The Voice

Good morning one and all. It's Monday and it's voice day. The day I have set aside to discuss the writer's voice.

I think the experience of writing different types of materials and genres helps you learn where your strengths and weaknesses lie, as far as your natural writing ability.

I have a varied experience and I have come to realize that some come more naturally than others to me. I am not suggesting though that I only focus on the genres that feel easier or seem to flow better. I think that would be limiting my development. A well-rounded writer, or any professional, should step outside their comfort zone sometimes to broaden their experience.

The short story class I am in does push the limits of my experience. I hadn't written a short story since high school when I wrote one for this class. Obviously it showed. The characters were underdeveloped and the story was too flashy, in other words the subtlety of language and atmosphere were missing, but that doesn't really matter. The class has opened my eyes to a whole different type of writing that I really don't have experience with.

I can tell that for the other writers short story writing is equally challenging. I spent over three months working 40 hours a week before I was able to write high tech speak concisely and accurately. Why should short story writing be any different? I am coming to realize that any type of writing is just plain hard work. And that is what can easily be forgotten when you read a well-polished final product. Because a finished piece can read effortlessly, and isn't that really where the art of it lies.

I don't know if I am going to pursue writing short stories. Not because I don't think it's a valuable skill to learn, but because there are financial realities that I must pay attention to. I have a natural ability for writing creative non-fiction and children's fiction, so I think I will focus there. I still work for the high tech industry and that I enjoy because it is emotionless and challenging. (Everything can't be packed with emotion, I'd implode.)

The poetry I write for myself. I have started sending it out and if it gets published great, but that I do only for me and I like it that way. Maybe someday I will take a class in poetry writing but for now I just want that part of my writing to be mine.

Any experience, class, job, contract or assignment that you have will always broaden your experience even if it doesn't work out well or you don't get hired again or you do. That's not the point. Being in the moment with your work and doing your best in that moment is all you can do--and all anyone can ask of you.

Remember: The more risks you take, the luckier you become.