I’ve always loved September. It just seems so full of…possibility. The weather (at least, up here) is perfect for outdoor adventures. The leaves are turning into a beautiful mosaic of green, gold and orange. And the kids are gearing up for their next adventure – back to school!
Although I’ve been out of school for more years than I’d like to count, I still feel that same anticipation, that urge to try something new. And I couldn’t think of a better place to start than this blog. Luckily, the Blaze authors agreed with me….
Each month, the Blaze authors and I will start up a discussion about one element in the craft of writing. If you’re a romance novelist in the making, this is a great opportunity to learn a few things you might not know. And if you’re happy just reading these wonderful books, well, hopefully, you’ll gain some new insight. It’s always cool to get insider information….
I’ve decided to start with the element I consider the most important–VOICE. Author voice is the reason readers make it a point to get their hands on everything they can by an author they love. Sure, they’re looking for a good story. But more importantly, they’re looking for the way the author tells that story. It comes through in language choice, in dialogue…through the main character’s perspective.
As an editor, voice is the first thing I look for when I’m considering a submission. I’m looking for writing that grabs my attention, that immediately pulls me into the story. This is especially important in the Blaze series. After all, we want our readers to immediately jump into the heroine’s shoes, to join in on the sexual adventure with her, and to experience every sensual thrill along the way. And ultimately, we want our readers to fall as hard for the hero as our heroines do. So, how does an author pull this off? Through fantastic character development…and a voice that encourages you, the reader, to come along for the ride.
I’m going to leave this for now. I’ve asked the Blaze authors to jump in with their views over the next few days, so check often.
In the meantime, let me show you the fantastic books available this month…
First up is Lori Wilde’s first Blaze Encounters–SWEET SURRENDER. In these stories, a group of friends make a bet—a chastity bet! A summer without sex? Luckily, Blaze readers know that a plan like that doesn’t have a hope in, well, you know…
Then Wendy Etherington takes us back to Palmer’s Island, South Carolina, in HER PRIVATE TREASURE. The heroine, an FBI agent, gets more than she bargained for when she starts investigating sexy Carr Hamilton.
Karen Foley launches her new It Takes a Hero miniseries this month with HOT-BLOODED. This book is linked to PACKING HEAT, Karen’s story in the BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY anthology last July, and features another hot military man. However, in this new miniseries, the true heroes aren’t only the guys…
Then Tawny Weber brings you the Forbidden Fantasies book this month. Her heroine’s fantasy? To run off to Mexico and indulge in an anonymous fling with a hot boy toy. RIDING THE WAVES is fun, wickedly sensual and very, very evocative. Back in February, when I was working on this book, I came very close to booking my own plane ticket!
Next up is Patricia Potter’s Blaze debut with THE LAWMAN, our latest Blaze Historical, set in 1876 Colorado. What’s a girl to do when a U.S Marshal comes looking for her adoptive father? Shoot him, of course! Let’s face it, it’s definitely one way to keep a good looking man in bed….
Sarah Mayberry finishes up the month with HOT ISLAND NIGHTS, a steamy ‘opposites-attract ‘tale set in Australia. And nobody knows just how hot it can get Down Under better than Aussie native Sarah…
So now, you’ve got two things to keep you busy – an incredible month of books…and a challenge. How does an author’s voice influence the books you read? Is voice something you consciously look for? How would you describe the voices of your favorite writers? Inquiring minds want to know…
And, as always, we’re giving away a free set of the September books to one lucky reader. To enter, add the phrase ‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’ to the comment field.
Good luck. And be sure to let me know what you think of the new approach we’re taking.
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze
Entries (RSS)
This lineup is fantastic! I’ve read and enjoyed books by all of these authors! Great fall reading treats!
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’ !
I don’t actively look for a certain voice when I’m choosing new authors and books to read. But if I really don’t like an authors voice, I usually wont bother reading off if it really bugs me. I definitely wont buy their books again in the future!
I really, really want the September Blaze books!
Wow, speaking of Voice there are several strong voices in there. Perhaps they all are, but I am only familiar with three, no make that four, :-O of them. So ‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’ in order to compare and contrast equally.
Voice is such an elusive quality. I have heard numerous authors and several editors speak around the topic, but I have as yet to hear someone actually define it. Perhaps it is because it means different things to different people. I know I am attracted to books that emote on every page, but it does not bog down the story. I love descriptions that pop off the page so I can picture the story in vibrant living color as I am reading. I love stories I can escape into and I am drawn along right there with the heroine. Interesting thing this “voice” topic. (H)
~in order to compare and contrast equally~
Nancy, I just had to say how much I loved that segue!! Good one :-).
LOL–thanks, Joanne!
I really, really want the September Blaze books, as one can never be too blazing hot while reading.
I read authors’ web sites and blogs to “hear” what they say about their upcoming/current books. Yes, this influences my decisions on what books to buy.
When reading books, I sometimes “hear” the author speaking to me from the pages, especially if there is some humor in the dialogue. When I “hear” that, I’m hooked and want to read ALL of that author’s books!
Wow, Brenda, start us up with an easy topic, eh? LOL Voice… good one, though.
For me, voice is what makes the book our own, even within a line or a genre. It’s many different qualities in your writing — how you use words, your diction, the things you notice to describe, how you put a scene together, etc–that will be unique to you because of who you are, your personality, where you live or grew up, how you see the world, etc.
I think it’s very difficult to be aware of your voice until you have written a lot–enough for you to start seeing things emerge over time. For me, I like to have characters who think and talk a lot about serious issues, even in a more playful book, my writing will slant to the more serious tone here and there. Not “dark,” but. . .weighty, often in ways I hope increase the emotional drama.
Blaze is perfect for me in that respect, since the sexual adventure and the playfulness of it balances my voice out. Also, I like to inject some playfulness or humor, but it’s usually not light. In the same way I have never written anything truly dark, I don’t think I have ever done a “light” book, either, though I can definitely enjoy writing light moments. I guess because this is how I see life in general — we go through each day, most of us, dealing with a lot of things, most of them serious in some way, and in between that, we have fun, light moments to balance it all out.
For me, in terms of voice, I would advise new writers to look back on patterns for the things you can’t change. The things that come up over and over, which are intrinsically you. If you can’t see them, have a CP or editor, etc try to reflect them back for you. That’s just me — and I am sure other Blaze authors will come up with even better definitions, but I’ll leave it at this for now.
Sam
I knew you guys would explain this better than I could. Nice explanation, Sam!
And thanks!
I love strong author voices. it’s great when someone pulls you in with voice from page one. I think it gives you a sense of security as a reader that you’re in the hands of a master! I ran over to my Blaze shelves and found this gem on page one of Leslie Kelly’s One Wild Wedding Night :
Scheduling a January wedding in Chicago probably hadn’t been among the world’s best ideas. Especially since the Windy City had been humped all week by a meteorological snow monster…
Yup, that’s a strong, identifiable voice. She’s talking about the *weather* and I’m charmed. I know I’m going to be seeing the world through a fun, irreverent lens and that’s it’s going to be a good time.
I could come up with more. And you know what, I just finished a book today and have some time to play, so I think I’ll do just that!! Will be back after coffee and some errands with more Blaze voices….
Great example, Joanne. And I’m sure readers could look at your books and find just
as charming a voice!
Thanks!
I always leave the writing to the writers. I just like a great story with awesome characters. I really, really want the September Blaze books.
Great topic, Brenda! I agree that voice is what makes the story “yours.” I think of voice as the DNA of the story–each author has her own voice that is unique to her (or him). I think whenever you say, “I love the way that author writes” it’s the author’s voice you’re responding to–her unique way of telling the story. Give ten authors the exact same plot and you’ll get ten different stories because they’re each going to tell the story in their own individual way. Even though all ten are the same story, you’re going to like some of them better than others, and that’s largely because of the author’s voice.
Hey–does this mean I’m eligible to win the September books, LOL! (H)
Sure, you can win them, Jacquie. However, you need to say the magic words…(I really, really want the September Blaze books!):-D
Thanks for adding to the conversation. I’ll have to remember your DNA approach. It’s very effective.
Oh, I love that! The DNA of the story!
Sam
I really, really want the Sept blaze books.
Great topic, I must be weird, I find I connect more with the hero, his voice speaks to me more than the heroine, I don’t find myself jumping into the heroine’s shoes much. I love books that focus on the hero’s POV just as much as the heroine. (H)
Voice is such an essential element to a story–without it, everything would be flat and boring. And who wants to read something like that?
Also…I really, really want the September Blaze books.
I definitely pay attention to author’s voices, it is probably the defining factor in my book buying decisions behind story premise.
Sarah Mayberry is my favorite HQ author. I buy all her books. I love her writing voice. Her prose is fluid (choppy prose kills a book for me) and she always chooses the right mix of expository writing & dialogue. Sometimes a pivotal moment needs an exclamation. Other times it needs no words. I have never closed one of her books and felt wanting. Another thing I appreciate about Sarah’s voice is that she spends time in the hero’s mind. I’m a girl, I love to read romance and I WANT to know what the guy is thinking!!
P.S.
I really, really want the September Blaze books!
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’
Voice is really important to me as a reader. All of the Blaze authors are fantastic authors and Blaze is my very favorite line.
I love being pulled into a book by the voice. When the characters come to life between the pages and I see and feel what they are going through. I really, really want the September Blaze books! Looks like another wonderful lineup! (*)
I love talking about voice, because I believe it’s the single most important thing a writer has to offer. Almost every other part of writing can be learned, but voice is inherent, at least as long as the writer is confident.
Voice is what lets makes author gloms: when you read a book that has a strong, particular voice that speaks to you, the only logical thing to do is go get all the books by that author. There is no need to worry about the plotline, the professions of the hero and heroine, the setting. Because what you’re connecting to is the author’s voice.
One glance at my bookshelves would reveal what I look for in an author’s voice – whether the books are contemporary, historical, thriller, romance. The voice is the connection.
I totally agree with you. My bookshelves are full of books by the same author.
Thanks for helping me out, Jo.
I really, really waant the September Blaze books!
Voice is important as I believe that is why one authors books appeal to a reader over another. Lucky for those of us that read there are many talented authors with a voice for everyone.
Brenda, thank you for continuing to bring such talent to the Blaze line. I look forward to the books every month. Since I became a member of eHarlequin some years ago I have learned so much about how hard each author strives to give each book their best. Thank you all for so many pleasureable hours of reading. (*)
You’re very welcome, Donna. Thank YOU for being such a big fan.
Voice is another word for “style.” Think of the same dress being accessorized in different ways by different wearers. Some will wear large, flashy jewelry (that would be me) and some will wear a tasteful string of pearls (that would be not me). When a writer has a strong voice or style, you can recognize her work without it being identified. The downside of a strong voice is that it won’t please everyone. Those who like it, really like it, and those who don’t, hate it. And tell you.
To find your voice, take a writing prompt (here’s a bunch: http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/#) and write it several ways–dramatic, funny, serious, emotional, quirky, and whatever else you can think of. Which comes easiest to you? Which way do you want to write the prompt first? Take your favorite ways and exaggerate them. Really push. One should make you want to keep writing–after you burn the other.
Oh, that’s wonderful advice, Heather! It’s so simple and straight forward and do you know that in 15 years of writing, I’ve never heard it? That’s something I love about storytelling. You can never learn it all! The process continually surprises me.
Cool exercise, Heather!
When I think of describing Voice, I think of an experiment one of my favorite authors, Mary Balogh tried a couple years ago. She got together with 3 other authors and they all wrote the same plot. The book was an anthology with 4 short stories all containing the same 3 plot elements. And even though all 4 stories were Regency Historicals, each story turned out completely different. THAT’S Voice to me. Every writer has a unique take on the world and how she sees it. Her life experiences have colored her opinions, her views, and the way she thinks. And those world views show through in how she sees her characters and how she tells a story.
Hmm, did that make any sense? :-$
Hi Jillian,
I’ve got that collection. Our own Jacquie D’Alessandro was one of the authors involved. It seems they got the idea on a Levy bus tour, of all places.
Mary (and Jacquie too, of course!) writes quite a wonderful story, don’t they?
Aak! Editor makes a grammar mistake. It should be, ‘doesn’t she?’. That’s what I get for typing too fast.
Thanks for the shout out, Brenda–yes I was part of that collection, It Happened One Night, and it was a really interesting experiment in voice and style. All four of us (the other two authors were Stephanie Laurens and Candice Hern) all wrote the EXACT SAME plot, and did not collaborate on the stories at all. And we came up with four completely different novellas. Even better–Stephanie Laurens won the RITA for hers! It was so much fun we decided to do it again. That book, It Happened One Season, comes out next year. We haven’t read each others’ stories yet, but if our experiment holds true, we’ll again have four completely different stories.
Sounds cool! You know I’m going to pester you for a copy, don’t you?
I’ll gladly send you a copy!
Oh Yes, I LOVED your story, Jacquie, in IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT! And I voted for the plot-and the one I voted for WON–the contest for the NEXT anthology from you all, IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on that book. Any news on which month it will be released next year, Jacquie?
Oh, and Brenda, I was listening to the radio while driving yesterday and the song–or rather the singer–that came on gave me another idea for how to describe voice.
The artist’s name is Darius Rucker, and he used to be the lead singer for Hootie and the Blow-fish (showing my age here), but NOW he has several hits for COUNTRY MUSIC! But his voice IS SO DISTINCTIVE and talented that I enjoy his music in both genres. It’s his VOICE that I love and the songs he writes (whether for pop or country) are great.
Same could be said of Journey. What are they without Steve Perry?
That was such an amazingly cool book, too!!! Talk about a wonderful lesson in voice – just reading the different stories of the same story… wow!
The author’s voice is so important, it brings the fictional world of the book alive, and makes the story and the characters a unique experiance for the readers. Ignorant people who think every romance novel is the same, couldn’t be more wrong.
I really, really want the September Blaze books.
When I was first published, I gave one of my books to a friend and her husband read it (!) He told me that it was like having a conversation with me. That comment has always stuck with me because, like Jillian, I think that an author’s voice is about their perspective on the world. The prism through which we view things, people, situations. I think the Mary Balogh collection Jillian mentioned is an excellent example of how different writers bring different POV’s to the same elements. I also think it’s one of the reasons that genre fiction – like romance, or crime, or paranormal – continue to be popular. There are story themes that come up again and again in romance – secret babies, best friends to lovers, mistaken identity, etc, etc – and yet we all happily read the same theme over and over because the execution of that theme is made different through the writer’s take on the world.
As a reader I like an author that has a nice, smooth flow, whose style lends more toward direct, with good philosophical issue exploration, and who provides just enough detail for me to be pulled into the world without getting too heavy (as in thick description, long narratives, lots of history [I'm so not a historical girl for this reason]). I’m a fan of the old movies like Nick & Nora Charles, His Girl Friday, etc., where the hero and heroine are sharp and the banter quick and smart. That equal footing thing has always been sexy to me, so I tend to like that in the author’s I read.
I also love authors who can write sexy, yet intimate, and convey that true caring and emotional connection between the two main characters. Rhonda Nelson and Lori Wilde instantly come to mind as examples.
Also, Voice can influence when you’re not consciously aware of it. A good example might be my mom (who has read romance forever). She loved Stephanie James. She loved Jayne Ann Krentz. She really liked Jane Castle. She also always insisted (long before the age of internet) that they were all the same author. As a result, she would hunt down and buy every book they wrote because she was confident that she could and would trust the voice and style to consistently tell the types of stories she enjoyed the most. That led her to Amanda Quick, etc, etc, etc, and they *did* turn out to all be the same person.
I do look for “like reads” once I find authors I really enjoy, so yes, voice is something I consciously look for. I prefer contemporary voices who write what I mentioned before (funny, smart, sharp, a blend of action/romance/adventure, intimate/sensual). I love reading Rhonda and Lori, as mentioned above, but also Jennifer Crusie and Carl Hiaasen for those very reasons.
I think it’s brilliant to add a bit of craft talk to this blog. I think all writers — new or not — can always learn something when people put their heads together to share experiences. Plus I always find it super interesting when you get the opinions of readers mixed in too. They often say “I don’t write but….” and yet I find their opinion on the book (since they are the consumer) fascinating feedback.
Oh, and can’t forget… I really, really want the September Blaze books! They all look amazing!
Julie
I’m glad you like what we’re doing, Julie. Considering the talent we have at Blaze, it made sense to give our authors a chance to show people what they can do.
And like your mom, I read everything Jayne Ann Krentz wrote too… Your mom has good taste.
Hi Julie H. and everyone,
I’m late chiming in here, but when I Julie H’s mention of Jayne Ann Krentz, I just had to. She was one of the authors that pulled me into first reading romance. I bought every thing she wrote and then I shared them with my mom.
When I first started writing romance (quite some time ago) I used to outline her plots. But it wasn’t her plots that drew me in–it was a special world she created with her voice.
I think that’s what writers with a stfong voice do. They pull you into a world that you want to revisit over and over and over.
Another writer who can do that to me was Robert B. Parker. He passed on recently and I felt as if one of my favorite worlds to visit disappeared with him.
And I really, really want the September Blaze books too.
Cara
And I only picked up Amanda Quick because I knew it was Jayne.
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books!
Voice. . . well, I dare say it is the thing that bring us back to an author, but maybe don’t call it that, or don’t know it’s that. We come back to authors because we like what they write, but probably how they do it too. So I think we all consciously look for that, but don’t consciously call it that.
Lois
I really, really want the September Blaze books’
When you ‘tell’ someone about a story, you do need a great ‘voice’ to tell them
Hey Brenda, you don’t have to count me in. I already have them all. It was great to see Patricia Potter’s name on a Blaze. Love her historicals.
I am still learning about voice, so I can’t really add much to the conversation. I chose books based on the titles and how I felt after reading the first sentence. Once I get into a character and connect with them, I don’t really focus on the voice, but rather the story. When I am engaged that way, everything else seems irrelevant. I am living the story as if I was a part of it, and that is what I think about.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Hi Paula,
Thanks for your support.
I’ve been a fan of Pat’s since her first Harlequin Historical, Swampfire. In was one of the first books in the line and came out the same year I started at Harlequin. It’s taken me that long to figure out how to get a chance to work with her. And she’s absolutely wonderful…as is the book.
I really, really want the September Blaze books
I like a voice that grabs my attention too.
its hard to describe what type of voice i like in romance, since i like so many different types of writing styles. Certainly one who tells a story well, and isnt overly wordy. And i tend to like humor in my writing, or as i call it a “bit of the smartass” when telling a story.
Either way I Reall, Really want the september blaze books.
who wouldnt, blaze babes rock!
jody
I really, really want the September Blaze books. So many great reads to look forward to.
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books. Hmm, voice is something unconsciously I look for. I hadn’t really thought about it to be honest. I write stories for fun and from personal experience, it took me a long time to discover my own style of writing where I feel comfortable and satisfied. I think that at first I tend to look at the summary and then read to see whether or not I like the books. Last week, I believe, I heard that at first writers were writing for themselves without worrying about grammar and whatnot. Now though, everything has to be written correct.
I really, really want the September Blaze books.
Great discussion. My thoughts have already been written and much better than I could have explained them.
Good Morning Brenda! First I have to say I totally agree with all of the wonderful authors who have already commented. I love how every author has a different Voice. Thats what make reading so wonderful. I love how some authors have certain things pop up(no pun intended, lol)in all of their books. Like some have heroines who have a thing with chocolate, or have a animal of some kind who they talk to. These are things that make me smile every time I read them. These are the type of books that welcome the reader with open arms and are near impossible to put down. And I have to say the best books are the ones that make you smile and laugh out loud and maybe even cry!
I already have this months books so dont count me it. Just keep up the awesome work! Have a wonderful day!! (*)
Thanks Alina.
Yes, the Blaze authors have wonderful voices, don’t they? And they’re all so different, which makes working on this line so much fun.
Thanks for your support!
i don’t look for voice when I read a book – I eiether enjoy each individual story or I don’t. Most authors on my keeper shelf just write consistantly good stories so Ikeep going back for more. However if I read two books by an author that don’t appeal then I stop buying them.
I like the new approach you are using and look forward to many interesting discussions.
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’
Great post. I write for Intrigue, not Blaze, but I thought I’d throw in my two cents as well.
Whenever aspiring authors ask me how to break into publishing, the first thing I say to them is “find your voice.”
Voice is everything in writing. Put all of your favorite authors side by side and you’ll find that each one has a distinctive resonance that attracts you to them. And while voice can’t be taught, it can definitely be developed.
To find your voice you have to experiment with your prose, shake things up, study other authors and analyze what it is that attracts you.
But most of all, you have to rely on your instincts and look for your voice within. It’s there, just waiting to be discovered.
Thanks for joining us, Alana. Helping my newer writers hone in on ‘their’ voice is a big part of what I do, day to day. It’s everything, really, isn’t it?
Hi Brenda! What a great topic. I read your post yesterday and have mulled it overnight.
Samantha Hunter has said *exactly* what I’d have said. For me, voice was very difficult to set free in the writing. I kept thinking that I had to sound different, write different characters etc.
Once I accepted that I could be me, my voice came through and I started selling! I no longer fret so much about my blue collar heroines. They are who they are, they do what they do for work, and for play.
I hope I bring a little bit of myself (and where I grew up
) into all of my books.
Someone mentioned that voice is never defined even though it’s often discussed. It is simply too personal to define. But coming to your own understanding is key, I think.
For a new writer I would say: Understand your own voice and set it free to color the prose, to spark emotion, to make your point.
Great post! And thanks for giving me something *else* to mull over.
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
I totally agree with you. In Orlando, I was on a panel talking about rejection and revision. One question was basically ‘I’ve done everything right–people like my conflict, my characters, my story–but I’m still not selling. What can I do? And my advice was to look back at the voice in the writing and let it loose. Too many people try to contain their voices, afraid to let their true selves be seen. But those aren’t the people that end up selling, I’m afraid.
Glad I could keep you busy.
Brenda,
I too want to say thanks for the post. It’s been fun read all the different ways that readers and writers are talking about voice.
I posted something after Julie H.’s comment because I’m a great Jayne Ann Krentz fan.
I also wanted to thank Heather M for that link! I teach college freshman English (just started in again this week) and I’m going to use it with my students! And I agree with you that voice is closely connected to “style.” My students write best when they use their voice instead of something they think is expected in an academic paper.
I can hear my voice inside my head–when the writing is going well. And when it isn’t, I just have to find it again. So–for a new writer– I would say to listen for it. You use it when you talk and text and email and twitter. It’s there.
Thanks for making us think!
Cara——-oh, and I really, really want the September Blazes.
Thanks, Cara. I remember turning in a couple of papers twice–the way I thought they should be written and the way I’d write them if a grade weren’t involved. The prof held them up, handed me the “fun” ones, crumpled the others and told me never to do that again. At least not in his class.
I’m loving this discussion. I feel like all I can add is a lot of nods of agreement
My sister-in-law won’t read my books because she says they sound just like me talking to her -which she was fine with until she came to the first love scene LOL.
Cara mentioned outling plots – I remember being told to analyze my favorite authors writing to understand what voice was. I’d get about three pages in and the voice grabbed me – and poof – I’d be turning the last page and realize I hadn’t analyzed a thing. I just loved how they told a story. Maybe I’d have done better to analyze authors I didn’t like? :-S
Voice has always muddled me because I have different voices in my head. One is Emma Thompson, one is me, one is Reese Witherspoon, one is Dolly Parton, and sometimes I hear Jack Nicholson. I’ve always been a writer who ‘hears’ what I’m writing, and sometimes I know that the voice in my head isn’t right for who I’m writing and I work until I hear it correctly. As a plus, it makes writing a lot of fun, as a minus, I’m very inclined to misspell homonyms.
I apologize that this isn’t more helpful, but I’m sort of a lono, whacko wolf in the writing wilderness.
You’re a nut, Kathleen. But we love you.
I like the books which makes me step into the heroines shoes and go through the rollercoaster with her and most books and authors voices do that. And if they managed to do that for me, they become my fav authors.
And I would really, really want the September Blaze Books!
I really, really want the September Blaze books!!!!
I love the idea of a theme for the blog each month. Voice is certainly something that makes a difference to me in reading. The same story can be told in different voices, and it will be completely different. That said, I have no idea how to describe it. I’ve enjoyed reading some of the previous comments. Good thoughts! And I look forward to reading the upcoming blogs. I love looking at things from a different angle. Always learning, I am.
I really, really want the September Blaze books!!
To me voice, not story content, is the deciding factor when I’m looking to buy! If I can connect with something an author’s written then I know it’s worth buying another… or all they’ve written. I can’t define what it is that I love because funny is great but being moved to tears works too and so does realism on occasion but fantasy elements get me every time.
I’ve *finally* found my own voice so writing’s fun all over again!
Great post, Brenda. I love the pic with the horse!
Re Voice, it’s all been said so beautifully, I don’t know what I could possibly add–and yet that’s never stopped me before.
Voice is that elusive, intangible, and all-important coming together of an author’s world view and values, sense of humor (or not), talent, timing, and craft. You can, I believe, teach craft. You absolutely cannot teach Voice.
That said, there are ways to get in touch with your Voice. New authors, including me Back in the Day, tend to unconsciously mimic the Voice(s) of whomever they’re reading not unlike ‘tweens aping adults. Critic groups can be great resources when you’re starting out, but there are powerful pitfalls, too. Books aren’t meant to be written by committee. A writer’s Voice is unique to him/her.
A strong, unique Voice is what sets a great writer apart from a merely good one. With a strong Voice, you can take the most tried-and-true, dare I say cliched plot, and still spin it into a story that’s absolutely magical.
Happy Magic Making & Happy Labor Day to the US folks… (@)
That would be “critique” groups. Glad this isn’t a post on Editing. :-$
Hope…you are not too far off in some cases.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Hope, I love how you put that- ”tweens aping adults.’
I can’t read fiction while I’m writing for just this reason – its so easy to find myself echoing other authors instead of letting my own voice come through. I made the mistake awhile back of reading Stephanie Plum as a treat because I was ahead of my deadline. I wrote the last couple chapters in the first person before I realized what I was doing :-O
So in a way, voice is like the soul of a book. They all have various, similar parts: characters, conflict, pacing and turning points. But it’s the voice that makes them come alive and be unique.
Very well said, Hope! Then again, I know you’re particularly talented at that….
‘I really, really want the September Blaze books’
Yes,an author’s voice very much influences the story.It gives a new dimension to the art of storytelling and the characters as well.I like knowing what is exactly going on in the minds of the hero and heroine,which only the author can let us know.I really enjoy reading that.
And it is warming to know how an author is trying to directly converse with the readers and how well the story and thoughts are being presented.
Sneha (L)
I am finding so much useful info here. I am taking notes. It’s a great resource for newbie writers. Thank you!
Brenda thank you so much for bringing in authors that have become some of my faves over the years.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
I really, really want the September Blaze books; they sound fantastic! Congrats to all the authors for their latest releases!
I don’t know if I consciously look for the author’s voice although I’m sure it influences me anyway.
I really, really want the September Blaze books because none of them have my usual writing voice, dry and scientific (developed through years of writing lab reports and memos).
I really, really want the September Blaze books because, I think all the Blaze women have great voices.
i really really want the septmeber books
they are so hot and great love the ladies who wirte them
now with more historcals and parmanormals
I really, really want the September Blaze books! I think it’s interesting that you’re addressing different aspects of writing and, although I am not a writer it is fun to read.
I think, each singer has their own unique way of singing a song and each writer’s voice shines through in the pages of their books.
I’ve read books without first glancing at the authors name but after a few pages know I’m back with a friend.
As an aspiring writer, reading blogs like this are a great help. As I continue my learning curve I look forward to reading more of the Blaze books and advise from there great authors and editors.
Thanks
(W)
Oops forgot to add on
I really really want the September Blaze books because; life is brighter with Blaze Books in it.