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Friday, June 22, 2012

New Workshop on Voice ... it's not as elusive as you think



It's time to sign up for That Doggone Voice Workshop (make sure to scroll down to enter), but first a few thoughts on voice...

The same question tends to come up often at conferences or in writing groups. How do I get voice in my novel? Until recently, this seemed elusive to me. I thought this was the ungettable get. That there was some great secret to writing voice. I was wrong.

So, first off, there's the narrative voice - your writer's voice. It comes from your natural voice developed by how and where you were raised. Your education plays a big role in your voice. Your likes and dislikes come through in your voice. Also, your beliefs and attitudes make up your voice. It's those distinct characteristics of your personality that comes out in your writing. If you imagined your story as a body, the plot would be its bones and the characters its heart, with voice breathing life into it.

Voice can't be forced. You shouldn't try to copy your favorite authors. There's no formula for getting your voice other than writing and developing your skills. The more you write, the better your voice becomes. I think this comes from being comfortable and confident in your writing. It happens when you don't force it and let it flow from your raw thoughts.

How do the mechanics of your writing influence your voice? It's the flesh of your story. It's your word choices, sentence lengths, punctuation, and dialogue that contribute to your voice. It can be your chapter lengths and chapter outs that add to it. How you describe things. How much description you add to your created world. All of this is unique to your individual voice style.

And, finally, it's how you write your characters. Their distinct beliefs, attitudes, characteristics, and dialogues can mirror your own personal experiences. Now, individual character's voice is another thing entirely. To get a character down, I like to be that character and play-act them while I write. I read out loud while writing them, as if I am them. Try it. Alone, is best, or you'll get the puzzled-are-you-crazy looks in Starbucks. Happened. More than once.

One more thing, don't hold back because you think you won't be taken seriously. Unleash your wonderful personality I see in Twitter, Blog, and Facebook posts. Your voice is uniquely your own, embrace it. Use it. All it takes is letting go of the restraints binding you. Just be yourself, and write.

Here's a great example of voice from my agent and writer, Lauren Hammond. It's from her upcoming (Monday) release, WHITE WALLS...


My eyelids have dropped down, but I can still hear all these voices echoing around me. I don't know where I am or what's going on. I have the vague notion that I'm in a hospital, but the last few months have been a blur. I've been tranquilized to the point where I've felt like a robot and I can't be sure of anything anymore.
Frantic shouts are everywhere combined with loud footsteps. There must be several people in the room. A woman shouts, “Page the anesthesiologist!”
All of the commotion is messing with my head. It's like I’m here in the moment but really, not. It's almost like I'm standing off to the side somewhere, but I've been blindfolded and I'm only able to hear and not see.
Open your eyes again! Look around!
I keep yelling at myself, but no part of my brain seems to want to obey.
I wish someone would remove the blindfold. I wish someone would fill me in on the certainty of my situation and let me discover where I really am and not allow me to assume it on hunch.
Someone hovers over me, peering down at me. I can't bring myself to open my eyes, but I can feel their body heat and behind my eyelids I can see their body casting a shadow over me. “Does anybody know her name?”

My angel speaks. “No.” His deep voice is somber. “She had no identification on her. She was dressed in a hospital gown when she was dropped off. Until we can actually speak to her, we have no way of knowing who she really is, so we've listed her as Jane Doe.”
The person still hovers above me and I swear I can feel his eyes as they scan my face. “What the hell were you running from, young lady?”
I can't say anything, but if I could I'd tell him this; if you spent months in the place where I was, watching people die and fade away into nothing, you'd run too.

The contest...

My agent and writer, Lauren Hammond, will read twenty first page entries (250 words) and let you all know if you have voice. This is opened to all genres and your manuscript does not have to be finished.

Lauren Hammond: Living In Literary La La Land



Lauren writes crazy good stories and is such a wonderful agent. She had faith in me when I had lost faith in myself. She's a mean plotter and can spot what's wrong with a manuscript. It's her guidance that led me to a great publishing deal with Month9Books. I know in her hands, I'm going to reach heights I never imagined I would. Plus she's able to talk me off the ledge when needed. Can you tell I love her bunches? Cause I do!

Along with the talented Lauren's comments, I have a team full of awesomeness who I feel have such wonderful voices that will also critique the entries.

Introducing the Voice Team ...

Leigh Ann Kopans
Leigh Ann Kopans





Leigh Ann is aMAZing, not only is she a talented writer, but she also has a critique superpower that not even the strongest Kryptonite can stop, just ask her 18 critique partners. They love her, as do I. She recently signed with the equally amazing Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary. The force is strong with this one, which is appropriate since her story ONE will be out on submission soon. Check out this interview with her here.


Becca C.
Becca (Becks) Coffindaffer


Okay, I think Becks is my twin (born years apart) but cuter than me and I don't have her fangs. We both are sarcastic and blond. During some of my contests she's participated in, I've noticed her fantastic voice. I love it! She's on the rise! She has a degree in creative writing and offers editing services on her site. Go check it out.

Marieke Nijkamp
Marieke Nijkamp


Marieke and I both write YA Fantasy and MG. Her YA novel is PALADIN and my upcoming release has Paladijns (old world spelling) in it. I think we're on the same page (pun intended). From what I've read so far, she's a talented writer. I've been told she's read slush for years and is an outstanding critiquer.


So there you have it, the V Team! Of course, I'll be offering up advice, if you want it or not, and I can't wait to read your work. There's many opportunities to rack up entries in the Rafflecopter, and I'll post the 20 winners next week along with details on how to submit your entries.

Not only that, I'm giving away two eBook combo packs of Lauren Hammond's INSANITY and WHITE WALLS from the entries in the Rafflecopter.

 


So what are you waiting for? Sign up in the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of the 20 spots in the workshop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

97 comments:

  1. I'm so in on this! My finished MS could definitely use the help :-)

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  3. This contest is super awesome and helpful.

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  4. Woo! I'm Lauren, I follow Brenda Drake Writes. :) Really excited for this workshop/contest!

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  6. This contest sounds awesome! I think voice can be the hardest part of writing to tackle. Thanks for hosting this contest!

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  7. This is another fantastic opportunity! I follow Brenda, Lauren, Leigh Ann, and Beck's blogs. I tried to follow Marieke's blog, but couldn't find the button. I'll keep trying on that one though. And I followed everyone on twitter :-)

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  8. This is great! Thanks! I already followed a few of you, but now I'm following all. :)

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  9. This is going to be awesome, like everything Miss Brenda does, of course. Already following Brenda, but on my way to following the rest!

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  10. I follow your blog and follow you on Twitter. -Lisa Rosenman

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  12. I follow everyone, everywhere :) Thanks Brenda for another great opportunity. Thanks also to Laura, Leigh Ann, Becca, and Marieke for taking the time to provide helpful feedback to writers in need.

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  16. You have the best contests! Can't wait to see the entries, even if mine doesn't end up being one

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  17. I have never taken a chance at a contest of any sort like this. I am learning so much writing my first novel. I'd love to see what you all say about my writing. So I mght just have to join in! Fingers crossed! I've been following your contests for a while now and they always sound so fun!

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  18. Thanks for this opportunity Brenda! I hope other #TwitWits get in on this:)

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  19. Thanks so much for continuing to offer these contests! Good luck everyone!

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  20. One of the #TwitWits reporting for duty!

    Thx to all our lovely Voice team members.
    Enjoy wading through our words.

    @gypsyroots

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  21. So excited for this! What a supertastic team!!!

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  22. Great info and great contest. I'm a follower :)

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  23. This sounds awesome! Heard about it from Leigh Ann's tweet. So excited! New follower :D

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  24. Sounds great! Is this for YA and MG only, or open to adult genres as well?? Thanks :)

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  25. Of course you know I'm in! This #twitwits never missed one of your contest/workshops! Thank you for doing this! *hugs* :)

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  26. Awesome contest.

    Yet another #twitwits signing up.

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  27. This is great. All of you are so much help, even for those of use who sit on the sidelines- so much is learned by reading and watching the progress of other entries :)

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  28. This is a new one for me. I'm in! *crosses fingers*

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  29. Awesome! I hope I make it in :) Thanks for the opportunity!

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  30. I'm in! I love the people helping out this contest too!

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  31. Sounds cool! Love these types of contests. Just wish more people couldn be in them =)

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  32. I couldn't get onto Leigh Anns site. It was just a blank page

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  33. So excited for this opportunity, been following you on twitter for a while. Good luck everyone!

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  34. I could totally use the help! Thanks for running such an awesome contest!

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  35. Thanks for entering. This workshop is opened to all genres and your manuscript does not have to be finished. I wish we could take in all of you, but it's a lot work. Hopefully, if you don't make it in, you learn from the live critiques of the winners. I <3 you all!

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  37. This is fantastic! Especially for newbies like me who are trying to find their voices :)

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  38. Ah, finally following everyone at everywhere.
    Now I just gotta wait to not be picked.

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  39. You, ma'am, have the BEST contests!

    I entered, of course. I follow everyone on Twitter as Tangynt, and I'm subscribed to all blogs via google, e-mail, or wordpress +.

    Let the awesome begin!

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  40. Hi there. Long time lurker, here. Thanks for the hosting this great contest. I can use some help in the voice department, for sure. You are all made of awesome for doing this! :D

    I'm following everyone's blogs and on twitter, and I can't wait to get to know you all.

    Good Luck to all the entrants.

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  41. This is such a great idea for a contest! How unique! :)

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  42. I tweeted about the contest and giveaway again today, but I don't think my number of entries increased.

    Thanks again, for this chance for some great feedback.

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  43. Great contest!! :) Lauren's book sounds really good.

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  45. Great idea. Definitely entering.

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  47. Looking forward to this one!

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  48. This is a great contest! I'm definitely going to spread the word.

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  49. I have shared, followed everyone and have fingers and toes crossed I get this. Brilliant idea and very generous too. Thanks ladies. X

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  50. What a great contest and my new motto is nothing ventured nothing will be gained.

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  51. Never fear! Stat Boy is here.

    With the current number of entries at 454, and 20 available slots, here's your chance of being selected [based on your number of entries].

    Entries Chance
    1 4.41%
    2 8.81%
    3 13.22%
    4 17.62%
    5 22.03%
    6 26.43%
    7 30.84%
    8 35.24%
    9 39.65%
    10 44.05%
    11 48.46%
    12 52.86%

    @gypsyroots #TwitWits

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  53. Awesomeness! This is like the reaping but with positive consequences. Looking forward to it!

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  54. Oh goodie. I have a new WIP I'm trying to jump into feet first. So this is a fantastic opportunity. :^)

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  55. You and your contests! You rock and thanks for hosting this!

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  56. This is awesome! I LOVVEE all your contests! Thanks so much! You are full of awesome

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  57. Woohoo!! Love your contests!!!

    Fellow #TwitWit signing in!!

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  58. Psyched about this contest! Thank you for all you do for writers! ;)

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  59. So awesome, and you've definitely got yourself some damn fantastic Voice Team members!!

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  60. What an awesome contest! I'm in=)

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  61. This sounds like a great contest, though I might have a hard time choosing a book if I win! I'm following all the blogs, though I also couldn't find the follow button for Marieke.

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  63. Back to tell you I follow everyone everywhere in either GFC or Google Reader=)

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  64. Another awesome opportunity.. thank you so much.

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  65. This is awesome. Thank you for yet another fab opportunity.

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  66. back to say I follow you all on twitter, plus your's and Leigh Ann's blogs (can't follow the others; can't believe I wasn't already following yours!)

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  67. This looks great! I am on Twitter following Brenda Drake, Shelly Watters, SC_Author, Lisa Burstein...too many to mention!

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  68. Wow what a weblog i am so happy to here can you more discuss here, i am back again again to your site as soon as possible and i have lot of collection for you just click here for more information.
    laptop tube

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  69. GREAT contest! And I love that you don't have to be finished to qualify because I'd love to share my new fantasy for feedback!

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  71. Great opportunity! So nice that people with WIP's can participate!

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  72. Wow. What a great opportunity!

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  73. Really would love to get some eyes on my WIP. I follow everyone on Twitter and a few of the blogs.

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  74. I followed each other the contributors on Twitter and their blogs. Here's my link to the tweet! Sent it out twice so far. https://twitter.com/KateBrauning/status/217365350025674754

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  75. This is just want I need! Thanks for the opportunity. ;) Following everyone...

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  76. What a great opportunity. Thanks!

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  77. What a great topic! Everyone needs a good voice! :)

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  78. How do you find the time to do all of these wonderful things? Thank you.

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  79. thanks for an awesome contest. Great blog post on voice!

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  80. What an amazing idea! You come up with the most unique opportunities, Brenda!

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  81. What an amazing idea! You come up with the most unique opportunities, Brenda!

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  82. This is a great opportunity and I was already following half of the fabulous voice team. Hoping for some good luck my way. :)

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  84. Followed, tweeted, commented. Even if I don't get in, I know I'll learn a ton. Thanks for hosting this workshop, and thanks to all who are helping out. ;)

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  85. Thanks for having this contest! I've followed everyone's twitter and blogs and tweeted about the contest.

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  86. Yet another awesome contest! Thanks Brenda!
    I follow your's and Becks blogs.

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  87. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  88. Awesome contest!
    https://twitter.com/ABoredAuthor/status/217726049809731584

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  89. Giving this a shot. Not sure which would be more terrifying--getting in or not. :)

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  91. Sounds amazing! And finally, a contest I can enter :). I follow Leigh Ann Kopans on twitter, and just joined this blog.

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  92. So many contests, I can't keep up! Thanks for all the time you put in to this, Brenda!

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  93. What a fun idea! I was already following you and Leigh Ann on Twitter, but somehow I almost missed this contest!

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  95. And now I'm following everyone's blogs and on Twitter! :)

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  96. LAST MINUTE #S FROM STAT-BOY

    Entries Chances of being 1 of the 20
    1 2.39%
    2 4.77%
    3 7.16%
    4 9.55%
    5 11.93%
    6 14.32%
    7 16.71%
    8 19.09%
    9 21.48%
    10 23.87%
    11 26.25%
    12 28.64%
    13 31.03%
    14 33.41%
    15 35.80%

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  97. Right on. My 33.41% chance turned out well. "John L." & a few friends made it in.

    Now, the big question: Do I have laryngitis, or a rich voice? ::gulp::

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Brenda Drake

Brenda Drake

About me...

I write young adult and middle grade novels. I'm represented by Peter Knapp at Park Literary. Look for my debut young adult novel, LIBRARY JUMPERS releasing February, 2014.


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