A Writer’s Voice

I’ve never been entirely sure what voice is, while at the same time I feel it’s something I know in my bones, unique as a retinal print.

As a writer, my voice is part of me. Yet it’s not static.

The time my voice comes out most is when I’m not focusing on craft (tools of writing). However, I don’t think voice can clearly emerge unless the craft elements are already in place. When word choice and rhythm and flow are happening on the unconscious level, I think it’s easier to see the voice that’s present. Also, I think a writer’s voice is often strongest when she is writing about something important to her, especially when it’s of emotional importance. The extra commitment comes through on the page.

We can refine and strengthen our own voice in revisions just like anything else, if we know how to recognize it.

I feel voice is something that grows and changes as your skill with writing tools grows and changes, and as your topics change.

Related Posts:
Zero Drafting.

How To Learn To Write.

Pithy Writing Advice.

About Victoria Janssen

Victoria Janssen [she, her] currently writes cozy space opera for Kalikoi. The novella series A Place of Refuge begins with Finding Refuge: Telepathic warrior Talia Avi, genius engineer Miki Boudreaux, and augmented soldier Faigin Balfour fought the fascist Federated Colonies for ten years, following the charismatic dissenter Jon Churchill. Then Jon disappeared, Talia was thought dead, and Miki and Faigin struggled to take Jon’s place and stay alive. When the FC is unexpectedly upended, Talia is reunited with her friends and they are given sanctuary on the enigmatic planet Refuge. The trio of former guerillas strive to recover from lifetimes of trauma, build new lives on a planet with endless horizons, and forge tender new connections with each other.
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