Voice—Yours and Theirs

by Erin Brown

For those of you who read my articles every month (oh, how I love you so. The rest of you can suck it), you probably know that I have a certain, tried and true “voice” that comes through in my writing. Some might call it sarcastic, or witty, some might even say it’s annoying (bite me), but it is consistent. This is my “voice.” Based on this voice I feel comfortable with, I would find it very difficult to write, for example, a staid Edwardian novel of flowery descriptions, quaint characters, and sweet, romantic love. It just wouldn’t be true to my voice and the writing itself would suffer.

Which is why I want to talk about voice. I can’t tell you how many manuscripts I edit in which the author hasn’t completely found their own voice, much less the voices of their characters. Obviously, an author’s voice is usually (although not always) very similar to their own voice in “real life.” An outlandish personality often creates the same type of characters on the page and writes in a more colorful, risk-taking style. A more reserved writer will probably reflect this personality trait in his or her writing as well. Again, there are always exceptions. But the most important thing a writer must do is to find their own voice.

One of the first novels I ever bought was about a sassy female PI, a la Stephanie Plum. The book was laugh-out-loud funny and one day at lunch, I asked the author why she was in her fifties and just now writing her first novel.

“Oh, I’ve written many manuscripts before, but this is the first one that got a bite. In fact,” she continued, “you rejected three of my previous books!”

“Say it isn’t so!” I cried.  

I definitely would have remembered such a funny voice, I thought. She then went on to jog my memory about the other very serious, dark, suspense novels she had crafted. I suddenly remembered and was dumbstruck. This witty, sassy woman in front of me wrote those books? The ones without a laugh, a witticism, not even one rib tickler? No wonder she hadn’t found interest. Those previous attempts had not been written in her authentic voice. Once she began to stay true to herself, she said, the recent book had simply flowed out of her. The writing had ended up being the easiest, most enjoyable experience she’d ever had. And it had paid off! 

Equally as important, a writer must create distinct character voices. I always say that it’s not about what your characters say; it’s about how they say it. Take for example, one simple line of dialogue and see how different personalities would say it. The following lines of dialogue convey that a female character is saying good morning to her brother, Greg, and telling him she’s going to the store. Notice the differences. 

“Good morning, Greg. I am going to go to the grocery store.” (No voice present).

Illustration by Jennifer Paros - Copyright 2010