The Writer’s Voice

One of the things I love most about reading is how distinct a writer’s voice can be. Even when one is similar to another, they’re never exactly the same.

This writer has a voice like no other.

And what’s the difference? We’re all mostly using the same words. Nothing outside the realm of getting the gist of what the author is saying in context when you don’t know what a word means. If a writer wrote with big words that only a small percentage of the population understood that author would have a small audience. You just can’t do it.

Now I’m not saying I have a big vocabulary. In fact, it’s probably on the lowest rung of the spectrum even though I write every day. I also read every day. Thankfully, on my Kindle, which I read from at night because I don’t want to keep the missus up with the light on, I can click on the occasional word that I had no clue what the meaning was… even out of context. This happens often. Like I said, lower rung of the spectrum.

But it’s not those words that baffle me. Those big words that separate my writing from another author’s. The words we use are just not that different by and large. It’s something I recently began to notice while reading. If I’m still reading a book after the first chapter, it’s drawn me in. I don’t mess around with books that don’t grab me immediately. So, what is an effective writer’s voice, if it’s not knowing more and better, eloquent words than the next author?

The words that baffle me are the simple ones and how they can move me if placed in the right order.

So how does an author take the damn simplest of words and paint a canvas of such brilliant colors utilizing a palate a fourth grader could comprehend?

It’s their voice.

I’ll be straight with you. I don’t know where it comes from. I don’t even know what it is. But it’s powerful.

What’s interesting is, I don’t even think they are trying. I know I’m not. I just sit down and write, and stuff comes out that I don’t know where it comes from. It’s clearer when I go back and edit. Why did I write that? I didn’t need that at all. That’s not me.

They tell you to find your voice. I had no idea what they were saying. I’m not talking. I’m writing.

But I think that’s the secret. There is no secret. It can’t be found any other way than to simply write and see what comes out. Sure, it’s a craft. You can’t not draw people in. Make them want to turn the page.

It’s the words you choose. The same words everyone uses on a daily basis. Words a fourth grader can read. You simply watch them appear on the page.

That’s your voice.