Comments on: Finding My VOICE—Writing for ME

By: Kaye Dacus

Kaye Dacus — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:30:03 +0000

Although I may be a bit biased, I must say that from what I’ve read of both of yours, you both have found your unique voices! In both genres–historical and chick lit–there is the danger of either letting the events (historical) overwhelm the voice or of trying to fit in with the perceived standards of the genre (chick lit). Neither of you have let that happen!

By: Georgiana D

Georgiana D — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:12:28 +0000

That’s a great question. I wrote a ton back in junior high/high school, tapered off some in college, and totally lost it when I started my career and was a single mom. Once I picked it up again I started reading craft books almost immediately (which, by the way, I’m enjoying Stein on Writing!) The first novel I wrote was TERRIBLE!!! Not worthy of paper ever. I think it’s because I wasn’t using my voice, I was trying to write a deep, moving women’s fiction, and that’s so not me. When I started my first chick lit it was like, WOW, this is way easier than trying to be someone else.

By: Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:28:09 +0000

I think my voice shifted after I finished my second manuscript. I had soaked up so many writing craft books, and had heard so many discussions on ‘rules’ that I pruned my work to sterility. Right now, I’m reading my ms aloud to see if it ‘sounds’ like me telling a story, or if it sounds like me reading someone else’s.