the thoughts, feelings, etc. of other characters (you know, chapters).

Well, I don't think I have given you anything constructive, but at least you know you're not alone in trying to figure things out! ;) Hang in there and may we all find our voices and POVs!!! !thumbsup!