Voice is the defining feature of any book we read. It is unique to the author and is often what draws readers to pick up a particular book, by a particular author.
Turning to influencers is a significant aspect of the writer’s professional development, but mimicking the voice of another, as in tone, values, the nuance of language, etc, underscores the authenticity and value that a unique voice offers. Just as our personalities differ, so too does voice – it has character, personality, and it becomes the signature of the writer/speaker/narrator.
Readers find comfort, delight, and excitement in the voice they read, in being entertained or informed, or perhaps both. The rush to ‘be like others,’ comes with the risk of losing purpose or creating a voice that is inconsistent with the message. Voice is a significant part of connecting with readers. It communicates values and visions drawn from life experience, culture, lifestyle, education, angst, joy, and more, as part of early, and ongoing socialisation. We are after all, beautifully unique.
The writer’s voice is delivered through narration, characterisation, description etc. In characterisation, the writer’s voice is distinct, based either on personal experience, research conducted, and observations of human patterns of behaviour and communicating. Tension or suspense through voice is also drawn from the writer’s observed, or experienced fears, to capture the moment with accuracy and evocative creative design. This should move the excitement/thrill to the next level, for the reader. Emotional aspects of a novel are effective in holding the reader’s attention when it comes through from an authentic/believable/unadorned voice.
We often say, ‘seeing’ is believing, but, ‘feeling’ is living the moment in a book – it might well be remembered long after the book has been put down. Now, Shakespeare’s Othello craved, ‘ocular’ proof, of his wife’s alleged infidelity, yet if he cautioned his doubting mind by embracing his deep love for her, he might have lived his happily ever after. Well, one can surmise and hope, it’s to the writer’s credit when readers are overjoyed or disappointed when the character/s either meet up to or deviate from their expectations.
The accolade is huge when readers say, I could hear your voice while reading.
Voice in graceful narration is as important as the ‘voices’ that diverse characters are given in stories. Narration, description, and dialogue are the pillars of a novel with plot guiding the platform through the author’s voice as the vehicle that intersects with the reader’s experience.
Listen to an excerpt from Morgan Freeman’s narration in The Shawshank Redemption, based on the novella written by Stephen King- reading a story, or excerpt out aloud after it has been written or during the process of writing is of tremendous value to shift and polish how meaning is created through voice. The flow, tone, and authenticity of voice become transparent when reading aloud. Record an excerpt and play it back to catch if ‘voice’ is represented as imagined during the writing phase.
Honesty or truth should ring through the writer’s voice to establish a valued connection to the reader, creating an expectation that makes the reader continue to turn the page. Voice can be frivolous, serious, angry, calm etc. depending on the type of tale being told. Hence consistency of voice, dependent on the genre/scene/story etc. is imperative to hold the reader’s attention. It makes the reader return for more. A relationship is formed between the reader and ‘voice’ for a fulfilling engagement with the book.
Whose voice is it anyway?
The writer’s unique voice does not have to be written in Jane Austen’s, Charles Dickens,’ or any favourite writer’s style, it is about reaching readers with an authentic voice regardless of the niche appeal the story might have. A writer’s voice is the ‘heard’ presence of the writer.
Listen here to Pat Schneider, author, on how nuances of voice emerge.
More food for thought:
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.”
~ T.S. Eliot
“Your writing voice is the deepest possible reflection of who you are. The job of your voice is not to seduce or flatter or make well-shaped sentences. In your voice, your readers should be able to hear the contents of your mind, your heart, your soul.” ~ Meg Rosoff
“My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
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