Thursday, April 26, 2012

Watching for The Winsome Writer's Voice: A to Z Blogging Challenge


On one of my blog posts, where I shared a "Flash Fiction" piece, a commenter had mentioned that I had "a voice".  I can't tell you how thrilled I was with that revelation! I kept saying to myself, over and over: "I have a voice!  I have a voice!" as if I had received the greatest gift in the world. 



Writer's Voice, according to  'About.com' is defined as: "the author's style, the quality which makes his or her writing unique, and which conveys the author's attitude, personality and character."




Here is an excerpt of the piece from my blog post: 


Too Close for Comfort


"Hyperventilating because of my near death experience, I leaned against the rusty remains of a concrete bridge, thankful to be alive.  Miraculously, I had only a cut on my leg.  Becky, my best friend, had rescued me again.  But this time. it wasn't from a social faux pas.  And she had only wet hair to show for the feat...."


I am just beginning to see what she meant, as I continue my writing career.  Here is the link to the post for the rest of the story.






These famous writers below have obvious Voice.  Can you guess the author of each of these excerpts below (the answers are at the bottom of this post)?



A
Take these again; for to the noble mind 
Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind. 





B
There was no time for play.
This was no time for fun.
This was no time for games.
There was work to be done. 

All that deep,
Deep, deep snow,
All that snow had to go.

When our mother went
Down to the town for the day,
She said, "somebody has to
Clean all this away.
Somebody, SOMEBODY
Has to, you see."

Then she picked out two Somebodies.
Sally and me.





C
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?   God  forbid. How shall we, that are  dead to sin, live any  longer therein?



D
"Is he—quite safe?"
[...]
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver [...] "Who said anything about safe? 
'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."





Here are some links to books and websites about Writer's Voice:


What is Writer's Voice?
Three Ways to Spark Literary Magic-Voice Part 2
         
A Shakespeare's "Hamlet": Scene 3 Act 1
B "The Cat and the Hat Comes Back" by Dr. Seuss

C The Apostle Paul: Romans 6:1,2
D "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis Ch. 8


Do you have a voice?  Can you give me another example of an author who has an obvious writer's voice?

10 comments:

  1. That's the real thrill of being a writer, recognition from a reader. I'm not talking about having a reader, but a reader actually making a connection with what they've read.

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    1. Yes, Tony, if we can't connect with a reader, it's a great loss...to both of us. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. What I love most about the writer's voice is that it continues speaking to us long after the writer's actual voice cannot be heard. It gives us a window into their imagination, their world, and what lessons they think we should learn. Imagine if these wonderful books had not been written! In an age where people share thoughts and ideas constantly in the form of posts, e-mails, tweets, etc., I believe that we are losing our appetite for well-written literature. Keep writing, Vicki! Your writer's voice is encouraging, teaching, and even entertaining me!

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    1. So, true, Daisy...and I hope my words are remembered for years to come. I'm sure that is every Writer's desire. Thanks for faithfully reading all my posts, and cheering me on...I feel the 'hug'! I will certainly continue to write...and blog...I'm on a roll. It has been such a blessing to share what is on my heart, and make that 'connection' with my readers. As long as God Wills, I will write...

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  3. very nice post. Choosing a writer's voice is tricky. I've found that if I don't fight it, what comes out naturally comes out best. Here's a link to one of my short stories:

    http://shatterworldbts.blogspot.com/2011/12/wolfs-ascenta-calabrian-tale-of-clans.html

    Happy A to Z!

    "W" is for Winning America's Future through Creative Schools
    http://mainstreetarts.blogspot.com/2012/04/winning-americas-future-through.html

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  4. I enjoyed your story, Arthur...great use of descriptive words! I felt as though I was there with the characters. Thanks for sharing your story with me, and enjoy the remainder of the Challenge.

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  5. So true. Voice is what makes writing have impact and style. Love how you've pulled it together

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    1. Thanks, Susan...it was a fun post to write, and a bit out of the ordinary for me!

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  6. The more I write, the stronger my voice becomes. I think... I hope... ;)

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    1. I think that is true for all of us, Lynda...it takes time! Thanks for stopping...

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel