Well, I announced on the 14th that I was going to do a workshop on VOICE for the LB & LI thing, and here it is!
There is already some great information out there about Voice, but I know sometimes the information can be the same, it’s just the way one person explains it that makes it click. So maybe the way I explain things will click for some of you.
Be Sure to check out Jordan Summers Blog Post from last week for another take on Voice AndAlison Kents first workshop for the LB & LI is on VOICE as well. Both of them are extremely knowledgeable, and have great posts up on VOICE.
Now, you can watch the video introduction to see what’s in store for this week,(it’s 7 minutes long) or you can just continue on and read the post on WHAT IS VOICE?
WHAT IS VOICE?
Voice it what makes an author stand out. It’s what makes a reader go out and search for an author’s backlist after reading one book, and what makes them anticipate the next story.
Yes, readers fall in love with characters, but what makes the character come alive is the author’s voice – the way in which they describe the characters, the setting, the happenings. It’s the way they tell the story.
Voice is the natural storyteller in you, and we all have it. Did you hear that? Your author voice is natural to you. The key to the magic of it is…finding it, trusting it, and using it to make your stories shine.
And it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Why? Because voice is the “it” factor. It’s invisible, and it’s instinctive. If you don’t find your own right away do NOT get discouraged! It is a process, and one that, at times, requires a lot of faith in yourself.
This workshop is going to be interactive, so I hope you’re all ready to work!
Below I’ve asked some questions to get us started. Please take the time to answer them honestly, and post them in the comments section below. If you do not feel comfortable sharing your answers with the others in the workshop, you can email them to me via the CONTACT link on the toolbar above.
In order to find your voice, and build on it, you need to know yourself. And in order to help you, I need to know you better.
What do you read?
What do you want to write?
What do you write?
How do you feel when you write?
What are your strengths as a writer?
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I won’t be online 24/7 but I will be checking in several times a day, so post whenever you are ready!
I love writing for Berkley and Aphrodisia because they allow me to write the way I want to write. To tell the story the way I want to, and I’m not trying to fit into a style or line that isn’t natural to me.
This is one of the huge points I try to emphasize, when I do workshops on writing Hot. You can heat things up if you want, but if it’s not a natural thing for you, if writing sex or pushing the envelope isn’t something that you want to do naturally, you won’t be truly successful. Everyone has strengths, and they need to find them, and capitalize on them. One of my strengths just happens to be Im fascinated by human sexuality.
It seems that Fear is a weakness for many of us. And let me just say, those of you that realize that you have that fear, are already a step ahead. Now, let me tell you that Fear is the worst enemy of Voice. Why? Because it makes you doubt yourself, and your natural ability.
I admit that when I started writing, I knew nothing about the industry. I didn’t know anything about all these online author communities, and I never read any craft books. I just decided one day I wanted to be a writer for a career, and I started to write. To me, that is why I found success right away. I sold my very first story I wrote, and have sold every one since.
But, I was fearless. I wanted it, I went after it and I got it. But, I was fearless because I didn’t know any better.
I know this train of thought is a bit wonky, but stay with me.
Kids are fearless. They want to do something, anything from drawing a picture to attempting a somersault on the trampoline or a 360 on their bike. They are fearless, they try it. They fail; they get back up and do it again. Because they don’t know what fear is until society teaches them that failure is bad.
Have you ever seen a child fall down, and start to cry, then realize no one was rushing up and cooing and making sure he was okay, then stop crying? Society has taught us that we need to always show only the good, only the end result, and that the journey, the learning, the failures, are something to be hidden. And I disagree.
I look back on some of my earlier writing, and I see that it’s not my best, but you know what? It’s a learning process. When I finished WICKED, which was my fourth story for Berkley, in my mind, at that time, it was my best work ever.
When I’m done each story, I hope to feel that way, but it doesn’t always happen. That doesn’t mean I stop trying.
You need to realize that what you are writing now does not have to be perfect to be good, or engaging, or even great! It just has to be best you can do right now. That means you have to try, and that means ignoring any fears you have, and doing what you want …which is to write.
Make sense?
The good news is, you can turn it around by using your fear. Once you acknowledge it, it loses a lot of its power. As long as you don’t feed it. That means, stop giving in to it. It means focus on the goal, eyes on the prize. We all have fears, find what yours is, introduce yourself, acknowledge it, and then slam the door on it.
Denial has always worked well for me.
Be sure to check out PBW’s Power Plotting Workshop too! π
Great stuff Sasha! When you truly find your voice is a beautiful thing. I was lucky to find mine.
Thanks for doing this workshop, Sasha! I really enjoyed the one you did a while back on writing short for the Divas.
What do you read?Mostly Regency set ST historicals, but will read pretty much anything including some contemporary romance but lots more sci-fi and fantasy.
What do you want to write?Regency set historicals fascinate me with all the social rules and the romance of the setting.
What do you write?The main stories I’ve tried to write are historical. Occasionally I’ll write a short story that comes out contemporary.
How do you feel when you write?Usually I can go with the flow, as long as I have a roadmap to follow. When I don’t have that roadmap or the details aren’t clear enough in my head it becomes a chore. I love it when my characters suprise me within the boundaries of the roadmap. I’m sort of a pantsing plotter. I have to know what points to hit, but how we get there isn’t written in stone.
What are your strengths as a writer?I’ve been told I write very natural sounding dialogue.
What are your weaknesses as a writer?Meaningful conflict and weaving the romance, and character arcs together or concentrating on only one of the characters. I also have a background in game design, so I’m always fighting against a 15 year habit with my sentence structures especially describing movement and interactions.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?Yes. Probably too much so at times. π
Who is your favorite author? Why? Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch or Sabrina Jeffries because of their humor and characterization. I love a good book that can make me laugh and cry.
Vivi, You have such a strong voice too. I LOVE it. HELL KAT is still one of my all time favorite books. π
Hi Kaige! Glad you could stop by and take part.
Be sure to keep those answers handy as they’ll help figure out style, and focus on your strengths. It’s fabulous that you write very natural Dialogue, especially in historicals!
Now, forget what you’ve been told…Do you feel that is your best strength?
Thanks, Sasha.
I have a hard time recognizing my own strengths — lack of practice π — but I do feel dialogue flows naturally and as long as I can get my characters talking, I can fill in around that later with what they’re doing and thinking. So yes, I’d agree with it being a strength.
What do you read? I LOVE historicals, paranormals, contemporary, and westerns – too many? – LOL
What do you want to write? Historicals are my passion, but I LOVE writing contemporary westerns with twists
What do you write? I tend to write contemporary westerns because they talk to me.
How do you feel when you write? If I’m on a roll, it’s like I am standing on the top of a mountain singing – it’s like freedom!
What are your strengths as a writer? Setting and sometime dialogue if the characters are really talking to me.
What are your weaknesses as a writer? I constantly question my word choices and I HATE re-writing.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers? yes
Who is your favorite author? Why? Stephanie Laurens, because she takes me to a different time and I can actually ‘feel’ like I am there – like I’m watching a movie. And Nora Roberts. LOVE Delilah Devlin (she whips me right into the action and I feel like I’m ‘there) and Shayla Kersten (because I always fall in love with her characters).
What do you read?
Actually, a wide variety, romance (paranormal chicklit, paranormals, romantica, science fiction
What do you want to write?
Not sure. I have one science fiction idea that just hit me, but generally I’ve been thinking that maybe I should be writing either paranormal chicklit or erotica.
What do you write?
Bit of things. I start projects, but don’t tend to finish, and blame the genre. Sometimes I try to write what I “should” and just get stalled.
How do you feel when you write? I used to write just for fun. And it felt GREAT. Really fun. I felt happy about it. As soon as I switched to “Real” writing, I’ve been frustrated, and stalling. It doesn’t seem good enough – ever. So I keep ending things.
What are your strengths as a writer?
I’m creative, and I have very strong writing. (grammar, construction, dialogue) I’ve done alot of non-fiction writing so I know I can communicate. I used to write fanfic, and it was well received.
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
By far the biggest is just getting things done. I’m extremely critical of my own work. I get motivated, write for a bit, then look at it, think “URK! This isn’t good enough!!!” and then drop it. Then I stall for a while, and try something new, likely in a radically different genre.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
Sometimes. Sometimes I think they’re crutches that you use to pretend you’re writing, but actually not doing the writing… which I think they can be. Kinda like booze – too much is alcoholism, just enough is fun.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have to pick? It does vary at times, and I’m TERRIBLE with names. But I can see why you’d ask that question, so here’s a few quick peeks into my head.
Eric Flint – because his books have these very real characters in epic situations, which reach out and twist your gut.
I can’t think of an erotica writer. My only reading time for the past year or so has been on public transit, so I’ve been censoring myself.
Well, once again my tendency to procrastinate pays dividends. I’ve been meaning to thank you, Sasha, for popping by my blog and leaving a note (the TOR ebooks thing) and, well, stuff happened and I never got around to it.
And here I happen to drop by when you are doing a workshop (I’ve already been to Lynn’s today). Yeah!
I missed your reading with Myrna Kostash @ Audreys. Do you have a mailing list for these kinds of things? I always find out too late. :unsure:
What do you read?
Stuff, lots of stuff. Romance, thriller, sci-fi, memoir, erotica, etc.
What do you want to write?
Something with my own world where the rules are a bit different (some flavour of sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy) with a strong element of romance (or more, I hate that “shut the door” part of relationships in many books).
What do you write?
Currently I’m working on memoir pieces, but I have a romance and a futuristic story (separate stories) that I’m developing at the moment. Otherwise I do short scenes when they occur to me.
How do you feel when you write?
Zen-like when it’s working.
What are your strengths as a writer?
If I can get my ass in the chair and do it, I can do it.
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
Not being able to get my ass in that chair.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
Yes, and no. I’ve read a few, and some I go back to again or use techniques from regularly, but after a while they are saying essentially the same thing and you learn more by putting you’re butt in the chair and doing it (see answers to previous 2 questions).
I’ve been to one workshop (erotica writing), but I find written workshops, whether virtual or in books, more convenient and useful.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Tess Gerritsen. Because she is continually reinventing herself by changing the genre or type of book she writes when she no longer feels inspired and it’s clear by her writing that she is always working on her craft and paying attention to details.
What do you read?
What do you want to write?
UF, UF/Paranormal Historicals, possibly Erotica
What do you write?
I am currently writing UF.
How do you feel when you write?
When I get passed the first of hour and plant my butt in the chair, I feel great. The fear and self-doubt before the butt is in the chair is awful.
What are your strengths as a writer?
Dialogue.
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
IMO, setting and description.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
So far, books, not so much. At least I haven’t found the right one(s) for me yet. Workshops I have found more helpful
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Oh wow. Off the top of my pointed head I would have to say Kim Harrison or Anne Bishop. Voice, world building, ability to evoke emotion.
Hi Shada! The author being able to “take you away” is an amazing thing, isn’t it? In my opinion that’s voice.
It’s important that an author doesn’t overpower the characters. In my opinion, those who understand voice, and know their own, can temper it so the characters are front and center, and your own voice is just the thing that almost hypnotizes the reader. It’s what draws us in and makes us believe in the story.
Ohh, Tarragon, I read your answers and know just what parts of this week will speak to you. Maybe not this post, or even style.(Whichis Tuesdays post) but I think Wed and Thursday’s post will help you for sure, so please stick around this week.
Hi Ann!
I do have a Newsletter list. The link to it is on my Home Page, and you can sign up for it Right HERE. (Oh, and thanks for the TOR eBooks thing. π )
I have to say, your answers sound like a lot like my own. (The getting my butt in the chair thing especially) I’m not so sure the VOICE workshop is going to be what you need, but maybe it’ll be motivational and interesting if nothing else. I say this because I think if you’re doing memoirs, you might already have found your voice, even if you don’t know it. But we’ll talk about that here too, this week. :great:
Welcome Lisa T. Judging form your answers I think that, like Tarragon, you’ll find the Wednesday and Thursday posts (Trusting yourself and Trusting your characters) very helpful. I hope you’ll stick around for them.
This is going to be a fun worshop to track, can’t wait to see what you have lined up for the rest of the week Sasha! π
What do you read?
I used to be strictly fantasy. These days though? I’m finding stuff that appeals to me in just about every genre.
What do you want to write?
(Dark) Fantasy, Paranormals, Science Fiction. Anything that goes beyond the norm of everyday life, so to speak. *g* I’m actually beginning to think I could never write anything contemporary. I choose to blame that on pure escapism.
What do you write?
Not a whole lot, but I’m getting better with that everyday. I write exactly what I want though.
How do you feel when you write?
It varies. When it’s good, it’s reeaaaaallly good and when it’s bad well it’s just plain frustrating. π
What are your strengths as a writer?
Still figuring those out….I’ve been told I’m good with characterization and most of the emotional aspects in the story.
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
Description especially when it comes to surroundings, blech. And my internal editor refuses to shut her pie-hole when I’m writing. And I allow my personal life to interfere with “getting my ass in the chair”Β (as Ann put it) too much.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
Yes indeedy
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I can’t answer this question honestly and truthfully just because I like so many for so many different reasons.
What do you read?
All fiction, but my favorites are fantasy, romance, “book club” mainstream fiction, then mystery
What do you want to write? fantasy/romance with depth, book club fiction
What do you write? fantasy that doesn’t have enough depth yet, YA fantasy
How do you feel when you write? when drafting, like I’m flying. when editing, like I’m serious, a professional who wants to make her work the best it can be.
What are your strengths as a writer? dialogue, and I’m told I have a lyrical voice
What are your weaknesses as a writer? I can’t see the forest for the trees, so editing is difficult. I’m bad at beginnings, too.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers? Yes. I read them and toss them, trusting that I absorb what’s in them in my own way, although I feel I’m reaching a level in my writing where I can read only so many more craft books; I’m reaching a point where it’s a matter of DOING now. But I think you can learn from anything, even if it’s what NOT to do.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Toss-up between C. E. Murphy in fantasy and Joshilyn Jackson in mainstream (book club) fiction. For the same reasons: amazing characters, awesome worldbuilding, and beautiful prose. They have so many layers.
I will definitely be sticking around π
What do you read?
– Fantasy mostly, some romance, westerns, etc.
What do you want to write?
– Fantasy, mostly
What do you write?
– Fantasy
How do you feel when you write?
– I’m a conduit for someone/something else, not me at all–when it’s going well, at least. If it’s not going well, I do something mindless, like play solitaire or pull weeds, so my mind can roam freely to find solutions to the glitch.
What are your strengths as a writer?
– Descriptive writing, action
What are your weaknesses as a writer?
– Beginnings (hooks), wordiness
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers?
– Definitely! I have so much to learn! And always will.
Voice also comes from where you live, what you read as you grew up, your relationships, and other personal things. Voice is very personal so it makes sense that it would grow from your own experiences in life.
I have to agree this is a great workshop as it touches on something we’ve all heard kicked around the writer’s block – that oh-so-elusive voice. Here are my answers:
What do you read? A little bit of everything. I used to be a hard-core romance reader, as in mainly Regencies, but now I’ve expanded to read just about everything from YA to paranormal – and yes, Regencies.
What do you want to write? I write whatever comes to me. Right now, I’m working on some things that might be considered paranormal, but I also have some that are mainstream, along the lines of Luanne Rice or Jodi Picoult.
What do you write? See above.
How do you feel when you write? Alive. Aside from my daughters, this is what I live for, get excited by.
What are your strengths as a writer? Actually, I have been told that I have a good voice, good characters and fine dialog.
What are your weaknesses as a writer? I think I need to brush up on descriptions – settings, characters, that kind of thing.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers? Oh, yeah.
Who is your favorite author? Why? I have too many to list! I like them all because they have an incredible way of viewing the world and putting that viewpoint in print. But if I had to narrow it down, right now I am in awe of Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling (although I haven’t personally read JK, seen the movies though) because these two women have done more for the literacy of our youth than RIF ever did. They single-handedly got children interested in reading again and for that, I thank them.
So I’m a bit late, but thought I’d throw my hat in. π
What do you read? I seem to read mostly paranormal romance or urban fantasy, though I’m also a big fan of excellent books period. π If it’s good, it’s for me!
What do you want to write? I want to write what’s in my head. I’ve got so many things crowding up what little space is in there that I need an outlet. π
What do you write? I want to write paranormal or urban fantasy. I also want to write a couple of contemporaries and maybe a historical or two. Even an erotica would be cool. :0
How do you feel when you write? I usually start out super excited about the story I’m starting, but soon get frustrated and annoyed because what’s in my head isn’t going on paper (or screen) like it should. Drives me batty. *sigh*
What are your strengths as a writer? I’ve been told I write great dialogue. I think I’m good at getting a character across.
What are your weaknesses as a writer? Plot and finishing anything I start. I’m a chronic over-editor.
Are you a fan or workshops and craft books for writers? I think Lynn Viehl is awesome because her site is so great for aspiring writers. She explains things in ways that my poor peabrain can understand.
Who is your favorite author? Why? I’m a big fan of Nora Roberts, Kresley Cole, Colleen Gleason, Nalini Singh, etc. etc. I think the reason why I like these authors so much is because they write characters that seem real, no matter how outlandish the plot may be. π
Lot’s of good stuff there. Thank you everyone for taking part and doing the exercise. I hope it helped get your brain in gear for the others.
I think I’ll need to read these posts a few times to make sure I take everything in. I appreciate you taking time out of your life to help all of us.