Donald Maass wrote, "By voice, I think they mean not only a unique way of putting words together, but a unique sensibility, a distinctive way of looking at the world, an outlook that enriches an author's oeuvre" (WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, p.193).
An author's WHAT?
Oeuvre: "a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer" (from merriam-webster.com)
For example:
Calvin & Hobbes
Hobbes says "I notice your oeuvre is monochromatic," in comment to Calvin's snowman.
Click here to see some awesome Calvin & Hobbes cartoons.
Again, Maass wrote, "Voice is a natural attribute. You no more control it than you can control the color of your eyes--nor would you want to. ... To set your voice free, set your words free. Set your characters free. Most important, set your heart free. It is from the unknowable shadows of your subconscious that your stories will find their drive and from which they will draw their meaning. No one can loan you that or teach you that. Your voice is your self in the story" (WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, p.195).
So ... what do you think?
Is your oeuvre monochromatic? Is your voice distinctive?
I think this is one of the best definitions of voice I've ever heard. I'd never thought of it beyond how we phrase things, but it really is the way we and our characters look at the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to ponder this concept of oeuvre, though. Interesting word...
I think it is distinctive, at least I'm told so, and the children enjoy reading my books, so there's the best recommendation ever. :0)
ReplyDeleteVoice is the one aspect that has me stumped!
ReplyDeleteHowever, of all the definitions/explanations of Voice that I've stumbled upon, this one gives me a fairly good idea of what it really is.
Thanks for the link. I shall ponder this. And also pass it on to a friend interested in this subject.
ReplyDeleteIt is the way you see the world, situations, and adventures. Your perspective, if you will. It adds texture to those things. It's distinct because it's you. Honestly, it's not something I think about or worry about. Mine just is.
ReplyDeleteSia McKye OVER COFFEE
Great advice on voice. I
ReplyDeleteI hope it is, especially since I made sure that every character has his or her own voice when the story is from his/her view point.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read something about voice, I take away something different. I think it has to do with the passage of time and the continual practice of my craft. What resonates with me now wasn't my takeaway a few months ago after reading another post on voice. It's something that keeps evolving with the writer and as Maas says, finding that part of YOU that makes the story come to life.
ReplyDeleteI read what I wrote and I don't think so, but I have had people tell me (who know me personally) they can hear me when they're reading what I've written.
ReplyDeleteSuspect I need to set more things free as I'm not entirely sure I've found my defining voice yet.
ReplyDeleteI think you have to do quite a lot of writing before your 'voice' comes through. At first it seems a conglomeration of the 'how to' books and the novels you've read. It's exciting when you find your unique voice then you can hope it's in stereo not mono, lol!
ReplyDeleteDenise
I hope my voice is distinctive.
ReplyDeleteThe Calvin and Hobbes example made me laugh. That cartoon really explains everything about human nature, politics, and now.... substantial bodies of work.
When I had my first few stories published I had a little crisis, feeling that the 'voice' in them wasn't mine but in fact the voice the stories required to be published in that market. I even considered stopping writing short stories incase I lost my 'voice' altogether! Having persevered, edited and read aloud, I can hear my 'voice' returning in my most recent stories, but I definitely think that the 'voice' I use for shorts and the 'voice' I will use when I write a novel are not the same. I think the novel 'voice' will be the true one. Interesting post - thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. Breakout Novel is one of my favorites. Love C and H too :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Your voice is your self in the story. I beleive it is the self that you are portraying, ie. the MC's self. Great post. I have that book too.
ReplyDeleteOops that should say believe...
ReplyDeleteI love Maass's book. I've read it many times. I agree with him. I like what he said about how to develop your voice. It's very . . . freeing. :)
ReplyDeleteI DO have a monochromatic oeuvre. Fortunately, it's pinkish.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good way to explain it. They also say you should keep your self out of your story, but I'm not sure that's possible. Everything you write is your interpretation of the world.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Voice takes time to cultivate. It won't come automatically. I've spent countless hours trying to work on that fundamental attribute to writing. And ya know what? I'm still a work in progress. But to write is to share your voice, whatever it may be. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard the suggesting that journaling helps develop one's voice. For me, I think I've got a fairly solid voice. It's probably due to the fact that I've spent the past 4 years writing almost exclusively in 1st POV which is naturally rich in voice.
ReplyDeletegah! suggestion not suggesting...
DeleteI love that quote by Maass. I don't think I've heard it before but it's a great definition. I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDelete