~ The Poet's Place Cafe~

by Jay O'Toole

Rated: E · Message Forum · Writing · #1937709

A place for discussion on poetry, reviews, contests, etc.

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Aug 20, 2018 at 6:27pm

#3205839

Finding Your Voice

by Dave

Every writer has a distinctive way of saying things that runs through his or her writing. The themes you chose, the specific subjects addressed, the words you use to communicate, and the way you put thoughts and creative ideas together all combine to distinguish your own unique voice. If you compare the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, Shel Silverstein, Sylvia Plath, and Ted Kooser, you will see the clear distinctions between their voices.

Many writers struggle for years trying to find their “voices.” Frequently, this results in an artificial or ornamental sound. Imitating the techniques of other writers can be helpful in developing your own style. After all, we all learn by imitating others from the very first words we speak as toddlers. Imitation of different styles can be an effective way to practice and learn the fine nuances of words and their arrangement. By “imitating,” I do NOT mean merely copying. Experiment with a variety of styles. Then let your imagination become the force that drives your selection of techniques for free expression with a natural sound that suits your own personal tastes.

Don’t worry about forcing it. Your unique voice will evolve naturally over a long period of thinking about various styles and practicing. My own voice has certainly come a long way from the formal, objective language I used as a technical writer preparing Time Compliance Technical Orders for the Air Force.

Snowflake (E)

...in a child's eyes

#1182457 by Dave

Today’s Practice Session: Write about some memorable childhood experience. Remember, this is a creativity workshop, so we won’t be doing any fact-checking here. Tall tales, such as the day you spent on the raft with Huckleberry Finn, will be perfectly acceptable.