Jessica Handler, Invisible Sisters, at a writer’s workshop pointed out that we do not like some books because we do not like the author’s voice. She said that was okay, because we simply do not like everyone. I never thought about voice in those terms and as the reason we like certain books and authors and not others. Pat Conroy has a voice that is liked by most people. His narrative voice runs throughout the entire book in educated poetic prose. His voice tells the story, but his voice changes as Tom heals and grows. He is freed from the bondage of his past and it even concludes in a liberated whisper: “Lowenstein, Lowenstein.”
What I am learning most from from Pat Conroy (and this class), is how much I do not know about creative writing. I am an applied student with creative writing as my supporting area. I wanted to learn creative writing from the best. It is not what I write daily, but there are stories inside me sprouting and they need to grow. When I hear Ray Atkins and others talk about their projects, I know I am the creative writing amateur. This class has stirred something in me to learn more. For instance, I am fascinated by the idea of “finding your voice” as a way of calling out the personality in your writing. I want my readers to feel like they know me and want to connect heart to heart. (I once had a "friend" tell me she didn't like something I wrote because it sounded just like me---hmmm.. maybe she didn't really like me..)
Pat Conroy’s voice in The Prince of Tides is of an educated southern gentlemen, we know his personality by the running narrative. Much has been said of his phrasing and elegant style; these elements combine to amplify his voice and the personality of the main character.
I came across a series of questions you could ask a friend who has read your writing to help you discover your voice. Ask your friend to evaluate your voice in your writing by telling you:
• Is your “voice” in your writing – How do you sound?:
o funny?
o romantic?
o poetic?
o factual?
o upbeat?
o depressing?
o straightforward?
o flowery?
• Do you write your mind?
o Express opinions?
o Or are your words over-polite and politically correct?
o Is it stilted? Does it flow? Do you sound like YOU?
• Does your writing have a rhythm?
• Do all your sentences sound the same? Are they varied?
• Do you have 'favorite' words and phrases that you repeat
often?
o If so, which ones?
o Can you find alternatives?
(http://www.write101.com/lethamfind.htm)
Another way to “find your voice”, according to Write101.com is to think of “your manuscript as a long, long letter to your reader.” (http://www.write101.com/lethamfind.htm) This puts it “voice” into a different perspective that is easy to apply to writing.
I have much to learn about voice and have discovered great teachers in our summer reading list. This class has taken me places in my writing adventures I never knew existed.
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Bravo, Lisa! I loved reading your post. I, too, have adored this class and all of the interchange. Sounds like being in the MAPW program has gotten you as thirsty to write as it has gotten me. The list you thoughtfully included about assessing your voice is helpful and interesting. Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteI love the list of questions for someone to ask. What a great idea! That will be so helpful. Voice is so crucial to telling the story the way it should be told!
I am stealing your questions! They are very thought provoking. I have thought about my voice as well, throughout this course. Even though my concentration is in Creative Writing, I too am an amateur. I have only written and studied plays in the past, so this is new for me as well. But I have found that there is so much that can be transferred over to playwriting from novels, especially the voice of the writing.
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