When I first began my writing career I took a LOT of online classes on craft, editing, revision, grammar, technique, and the one thing that kept coming up was the need to discover your voice. The unique something that distinguishes your work and keeps your readers coming back for more.
But how?
What do the experts mean by voice anyway?
Do you have a favorite author? One whose pages you could read without seeing the cover and you’d STILL be able to say without a doubt, yes, that is definitely their book?
I thought so đ
That’s voice!
It’s a distinctive style that sets the writer’s work apart from anyone else. Some use setting, such as bestselling and award-winning author Louise Penny. Her books are set in and around the scenic mountain town of Three Pines, Quebec. If a fan were to read a brief passage from any of her books they would know who wrote the novel.
Other writers have a certain way with characterization that’s a dead giveaway, such as Jill Shalvis. Her writing style is part sass, part angst, and a whole lot of heat!
One of the best styles of voice comes with deep POV (point of view).
Military romantic suspense author Suzanne Brockmann does this better than most. Deep point of view is when the character acts, thinks, or talks and there is no need to add a name tag because we know this character. He/she is as real as if we were watching them on our favorite television series. Suzanne does this by creating distinct mannerisms that we immediately associate with that person. She does this so well, she can write entire passages without a name/ and frequently does, and yet it’s easy to know who is talking at any given moment.
Voice is something a writer gains with time. It can’t be forced, but for readers it’s that magic thing that will make them your fans. If you have a backlist take another look, you might be pleasantly surprised đ
I’m currently working on a summer romance set on an island in the Pacific Northwest. A theme that runs through my stories is the value of family, and this one is no different.
Here’s the blurb for Sweetheart Cove:
Josie Sparks is looking for escape after a disastrous relationship. A summer job on a small Pacific Northwest island seems perfect. That is, until she meets her irascible new boss. She thinks she can help his sweet little girl–he’s another story.
Jacob Samuels needs someone reliable to care for his special needs daughter, but is sorry he trusted his sister with the task when help arrives in the shape of a too-young, too-tempting therapist with pain-filled eyes he can’t ignore.
Sand, surf, and soft island breezes bring two lonely hearts together in this heartwarming tale of second chance romance and a love that lasts forever.
Exclusive excerpt
Josie wasnât sure how she got through the next few days. She must have acted reasonably normal because no one questioned her absentmindedness, even when she set the puppyâs food in the refrigerator instead of the pantry where it belonged. Jacobâs kiss lived front and center in her thoughts, and his hard, masculine body encompassed her dreams. A moody, short-tempered grump who made her pulse skyrocket.
How could she feel this way about him when sheâd been hours from marrying another man a month ago? She added fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies to the picnic basket sheâd prepared and glanced down at the pup sitting quietly at her feet. âIf youâre looking for handouts, youâll just have to wait. No offence, but I donât trust your stomach in the car.â
âIs it time yet?â Jane wheeled into the kitchen, her face expectant. The dog, thinking it was playtime, crouched, nose on his front paws, butt in the air and tail wagging a mile a minute. He let out a couple of excited yips, then raced around the room and jumped against Janeâs short-clad legs. âOw, Mischief, that hurts,â she cried, then stopped in shock and stared at the red marks already fading from her skin. âIt hurt,â she whispered.
Josie pushed the dog out of the way and crouched at the little girlâs side. âHoney, this is great. Iâm so happy for you. We better tell your father, so he can get you into the specialist for a checkup.â
Jane shook her head and gripped Josieâs wrist. âNo. Can we keep it a secret? Please, Josie? Just for a while. I want to get better and surprise Daddy by walking. Please?â
Her pleading eyes undid Josie. How was she supposed to say no to that? She nodded. âOkay, but if you have any pains at all, you tell me, understand?â She patted Mischiefâs silky head. âGuess your dad knew what he was doing, getting you a dog. Maybe we should name him Miracle instead of Mischief.â
Jane giggled. âItâs not Mischief, Josie. Itâs you. Youâre the miracle.â
I’d like to think I’m gaining a voice, but you the reader are the only ones who can tell me whether I’m right. What do you think? đ
