It occurred to me after writing my last entry about the writer’s “voice” that there are a few more elements that should be examined. If one’s voice is authentic, then it follows that it must truly be unique. For example, someone once told me that what they enjoyed about my political writing was that at times the rhetoric would soar, and then the reader would be jarred by a simple declaration or even a profanity. He appreciated the crescendo followed by the emphatic point. I mention this because it appears that he recognized a definitive style or voice in my political writing.
For the “voice” to be uniquely authentic it cannot be an echo. I once heard a songwriter being interviewed, and he stated that he never listened to music when he wrote because he was fearful that he might unintentionally plagiarize another work. This, to some degree, is a concern of mine. It seems logical that anyone who must write also reads…a lot. So, the submerged fear that one could “copy” another’s work makes the discovery of one’s own voice an imperative. If the writer has fully developed her or his own voice, the likelihood of an inadvertent copying of another’s work becomes less likely.
Modulation is an important component of the writer’s voice. Neither constant whispering nor perpetual shouting is effective for communicating ideas, concepts and emotions. The writer must develop the craft so that nuance and variance can be advanced, and yet, maintain the integrity of the voice. Indeed, there are times when shouting or whispering are critical for advancing the narrative, but they should be employed judiciously.
The final thought that I had during my contemplative moments was spurred by what I have just discussed. The writer’s voice should never be a monotone or robotic. Writers are people, too, and we share the broad range of emotions with our fellow humans. Where we differ from most people is that we are willing to share our most private thoughts with others. The willingness to expose one’s essence to friends, family and strangers is what the concept of voice addresses. The writer must be honest with oneself, and boldly share her or his discoveries with the world.
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