Voice... the writing kind.
Just a quick post today. But since I've seen this question a lot lately, I thought I'd try to define voice as it pertains to writing.
Voice is the specialized way a character thinks and speaks that makes them a unique entity--a real, definable person.
So, the challenge for a novelist (or I suppose any narrative writer) is to give each member of a cast of characters their own distinct voice that not only differentiates them, but gives them their motivation and makes their reactions and actions believable for them.
But there is another layer. Every author has their own "voice." It's that style that is unique to every writer--that thing that would make you think of the author, even if you didn't know she wrote the book.
Voice lends believability, authenticity, and most of all gives the reader something to respond to, whether with love or hate. It's the ultimate "show" in the show-v.-tell ideal. Without voice, even the most compelling concept in the world falls flat.
Writers... did I miss anything here? Do you have a way of defining voice that will wow us with your super powers of doom and right?
(Um, if so, don't just say yes... actually share. You get that, right?)
Voice is the specialized way a character thinks and speaks that makes them a unique entity--a real, definable person.
So, the challenge for a novelist (or I suppose any narrative writer) is to give each member of a cast of characters their own distinct voice that not only differentiates them, but gives them their motivation and makes their reactions and actions believable for them.
But there is another layer. Every author has their own "voice." It's that style that is unique to every writer--that thing that would make you think of the author, even if you didn't know she wrote the book.
Voice lends believability, authenticity, and most of all gives the reader something to respond to, whether with love or hate. It's the ultimate "show" in the show-v.-tell ideal. Without voice, even the most compelling concept in the world falls flat.
Writers... did I miss anything here? Do you have a way of defining voice that will wow us with your super powers of doom and right?
(Um, if so, don't just say yes... actually share. You get that, right?)