Absolutely loved this post! And I understand how trying to analyze one's voice can often through you out of its authenticity. I'm currently working on a novel where the protagonist speaks/thinks a lot differently than I do. I tend to journal in long, meandering sentences with a philosophical tone that tends towards growth and hope. My character is more clipped, being pulled off track and trying to avoid the harder questions.
It's been a challenge, but also really fun. I usually end up writing a scene as I see it unfolding, then go back and adjust it a bit so it fits more of her attitudes and viewpoints. It's an ever-evolving process. And I don't think it's one that's just for writers.
As human beings, I think we're all constantly trying to find our voice...from timid teenagers, or young adults making our way into the world, to more mature adults who finally decide F-it, I'm saying what I think (and people can love it or leave it). The most important thing is to never stop trying to know and express who you are.
Oh my gosh, I couldn't love this comment more! What's your novel about!? How did I not know you were a novelist!? Is this your first? I love how you're going about finding your character's unique voice. I think that's dedication and being an advocate for cohesion to come through your work!
I definitely agree, we're always trying to figure out who we are and how to express it. I've often felt a little misunderstood in that process, but am starting to get into the "love me or leave me" era of my life (finally). Thank you, as always, for commenting. I'll have to do more writer-life shares!
I've always been a writer, but struggled to get through a novel without abandoning it because I always attempted to write the type of hugely complicated fantasy stories that I love to read. Finally got a coach who helped me see that those might be in my future, but I need to complete one first — and that meant finding a story that was simpler (and just one POV).
I think the "love me or leave me" era (at least for women) starts as you approach 40, and you just start realizing that life's too short to worry about what other people think — that's their business & you'll never please everyone, so you just start trying to please yourself. Keep posting...you have a great voice!
I'm right on track then haha! And I can feel it so deep in my bones that I want to make myself happy and stop being so hypervigilant about everyone else. Working on it! In reality, that makes everyone else around us more comfortable and happy too and I want the same for everyone! I can't wait to read your book and so happy you got a coach... I've considered doing the same because I have so many ideas for a book and nothing honed in
I meant to comment on this earlier. I'm going to grab my journal and go through the points you made here. They are definitely worth reflecting on and paying attention to. It's definitely something you have to be intentional about!
After our conversation this morning, I was ALSO thinking I should do one on how Chat GPT could also be helpful in finding your voice!! I might do one with the "most common" voice types I see and what their strengths and weaknesses are as a Part III!
Absolutely loved this post! And I understand how trying to analyze one's voice can often through you out of its authenticity. I'm currently working on a novel where the protagonist speaks/thinks a lot differently than I do. I tend to journal in long, meandering sentences with a philosophical tone that tends towards growth and hope. My character is more clipped, being pulled off track and trying to avoid the harder questions.
It's been a challenge, but also really fun. I usually end up writing a scene as I see it unfolding, then go back and adjust it a bit so it fits more of her attitudes and viewpoints. It's an ever-evolving process. And I don't think it's one that's just for writers.
As human beings, I think we're all constantly trying to find our voice...from timid teenagers, or young adults making our way into the world, to more mature adults who finally decide F-it, I'm saying what I think (and people can love it or leave it). The most important thing is to never stop trying to know and express who you are.
Oh my gosh, I couldn't love this comment more! What's your novel about!? How did I not know you were a novelist!? Is this your first? I love how you're going about finding your character's unique voice. I think that's dedication and being an advocate for cohesion to come through your work!
I definitely agree, we're always trying to figure out who we are and how to express it. I've often felt a little misunderstood in that process, but am starting to get into the "love me or leave me" era of my life (finally). Thank you, as always, for commenting. I'll have to do more writer-life shares!
I've always been a writer, but struggled to get through a novel without abandoning it because I always attempted to write the type of hugely complicated fantasy stories that I love to read. Finally got a coach who helped me see that those might be in my future, but I need to complete one first — and that meant finding a story that was simpler (and just one POV).
I think the "love me or leave me" era (at least for women) starts as you approach 40, and you just start realizing that life's too short to worry about what other people think — that's their business & you'll never please everyone, so you just start trying to please yourself. Keep posting...you have a great voice!
I'm right on track then haha! And I can feel it so deep in my bones that I want to make myself happy and stop being so hypervigilant about everyone else. Working on it! In reality, that makes everyone else around us more comfortable and happy too and I want the same for everyone! I can't wait to read your book and so happy you got a coach... I've considered doing the same because I have so many ideas for a book and nothing honed in
I meant to comment on this earlier. I'm going to grab my journal and go through the points you made here. They are definitely worth reflecting on and paying attention to. It's definitely something you have to be intentional about!
After our conversation this morning, I was ALSO thinking I should do one on how Chat GPT could also be helpful in finding your voice!! I might do one with the "most common" voice types I see and what their strengths and weaknesses are as a Part III!