Voice Development part 2

Posted 11 Years Ago

It isn't just about the characters. It's also about what you want the reader to feel. If you want the reader to feel unhappy, tense, anxious, use simple sentences with no adjectives, adverbs, or phrases. "John sat down. The cushion was hot. The sun baked the floor near him."

If you are looking for something restful and at ease, the sentences become long with more description. They become complex. "Without a word, Mary picked up the home made carafe and refilled it from the well. The clear water spilled over the lip and made runnels down the sides that sparkled in the morning sun. Despite the early hour, the breeze had already warmed."

To gather speed and excitement, stay clear of every derivation of the verb, "to be". "Peter jumped down from the sill. All the others shoved and sprinted toward the doorway. 'Well, I guess I know which way I'll go!" he said cheerfully. Turning away from the door he fought his way toward the unknown danger."

This is also part of the diction tool. I'm depressed to see how very little of this is taught to up and coming writers. It's as if we unconsciously leave out that which will make a dabbler into a real writer.

Posted 12 Years Ago

we were talking about that in class today, i got the impresstion that it was how the charactors talk, and in what situations. like how you would talk in an interview vs when goofing around with friends

Posted 13 Years Ago

The reference to Romeo and Juliet made me gag and nearly throw up. CLICHE ANYONE!??!?!